Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is 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 voltage spikes inside your home. 

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

What Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Frederick include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For 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. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Frederick, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at May's Heating & Air helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at May's Heating & Air understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent costly 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 301-834-1468 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 need replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.