Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home 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 home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike 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, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced 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. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Wausau include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced 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. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

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

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Wausau, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Gilray Heating and Cooling helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Gilray Heating and Cooling understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose 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 dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we provide 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 715-515-7221 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system? 

In most cases, yes. Whole-house surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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. 

Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner? 

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause 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. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

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

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that 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. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges? 

It depends. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

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