Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create power surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern 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 power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics. 

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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

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

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC 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 responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips? 

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

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Wilmington, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages 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. Expensive 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 Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Ambience HVAC, Inc. helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Ambience HVAC, Inc. 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. 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 302-239-HVAC (4822) today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home 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 heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’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 fluctuations 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes 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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.