Many people think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These surges 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 advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

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. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems 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 heating and cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive 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. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems 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 more to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Edmond include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive 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 the house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC 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: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Edmond, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide reliable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Prudhom Mechanical helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Prudhom Mechanical understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend 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 equipment. Adding 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to 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 405-294-4618 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

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. 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 its lifespan 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 need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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