Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

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

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

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

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Chillicothe include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest 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, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or 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 greater coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart 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. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Chillicothe, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete 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 far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating 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 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 660-646-0540 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system? 

In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, and it helps 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 your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges throughout a home? 

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

How long does whole-home surge protection last? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 can. Homeowners insurance may 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 cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.Â