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Power surges, both small and large, happen more often than people realize. While some are immediately damaging, others can cause damage over time, especially if they happen often. There are many situations in Colorado that can cause them, including utility issues and strong storms. Even large appliances cycling on and off can create voltage spikes that could harm appliances, electronics, and other parts of the electrical system. Whole-home surge protection in Colorado can protect your house from both sudden spikes and small repeated surges. This could help reduce repair costs and extend your system’s lifespan.
What Whole-Home Surge Protection Actually Does
A whole-home surge protector is installed at the main electrical panel or the sub-panel. Instead of allowing excess voltage to reach sensitive plugged-in equipment during a power surge, it detects the spike and redirects the extra energy to the ground. MZ Electric offers whole-house surge protector installations that can help keep your plugged-in devices, appliances, and equipment safe behind the scenes.
What Causes Power Surges in Colorado Homes?
There are several reasons power surges can occur in Colorado homes, one being severe storms. Additional factors within the home can also cause electrical surges. Understanding what causes power surges can help you make informed decisions and protect your electrical system and plugged-in devices from damage.
Lightning and Severe Weather
Lightning striking power lines or even near them could result in huge voltage spikes in nearby houses. Damage can occur to your plugged-in equipment, such as your HVAC system. This can be especially concerning since the state has such a varied climate, where having proper heating and cooling is crucial. The state’s average July high is about 86 degrees, while the average January low is 13 degrees. If your HVAC unit is damaged, it could cause an unexpected breakdown or complete system failure when you need indoor comfort the most.
Utility Power Problems
Grid issues can also result in power surges. If there’s a power outage, voltage spikes during power restoration can cause damage. Additionally, fluctuating or unstable voltage from the utility grid can cause small hits to your system over time. You may not notice the problems right away, but they can accumulate and become more evident as the damage builds up.
Everyday Appliance Cycling
Not every power surge comes from a dramatic event like a severe storm. Certain everyday occurrences, such as your appliances cycling during normal operation, can create small, repeated voltage spikes. This is especially common with larger appliances that draw significant power, such as washing machines and refrigerators.
Internal Electrical Issues
Internal electrical issues within the home could also lead to damaging power surges. This is particularly true if your home has an aging electrical system with worn or outdated components. Situations such as faulty breakers, short circuits, and old wiring can cause surges and result in damage.
What Power Surges Can Damage
Power surges could damage anything that’s plugged in at the time the voltage spike happens. This includes items that are always plugged in, such as televisions, video game systems, kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, washers, and dryers. However, it could also harm other items you may have plugged in to charge, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It may even damage the chargers themselves.
Why Plug-In Power Strips Are Not the Same as Whole-Home Protection
Plugged-in power strips are helpful, but not to the extent of whole-home surge protection. When professionals install whole-home surge protectors, you can feel confident that your entire electrical system and plugged-in devices are protected. Power strips only protect what’s plugged into them at the time, not your entire system.
Signs It May Be Time to Think About Surge Protection
Although all homeowners can benefit from whole-home surge protection in Colorado, it can be particularly helpful in certain homes. For example, if you live in an area with frequent storms, especially if you get power outages, that’s a prime reason. Another sign is if you have expensive electronics or appliances, such as computer equipment, refrigerators, and televisions. Working remotely is another indicator, as the advanced power surge protection for homes can protect your connected devices, stabilizing your work environment.
The current state of your electrical system can also signal that installing whole-home surge protection is a good choice. For instance, if you’ve experienced tripped breakers, flickering lights, or other electrical issues, you could benefit from whole-home surge protection. An old system is another indicator. However, you don’t necessarily need serious warning signs to install the device. Power surge protection for homes can be a good idea, simply because you want widespread protection rather than relying on plugged-in power strips.
When to Call MZ Electric
Homeowners should never attempt to install a whole-house surge protector on their own. It’s much better to trust the professionals at MZ Electric, who have the extensive experience to do it safely and accurately. It can be a big decision to install the device. However, it could be worthwhile if you want better protection for your appliances and electronics, especially if you live in a storm-prone area.
Another good time to call us is if you’re planning on updating the panel or other electrical components. We can assess your system and make sure it’s in top shape. Our team can also advise you on your Colorado home surge protection options. You don’t have to rely on power strips for minimal defense. Our electricians serve homeowners in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and the broader Denver metro area, and we can help you, too.
When you have a whole-home surge protector, you don’t have to constantly worry about everyday voltage spikes damaging your electrical system. A correctly installed device can operate in the background to safeguard your system and connected devices without any manual intervention. MZ Electric offers high-quality, professional evaluations and surge-protection installations customized to your home’s needs. We are fully licensed and insured, and our personalized Colorado home surge protection solutions can help keep your electrical system and belongings safe. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how a home surge protector can benefit your home.
