January 09, 2026
Lightning strikes can cause devastating damage to your home's HVAC system, leaving you without heating or cooling when you need it most. Recently, our team at Tom Falk Plumbing & Heating responded to an emergency call in Lancaster, PA, where a lightning strike had severely damaged a residential HVAC unit, causing burned wiring and electrical component failure.
If you've experienced a lightning strike or suspect storm damage to your heating and cooling system, here's what you need to know.
How Lightning Damage Affects HVAC Systems
When lightning strikes near your home or directly hits your property, the electrical surge can travel through your home's wiring and damage sensitive HVAC components, including:
- Control boards and circuit boards - These are extremely vulnerable to power surges
- Compressors - Can be permanently damaged by electrical overload
- Capacitors - Often the first components to fail after a surge
- Thermostats - May stop working or show erratic behavior
- Wiring and connections - Can melt or burn, as seen in our recent Lancaster repair
Warning Signs Your HVAC Was Hit by Lightning
After a storm with lightning activity, watch for these signs of damage:
- System won't turn on at all
- Burning smell coming from the unit
- Tripped circuit breakers that won't reset
- Unusual sounds or complete silence when system should be running
- Thermostat display is blank or malfunctioning
- Visible burn marks or melted wiring (like in the photo from our recent repair)
What to Do Immediately After a Lightning Strike
1. Turn off your HVAC system at the breaker - This prevents additional damage and reduces fire risk.
2. Don't attempt DIY repairs - Electrical damage from lightning requires professional assessment and repair.
3. Call an emergency HVAC technician - Time is critical to assess the full extent of damage.
4. Document the damage - Take photos for insurance purposes before repairs begin.
5. Contact your homeowner's insurance - Lightning damage is typically covered under most policies.
Our Recent Lightning Strike Repair in Lancaster
When we arrived at this Lancaster home, we found extensive electrical damage to the HVAC unit. The lightning surge had traveled through the system, melting wiring and damaging multiple electrical connections. Our technicians:
- Performed a complete electrical safety inspection
- Replaced all damaged wiring and burned components
- Tested the compressor and other major components
- Installed surge protection to prevent future damage
- Restored full system functionality
The homeowner was back to comfortable heating and cooling within hours of our arrival.
Preventing Lightning Damage to Your HVAC System
While you can't prevent lightning strikes, you can protect your investment:
Install a whole-home surge protector - This is your first line of defense against electrical surges.
Add HVAC-specific surge protection - We can install surge protectors directly at your outdoor unit.
Regular maintenance - Well-maintained systems are more resilient and problems are caught early.
Proper grounding - Ensure your HVAC system is properly grounded per electrical code.
Why Choose Tom Falk Plumbing & Heating for Emergency HVAC Repairs
When lightning strikes or other emergencies occur, you need a team that responds quickly and gets the job done right. Our Lancaster-area technicians provide:
- 24/7 emergency service - We're here when you need us most
- Experienced diagnostics - We quickly identify all damage, not just obvious issues
- Quality repairs - We use premium parts and stand behind our work
- Insurance assistance - We can work with your insurance company and provide detailed documentation
Don't Wait - Call for Emergency HVAC Service
Storm damage to your HVAC system won't fix itself, and delaying repairs can lead to more extensive (and expensive) problems. If you suspect lightning damage or experience any HVAC emergency in Lancaster, PA or surrounding areas, contact Tom Falk Plumbing & Heating immediately.
Our experienced technicians are ready to restore your comfort and peace of mind.
Call us now for 24/7 emergency HVAC repair service in Lancaster, PA.