How To Best Protect Your Appliances From Power Surges

Power surges can destroy appliances, damage electrical systems, and lead to costly repairs or replacements. In Houston, where storms and lightning strikes are common, surge protection is essential to safeguarding your home’s electronics and HVAC system. 

At Mister Sparky, we help homeowners protect their homes from unexpected voltage spikes. Here’s how to keep your appliances safe from power surges. 

Common Causes of Power Surges in Houston

• Storms & Lightning: Sudden voltage spikes from lightning strikes overload electrical systems, frying appliances and HVAC units.
• Utility Switching & Power Restorations: When power companies restore electricity after an outage, voltage fluctuations can send surges through your home’s wiring.
• Appliance-Induced Surges: Large appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines create small internal surges every time they cycle on and off. Over time, these fluctuations wear down your electrical system and connected devices.

Without proper surge protection, even small, repeated surges shorten the lifespan of expensive appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and televisions. 

Best Ways to Protect Your Appliances from Power Surges

Houston homeowners need multiple layers of surge protection to prevent electrical damage. Here’s how to safeguard your appliances:

1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

A whole-home surge protector is installed at your main electrical panel, blocking external surges before they reach your home’s wiring. This protects all devices from grid-related power fluctuations, lightning strikes, and electrical storms.

2. Use Individual Surge Protectors for Sensitive Electronics

For added protection, use point-of-use surge protectors for appliances like computers, gaming consoles, TVs, and kitchen appliances. These devices absorb small voltage spikes, preventing gradual damage.

3. Upgrade to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides backup power during short outages and protects sensitive electronics from sudden fluctuations. This is especially useful for computers and home office setups.

4. Ensure Proper Grounding

Ungrounded outlets increase the risk of power surges. Properly grounded outlets direct excess voltage away from your appliances, minimizing damage. A licensed electrician can inspect and upgrade your home’s grounding system if needed.

5. Install a Transfer Switch for Backup Generators

Many Houston homeowners use backup generators for storm preparedness. Installing a transfer switch ensures a smooth transition between power sources, preventing dangerous surges when switching back to utility power.

6. Set Up Dedicated Circuits for Large Appliances

Large appliances like HVAC systems and refrigerators should have dedicated electrical circuits. This prevents them from causing power fluctuations that could affect smaller electronics in your home.

7. Use Smart Power Strips for Extra Protection

Smart power strips detect sudden voltage changes and cut power before surges damage connected devices. They also prevent phantom energy drain, saving electricity while protecting appliances.

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Individual Protectors

Homeowners often ask: Should I install whole-home surge protection or just use power strips?

• Whole-Home Surge Protectors – Installed at the electrical panel, these protect your entire home from external surges caused by lightning, grid failures, and utility company fluctuations. 
• Individual Surge Protectors – Plug-in protectors add an extra layer of defense for specific appliances and electronics inside your home. 

Best approach? Use both! A whole-home surge protector handles large surges, while outlet protectors add localized protection for your most valuable appliances.

Protect Your Appliances with Mister Sparky

Houston’s storm-prone climate makes surge protection a must. Without the right precautions, power surges can wipe out expensive appliances in seconds, At Mister Sparky, we provide customized surge protection solutions to shield your home from unexpected voltage spikes. Call Mister Sparky (281) 907-8418 to schedule your surge protection installation in Houston, today!