As a homeowner in Greers Ferry, Arkansas, you’re likely familiar with the hot, humid summers and the occasional intense storms that roll through the region. Your air conditioner works overtime during those blazing summer months, and your heating system keeps you warm during chilly winters. However, have you ever considered how vulnerable your HVAC system is to power surges?
We often plug our TVs, computers, and other expensive electronics into surge protectors, but many homeowners overlook their most expensive appliance—the HVAC system. Power surges from lightning strikes or electrical grid fluctuations can wreak havoc on your HVAC equipment, leading to costly repairs or even total system failure.
Today, we’ll explore HVAC surge protectors… what they are, how they work, and why we recommend that every homeowner invest in one.
Understanding Power Surges and Their Impact on HVAC Systems
Before diving into how surge protectors safeguard your HVAC system, we should examine what power surges are and how they can affect your home’s electrical system.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden, brief spike in voltage that travels through your home’s electrical wiring. It can be caused by several factors, including:
- Lightning strikes: When lightning hits nearby, it can send a surge of electricity through your home’s power lines.
- Electrical grid fluctuations: These occur when the power company adjusts the grid or encounters an issue with power distribution.
- Internal causes: Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and even your HVAC system itself can cause minor power surges when they turn on and off.
While these surges often last only a fraction of a second, they can carry thousands of volts—enough to damage sensitive electronic components in your HVAC system.
How Do Power Surges Affect Your HVAC System?
Modern HVAC systems have numerous delicate electronic components, including control boards, thermostats, capacitors, and compressors. These components are particularly vulnerable when a power surge hits, and the damage can be significant. Here are a few common ways a power surge can affect your HVAC system:
- Control Board Damage: The control board acts as the “brain” of your HVAC system, sending signals to different components to regulate temperature, fan speed, and more. A power surge can fry this board, causing system malfunctions or a complete shutdown.
- Compressor Motor Failure: The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of your HVAC system. During a power surge, the motor’s wiring can overheat and burn out, leading to an inoperable air conditioner or heat pump.
- Capacitor and Relay Switch Issues: Capacitors store electrical energy and help power the motors in your HVAC system, while relay switches control high-voltage components. Both can be damaged during a power surge, leading to erratic behavior, frequent shutdowns, or system failure.
Without proper surge protection, your HVAC system’s lifespan could be drastically shortened, leaving you with expensive repair bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Even minor damage from repeated small surges can reduce the efficiency of your system, increasing your energy bills over time.
How HVAC Surge Protectors Work
The heart of most surge protectors is a component called a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). MOVs are semiconductors that respond to increased voltage by rapidly changing their resistance. Under normal voltage conditions, the MOV allows electricity to flow through your HVAC system as usual. However, when a power surge occurs, the MOV detects the spike in voltage and immediately diverts the excess energy to the ground, preventing it from reaching and damaging your system’s sensitive components.
In addition to MOVs, many surge protectors include thermal fuses and grounding wires that enhance protection. If a significant power surge occurs, the thermal fuse will disconnect the surge protector from the circuit to prevent overheating. Grounding wires ensure that any excess energy is safely directed away from your HVAC system, reducing the fire or electrical damage risk.
Types of Surge Protectors for HVAC Systems
Several types of surge protectors are available, and choosing the right one depends on your needs and budget. Let’s look at the main options.
Whole-House Surge Protectors
Whole-house surge protectors are installed at your home’s main electrical panel and protect all of your electronics and appliances from power surges.
Whole-house surge protectors provide comprehensive protection for your entire home but are typically more expensive.
Dedicated HVAC Surge Protectors
Dedicated HVAC surge protectors are installed directly at the HVAC unit itself, typically near the outdoor condenser or air handler. These surge protectors provide more targeted protection for your HVAC system, ensuring the sensitive components are shielded from voltage spikes.
As a more cost-effective option, dedicated HVAC surge protectors are ideal for homeowners primarily concerned with protecting their HVAC system.
Installation of HVAC Surge Protectors
Installing an HVAC surge protector is a job best left to professionals. Your friends here at Greers Ferry Heat & Air can assess your system and electrical panel and provide valuable recommendations on the type of surge protection you need.
During installation, our technician will hardwire the surge protector either into your home’s electrical panel or directly into the HVAC system’s electrical disconnect box.
After installation, we will thoroughly test the surge protector to ensure it functions correctly.
Final Thoughts
Power surges are a common and unavoidable risk that can cause significant damage to your home’s most expensive appliances, including your HVAC system. By investing in a surge protector, you’re protecting both your home’s comfort and your wallet.
Whether you choose a whole-house surge protector or a dedicated HVAC surge protector, you’ll benefit from extended equipment life, lower repair costs, and peace of mind.
At Greers Ferry Heat & Air, we’re here to help you protect your investment. Our licensed HVAC technicians can assess your system and install a surge protector tailored to your home’s needs. Don’t wait for the next power surge to damage your HVAC system—contact us today at (501) 825-7295.