Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from 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 surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to 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. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in York include: 

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

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in York, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive 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. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Strine's helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Strine's understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your AC, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re interested in 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 help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 717-864-4554 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly 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.

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

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