When the summer sun blazes, and temperatures soar, we think of days at the beach and backyard barbecues, but did you know that warm weather also brings a spike in power surges? These sudden power spikes can really hurt your home’s electronics and appliances, leaving homeowners with expensive repairs or replacements.
If you’re a homeowner in Southeast Idaho, here’s everything you need to know about summer power surges, the damage they can cause, and how to protect your home effectively.
Why Are Power Surges More Common in the Summer?
Summer is prime time for power surges, and here’s why:
- Electrical Overload: Air conditioners, fans, and other cooling devices consume more electricity during hot months, leading to strain on the electrical grid. This extra demand can cause sudden ups and downs in power.
- Lightning Storms: Summer is notorious for thunderstorms, and lightning strikes can generate large-scale power surges that enter your home’s wiring system in the blink of an eye.
- Utility Grid Issues: Seasonal storms can cause damage to utility lines, transformers, and substations. When utility companies work to restore service, power surges are often a byproduct.
Knowing these common reasons makes it clear why protecting your home’s electronics should be a main goal during summer.
The Toll Power Surges Take on Electronics
Even though power surges last for only a tiny moment, their effects can last a long time. Here are some ways surges can harm your home and devices.
- Larger Electronics and Appliances: Things like your refrigerator, air conditioner, and washing machine are plugged right into your home’s power, making them particularly vulnerable. A surge can fry internal components, leaving these expensive items unusable.
- Loss of Data: A power spike can shut down or disable computers, wiping out important files or programs.
- Gradual Wear: Even small, repeated surges can degrade your devices over time, reducing their lifespan and performance.
The financial and emotional toll of these damages can be easily avoided with the right preventive measures.
How Whole Home Surge Protectors Work
One of the best ways to protect your home is by installing a whole home surge protector. Here’s how it works:
- Installed at Your Electrical Panel: A whole home surge protector is wired right into your home’s main electrical panel. It’s the first thing that protects your power.
- Diverts Excess Voltage: When a surge occurs, the device redirects excessive voltage away from your home and into the ground, preventing damage to your appliances.
- Shields Your Entire Home: Unlike plug-in surge protectors that only safeguard individual devices, whole home surge protectors protect everything plugged into your home’s electrical system.
Think of whole home surge protection as an umbrella for your electronics during a storm. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your valuable devices and appliances are safe.
Other Ways to Protect Your Electronics
While a whole home surge protector is a game-changer, there are additional steps you can take to further safeguard your electronics this summer:
- Use Surge Protector Power Strips: For added security, plug sensitive devices like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles into surge-protected power strips. Look for ones labeled with a high joule rating for better protection.
- Unplug Devices During Storms: For appliances and devices not in use, unplugging during a storm is the simplest way to keep them safe.
- Install a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A UPS gives backup power if the electricity goes out. It also protects devices from sudden power spikes. This is extra helpful for computers or any electronics where a sudden shutdown could mean losing your work or data.
- Keep an Eye on Electrical Loads: Avoid overloading power outlets or circuits by distributing your devices across different outlets. Spread the load to reduce strain on your system.
These small actions combined with whole home protection can make all the difference in keeping your home electronics safe and functional.
Protect Your Home with Advanced Home Services
Want to shield your home from summer power surges? Advanced Home Services can help you keep your electronics protected so you can stay focused on enjoying the season. Our electrical experts are ready to install whole home surge protectors, as well as provide professional advice on safeguarding your appliances and devices.
Don’t wait until a power surge leaves you with costly damages. Contact Advanced Home Services today to schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward protecting your home’s valuable electronics.