surge protector

What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is designed to help keep your electrical equipment safe from any voltage spikes. It regulates the voltage within your devices (either through blocking or grounding) so it will be at a safe level. Surges happen a lot more frequently than homeowners might realize, and when they do occur, you will want a whole-house surge protector installed to protect your appliances and devices.

What Causes a Power Surge?

Power surges can occur for many reasons, such as a lightning storm or downed power line. But, lightening is not the common cause for power surges. In fact, according to the NEMA Surge Protection Institute, 60 to 80 percent of surges happen because of major appliances in the home – such as an air conditioning unit, clothes dryer or your refrigerator. And sometimes surges happen throughout the day without the homeowner knowing it. As the surges continue, they take their toll on expensive appliances (computers, printers, TVs, air conditioning units, furnaces, etc.), causing them to break prematurely.

Benefits of Whole House Surge Protection

Power surges are not a fire concern; which is why surge protectors are not required by your homeowner’s insurance or building inspectors. However, installing them keeps your home safe and provides numerous benefits, including:

Reduced Replacement or Repair Costs – Because power surges can shorten the lifespan of your appliances and electrical devices, a whole house surge protector can decrease the damage done to those items over time – reducing how often you pay to repair or replace them.
Reduces Maintenance Costs – How often do you have to maintain your home’s systems, such as heating or cooling? You may encounter more maintenance expenses because of surges in your power. By installing a surge protector, you could limit the number of service calls you put out each year.
They Are Affordable – Whole house surge protectors are very affordable; only a few hundred dollars. They can be installed the same day, which means you can start protecting your home for a fraction of the cost you may incur to repair one of your appliances.

Do Not Wait for a Power Surge to Happen – Call an Electrical Contractor Now

Surges can occur throughout the day without you realizing. You can protect your equipment and reduce your costs by installing an affordable whole home surge protector today. Contact an electrical contractor to have your home assessed and see what type of surge protector is right for your home. Lastly, contact Stevens Electric for a free estimate today.