Many homeowners think power surges are limited to 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

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

What Are Power Surges  

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

Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly 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 brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, 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 air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike 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. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. 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. 
  • 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 those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • 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 severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Wausau, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding 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 connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Hiring 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 help protect your home HVAC system. 

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

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re considering 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 customized solution 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 715-515-7221 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Absolutely. Whole-home 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 furnace or air conditioner components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 a home that has frequent 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 what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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