Signs Your Home Needs a Surge Protection System Upgrade
Picture this: you're relaxing at home, watching your favorite show, when - suddenly - boom! The lights flicker, the TV goes black, and your heart sinks as you realize your expensive electronics might be toast.
It’s easy to think of power surges as something that only happen during big thunderstorms. And yes, lightning can cause major surges - but it’s far from the only cause. In fact, most power surges are much more low-key and happen without you even knowing. Your air conditioner kicking on? That can send a mini surge through your home, believe it or not. The electric company switches grids? Another surge.
These spikes in voltage can build up over time. They'll be damaging your electronics, appliances, and even your home’s wiring. That’s why having proper surge protection isn’t just a smart choice - it’s a necessity.
But, how do you know your electrical system is well-equipped to defend against power surges? In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we take a look at some common signs that your home desperately needs a surge protection installation or upgrade.
SIGN 1: You’re Constantly Replacing Electronics
Do your phone chargers stop working out of nowhere? Have you had to replace your microwave, TV, or computer more than once in recent years? If so, then your home might be experiencing small but repeated power surges that slowly damage your devices.
These "micro-surges" don’t always break things instantly, but they wear down delicate electronics until they just quit. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to call an electrician and ask about a surge protection systems.
SIGN 2: Your Lights Flicker or Dim When Appliances Turn On
Ever notice the lights dim when the fridge starts running or when the washing machine kicks on? That’s not just annoying; it could be a sign your home is dealing with inconsistent voltage levels.
When large appliances draw a lot of power, they can cause internal surges that affect everything in that circuit. This is one of the most obvious signs that your electrical setup isn’t handling power flow well and could benefit from surge protection.
SIGN 3: You Rely on Power Strips for "Protection"
Power strips with surge protection built into them are great - up to a point. They can’t protect your whole house, and many homeowners don’t realize that those little red-light protectors wear out over time.
If your idea of surge protection is plugging everything into a strip from the hardware store, then your home is probably even more vulnerable. A full-house solution installed by a licensed electrician can give you the solid protection that those strips can’t.
SIGN 4: Your Home Has Old Wiring or an Outdated Electrical Panel
Older homes are full of charm - but not always full of safe electrical systems. If your house was built decades ago and hasn’t had any major electrical repair or upgrades, your wiring might not be ready to handle today’s power needs.
Moreover, old electrical panels can’t regulate modern energy loads so well. This directly increases the risk of surges. In these cases, it’s a good idea to get both a surge protector and an electrical repair assessment to make sure your system is safe.
SIGN 5: You’ve Experienced Storm Damage or Power Outages
If your home has been through a big storm, flood, or blackout, then your electrical system might have taken a hit. Even if everything seems fine now, lingering damage can make your home more prone to future surges.
This is the perfect time to schedule an electrical inspection. A certified electrician can uncover vulnerabilities and issues before they turn into costly disaster.
Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call. Contact Mr. Electric
The tricky thing about power surges is that they often don’t show damage until it’s too late. That’s why acting now - before you smell something burning or hear the dreaded pop - is the smart move.
Call or message Mr. Electric at any time of the day to speak with a live representative. Our uniformed and certified electricians are prepared with stocked and branded vehicles to handle most repairs the first time around.
