Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t 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 pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, 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 home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, 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 air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they also 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: 

  • Control boards. They function 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. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Port Clinton 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 most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on 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 those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is an effective 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. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Port Clinton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent 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. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. understand the specific 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 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing 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 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 protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup 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 419-732-2121 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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.

Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

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