Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create voltage spikes 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 sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a short 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 electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

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

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed 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. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on 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 more to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

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

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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Carson City, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete 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 less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Anderson Heating & A/C helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Anderson Heating & A/C understand the specific 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 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective 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 a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 775-882-8154 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Absolutely. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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