Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t 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 damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage electronic components. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur 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 AC units can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these 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: 

  • Circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Des Moines include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the costliest 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, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be 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 HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Adding 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: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. 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. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Des Moines, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Heartland Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Heartland Heating & Cooling 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding 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 comprehensive 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. Beyond 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 515-986-5007 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling 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 costly 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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.

It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.