Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just damage 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 expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

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

Lightning is 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 voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor 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 Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated 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 very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower 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 automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Houston include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move 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 frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Houston, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding 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 connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Air Current AC & Heat helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Air Current AC & Heat 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Investing in 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 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 protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 713-257-9226 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 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a power surge damage an air conditioner? 

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges inside 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. 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 actual service life depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can 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 cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.