How to Handle Power Surges in Evansville: Protecting Your Home and Appliances

If you live in Evansville, you know that a stormy day can mean more than just an afternoon indoors; it could also spell trouble for your home’s electronics. Power surges—those sudden spikes in voltage—are notorious appliance killers, and around here, they’re often sparked by lightning or sudden changes in power line conditions. But not to worry, here’s a handy guide to keeping your gadgets safe from unexpected jolts.
Understanding Power Surges
Power surges happen when something boosts the electrical charge at some point in the power lines. This can come from lightning, yes, but also from power lines getting knocked about or even from your own home's appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners kicking on and off. While many surges come from outside your home, your own appliances aren't always innocent, so it's wise to guard against both.
Assessing the Risk
Take a look around your home. Do you have a fancy home theater setup or a home office with computers? These are especially vulnerable to surges. Older homes with outdated wiring might also be at higher risk, so it’s a good idea to get a sense of what you’re dealing with and protect accordingly.
Surge Protection Solutions
1. Whole-House Surge Protectors:
- Think of these as bouncers at your electrical system’s door. Installed at your breaker box, whole-house surge protectors keep those unwanted jolts from entering your home in the first place. They’re an excellent first line of defense and are best installed by someone who knows their way around an electrical panel—a licensed electrician. The cost of a whole-house surge protector is a small price to pay for the protection it offers.
2. Surge-Protected Power Strips:
- For your prized electronics, these power strips are like having a personal bodyguard. They’re great for computers, entertainment systems, and anything else you’d hate to see fried. Ensure they include a spike protector, as this will be your gadget’s best friend, absorbing any excess energy before it can damage your devices.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):
- For the utmost in protection, especially in a home office, a UPS can keep your devices running smoothly even when the power dips or goes out completely. Plus, they protect against surges too, making them a double threat.
Installation and Maintenance
Get a Pro:
- Installing a whole-house surge protector isn’t a DIY job unless you’re a certified electrician. So, this is the time to call in the pros. It’s worth it to protect your entire electrical setup, including major appliances and sophisticated electronics.
Keep an Eye Out:
- Regular check-ups on your home’s electrical health can catch issues before they cause trouble. Post-storm inspections are a smart move, especially if you notice any odd electrical behavior like flickering lights or tripped breakers.
Insurance and Warranty Must-Knows
Check Your Coverage:
- It’s a good idea to peek at your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what’s covered in terms of surge damage. You might be surprised, and it’s better to know your policy inside and out.
Save Those Receipts:
- For all your surge protectors and UPS devices, hang onto those receipts and warranty documents. They can come in handy if you ever need a replacement or repair down the line.
Conclusion
Setting up your Evansville home to handle power surges is like putting a safety net under your high-wire electronics. With a little upfront effort to get the right protections in place, you can sit back and enjoy the storm, knowing your home tech is safe from unexpected spikes. Remember, a little prep now can save a lot of hassle (and money) later!
Worried about power surges affecting your home? Our residential services cover surge protection.









