Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although 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 voltage spikes 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 sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home 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. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

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

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • 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 susceptible 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 efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter 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 power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be 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. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Muskogee, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 additional 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 Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify 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 obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and suggest 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 918-682-8238 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Whole-house 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components. 

What are the common causes of power surges throughout a home? 

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. They can also result from 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 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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy 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 a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. 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 extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.