surge protection for heat pump

[Robin Briggs]

We had a heat pump installed a few years back, and just had it serviced. The technician said we should get a surge protector, which makes sense, but sent us an estimate of about $1050 total for a IntermaticSurge AG3000 and a Compressor Defender. It seems to me that I could do this for less money if I got a whole house surge protector on the circuit breaker box. Would this be the same thing? Is there something special about what they are recommending?

So I guess I am asking do I need a surge protector? And if so, what should I get?

Thanks very much,

Robin Briggs