As homes become more populated with electronic devices and large appliances, it’s more important than ever to consider either a whole-house surge protector or individual units. Across the country, stormy weather is the primary cause of power surges.
While the San Diego doesn’t see as much fierce weather as places to the east, it still experiences plenty of surges. They occur whenever PG&E is switching the grid or doing line maintenance. The most common cause is the surge your home generates whenever a motor associated with a washer, pool pump, dishwasher, refrigerator, or HVAC system starts.
Unlike bad weather, power-related surges come without warning. The only convenient way to avoid their potential damage is with surge protection, either at the breaker box or with individual surge protectors.
Whole-House Surge Protection
An electrician or HVAC technician can install whole-house surge protectors that prevent any surge from damaging your home’s electronics. Their cost is small compared to the inconvenience and expenses associated with either repairing or replacing appliances or your electronics.
Of them, the HVAC system is likely to be the most expensive to replace. Today’s HVAC systems and other appliances use low voltage circuitry that’s especially sensitive to electric fluctuations.
A whole-house surge protector provides much more convenience and certainty. Individual units may not stand up to the strongest surges and need to be replaced if they’re damaged. It may involve pulling appliances away from the wall, removing the individual devices, and replacing the surge protector with a new one.
HVAC Protection
If you already use surge protectors for your appliances, verify with your HVAC contractor that your system is protected. These surge protectors are usually installed at the power supply to the outdoor condenser. If the system isn’t protected, adding it is a simple and cost-effective way to safeguard your system and comfort.
