Many people think power surges occur only 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

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

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners 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. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Many of today’s 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 at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting 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. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major 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. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater 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, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Edmond, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Prudhom Mechanical helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled 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 from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent expensive 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 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. 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 Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system? 

Absolutely. 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 an electrical surge damage an AC unit? 

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges throughout a home? 

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

How long does a whole-home surge protector last? 

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. 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage? 

It can. 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.