5 Advantages of Using a Whole House Surge Protector

A whole house surge protector is an item which is installed between the energy flowing from the utility company and the energy used in the residence. Its job is to monitor the flow of power and prevent unwanted surges in electricity, which can come from lightning, power outages, industrial power usage, downed lines, and numerous other random sources. Though their installation might seem frivolous, these highly affordable items protect much of the digital electronics which are now so prevalent in our lives.

1. Appliance Protection

Though portable power strips provide small levels of surge protection, many expensive household appliances cannot be plugged into them. By having a whole house surge protector, the stove, washer and dryer, refrigerator, and many other large appliances are protected with the same guarantee as the computer, printer and fax machine. Secondly, if anything does go wrong, the warranty on the surge protector can replace the cost of any appliance which is damaged.

2. Microprocessor Protection

The microprocessors in many new household items are very sensitive to energy and power surges. Secondly, most people aren't even aware that many household items which now contain such microprocessors. Everything from the new gas range stoves to the HVAC systems in houses are susceptible. Even if the appliance motors are not broken, the microprocessors can be damaged and have significant repair costs. By having a whole house surge protector, these appliances cannot be damaged by power outages, lightning strikes, or industrial power usage which is completely out of the homeowner's control.

3. Digital Information

With the advancement of digital cameras, automatic bill pay, telecommuting, home office work, and elaborate database programs for listing budgets, phone numbers, and other important information, we are more dependent on computers than ever. Anyone who has ever had a hard drive crash knows how helpless and damaging the loss of certain information can be. Though it can often be recovered from mechanical failure, power surges can completely eliminate the ability for valuable information to be retrieved from a computer.

4. All-In-One-Protection

A whole house surge protector often provides complete protection to not only electrical devices, but Internet, cable, and satellite all together. It is a very economical way to have all the bases covered, eliminating many worries. The benefits go beyond just replacement of appliances but also minimizing the risk of fire associated with the surge, causing shorts within the wiring of these devices.

5. Ease of Use

Whole house surge protectors are like bridges for the electricity coming into the house. When a surge is detected, the surge protectors only allow safe levels of electricity in and absorb the extra or erratic flow. This causes no disruption in use and requires nothing of the home owner. Likewise, during a power outage, it is not necessary to unplug any appliances or computers.  When the power is restored, the surge protector opens the circuit again and safely restores the flow of power. The homeowner needs to do nothing about resetting or protecting electronics because the surge protector takes care of everything.