Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not 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 surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly 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 electronic components. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable 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 also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act 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 vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with 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. 
  • 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 power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing whole-home 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 Pocatello 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.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use 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 these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling 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. Rather than protecting 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 an effective 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: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Pocatello, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-house surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Vogts Heating & Air helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Vogts Heating & Air 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

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 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 a wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review 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. 

Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 208-244-7042 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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. 

Can a sudden power spike damage an an air conditioning system? 

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What are the common causes of power surges in a home? 

The most common sources of power surges include 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. 

How long does a whole-home surge protector last? 

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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 need replacement sooner. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge damage? 

It depends. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

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