Surge protectors are designed to protect your home against sudden power surges that could damage electronics and appliances. Power surges even leave you at risk for electrical fires. While you can invest in surge protectors for individual outlets, it’s better to have a whole-house solution in place.
You can keep reading to learn more about how a whole-house surge protector is better than smaller individual protectors. Then give our team a call when you’re ready to schedule an installation for a whole-home surge protector in Yakima, WA.
Whole-House Surge Protection: What It Is and Why It Matters
A whole-house surge protection system is a device that protects any and everything electronic inside the walls of your home. Power surges occur in your electrical system more than you may realize. Many times the surges are small but still impactful.
A whole-house solution works to prevent damage to appliances and electronics across your home by absorbing excess energy that courses through the line due to a power surge. The extra power gets diverted away from your home’s electrical system and thus the appliances and electronics.
A whole-house surge protector is usually installed between the electric meter and your electrical panel. This provides surge protection from outside your home so that power problems don’t stand a chance and negatively impacting your home or family.
5 Key Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protectors
You may have small individual surge protectors in strategic places around your home. Many homeowners use them for televisions, game systems, and other expensive electronic items. But what about major appliances like your washer and dryer or refrigerator? What about phones being charged?
While you can install smaller surge protectors around your home, they really wind up in the way. Plus, there’s only so much they can do. A whole-house solution is the best way to prevent damage to your household appliances and electronics while also extending their lifespan.
You’ll have peace of mind around the clock that your home is protected. Aside from damaging your electronics, power surges can also leave you at risk for electrical fires. You may be left replacing expensive electronics or appliances, or even worse, repairing major damage to the structure of your home. With a whole-house surge protector, you don’t have to worry about these things.
Minor power surges are a consideration, too. When you think of power surges, lightning strikes and other major issues probably come to mind. But there can also be smaller power surges that happen without you ever noticing them. These mini surges can take a toll on your appliances.
Instead of having a refrigerator that lasts ten years, it may only last seven or eight. You may not even realize the reason behind this shortened lifespan. Getting an extra few years out of your existing appliances is a huge overall savings, and reason enough to invest in a whole-house surge protector, safety considerations aside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is a whole‑house surge protector?
Answer: A whole‑house surge protector is a device installed at your home’s main electrical panel that deflects excess voltage before it reaches the wiring and devices inside your house. This protects every circuit, appliance, and electronic instead of just individual outlets.
Question: Why should I install a whole‑house surge protector instead of using plug‑in surge strips?
Answer: Plug‑in surge strips protect only items plugged into them, while whole‑house surge protectors safeguard all appliances and electronics inside your home. They help prevent damage from both large and small voltage spikes before the electricity reaches your internal wiring.
Question: How does a whole‑house surge protector help my appliances and electronics?
Answer: By diverting dangerous voltage spikes away from your electrical system, a whole‑house surge protector reduces wear and tear caused by minor and major surges. This can extend the lifespan of refrigerators, washers, TVs, computers, and other valuable devices.
Question: Can a whole‑house surge protector prevent electrical fires?
Answer: Yes. Because power surges can cause overheating and stress on wiring and components, a whole‑house surge protector helps lower the risk of electrical fires and costly structural damage by taming excess voltage before it spreads.
Question: Do I need a professional electrician to install a whole‑house surge protector?
Answer: Yes. These systems are wired directly into your electrical panel and must be grounded correctly. Professional installation ensures proper performance, compliance with electrical codes, and maximum protection for your home.
Contact ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!” We’re here to help with all of your HVAC and electrical needs, including whole-house surge protection.