Three Options to Avoid the Costs of Replacing Electronics Damaged by a Power Surge

Power surges are most often associated with lightning strikes; however, surges can also be caused by sources inside and outside a home. Your valued appliances and devices – TVs, computers, phones, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators – are all susceptible to surge damage.

A large surge can immediately render an appliance useless by frying circuits and melting components. Small power surges gradually degrade and decrease the lifespan of your electronics. With so many important devices and appliances in your home, below are three options worth considering to avoid the financial impact of power surge damage.

1. Plug-in Surge Protectors are inexpensive and locally available at home improvement stores or retailers. Installation is simple. Just plug your devices into the strip and the strip into an outlet! However, plug-in surge protectors for hard-wired appliances like dishwashers or higher voltage appliances like a clothes dryer or stove. Plug-in surge protectors gradually wear out and need regular replacement.
2. Whole-home Surge Protection provides more comprehensive coverage. Some homeowners choose to work with a licensed electrician to install a multi-layer surge protection solution. This may include protective equipment installed at the point that electricity enters the home, at the breaker box as well as at the outlet level. Compared to the cost of plug-in surge protectors, the whole-home system offers thorough coverage, but requires a significant upfront investment for the homeowner and also involves professional installation.
3. Surge Plan is a third option that provides replacement and reimbursement coverage if your devices and/or appliances are damaged. Click here to learn more about the new Surge Plan available from IGS to Blue Ridge Energy members.