Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s certainly not the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create electrical surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Greater Richmond include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • Compressors. This component is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips? 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Greater Richmond, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re ready to learn more about AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a variety of surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 804-979-2758 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a power surge damage an AC unit? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What are the common causes of power surges throughout a home? 

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.