HVAC surge protectors promise a safer—and cooler—home
So, are HVAC surge protectors necessary? Picture this: It’s the heat of summer—boom, an electrical surge strikes and you’re left without cool air for hours. The good news is that you can prevent that worst-case scenario with one element: an HVAC surge protector. Let’s review why HVAC surge protectors are necessary for the health and well-being of your HVAC system and when to hire an AC installer to place them.
HVAC surge protectors are essential accessories that protect your unit from power surges and other external electrical events. You should install a surge protector on both your indoor and outdoor units. HVAC surge protectors work by diverting excess electricity caused by power surges or lightning strikes away from your system, preventing it from extensive damage.
Whether you’ve installed a new HVAC system or moved into a home with older heating and cooling units, you can benefit from an HVAC surge protector in several ways.
One of the main benefits of an HVAC surge protector is its ability to extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling units by protecting them from the damage electrical surges can incur. This addition keeps your system running smoothly year-round and minimizes breakdowns and repairs.
Your homeowners’ insurance or home warranty may not cover damage from an electrical surge if you don’t have an HVAC surge protector installed, depending on your policy. In this scenario, if a lightning strike hits your HVAC unit and leaves you without cool air, you may be responsible for paying for repairs or a new unit out of pocket. A surge protector can prevent damage from occurring in the first place so you won’t have to worry about when the next storm will hit.
In some instances, regulations may be in place that require your HVAC system to have a surge protector. This guideline is in the best interest of major buildings or complexes that are at risk when an electrical surge hits since they utilize more electricity.
Modern HVAC units have several different electrical components, such as circuit boards, microprocessors, and control panels that are sensitive to high voltage spikes and can lead to damage or breakdown of entire parts. An HVAC surge protector can keep these elements operating throughout a surge and ensure they stay in mint condition for the long haul.
Although you may pay more upfront for a decent surge protector, it can save your pocketbook from expensive and frequent repairs over time since your HVAC system is less likely to be affected by an electrical surge.
Although less expensive surge protectors exist, a pricier option is more likely to protect your HVAC unit since it will have MOVs, which are voltage-dependent resistors that provide the most safety to your unit. Whole-house surge protectors cost $70 to $700, but you’ll likely pay around $550 for a HVAC surge protector. If you’re confused about which type to buy, it helps to consult your local air conditioner installer for recommendations and to schedule an installation.
While people with prior professional HVAC experience will likely be able to install an HVAC surge protector themselves, we recommend hiring a professional for this task. Your HVAC pro will install protectors at the main breaker panel or at the service disconnect for the unit itself. The service disconnect is the most effective way to install the protector. Since this addition requires tinkering with a complex and essential home appliance, it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to install it for you.
The difference between a home surge protector and an HVAC surge protector is that an HVAC surge protector is designed to protect the components inside your HVAC unit while a home surge protector is installed near appliances and meant to protect your entire home. There are three tiers of whole-house surge protectors, and they are more expensive to install than HVAC surge protectors.
Most HVAC surge protectors last about three to five years, depending on how often your home experiences blackouts or brownouts. If your unit is susceptible to more frequent electrical surges, consider replacing your surge protector every two years. Consult your HVAC professional to determine when and how often to replace your HVAC surge protectors.
