Pros and Cons of Whole House Surge Protector

Imagine that there’s no worrying about your electrical system during thunderstorms or power outages anymore. Want to know how it’s possible? Then meet a whole-house surge protector.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of whole house surge protector: what they do, how much they cost, and what are the real benefits. And if you want to forget about sudden breakdowns forever, trust the experts at Fuse Service, CA to install one for you.

What Is a Whole House Surge Protector?

Try to Google “whole-house surge protector.” The first thing you’ll probably see is pictures of extension cords. This is also an effective way to deal with power spikes. But the surge protector for whole house differs from conventional outlet filters. Why? Because it does more than just limit voltage surges. A whole-home surge protector actually redirects excess energy to the ground.

So, what is a whole home surge protector in brief? It is literally a shield. And you put it between power fluctuations and appliances.

How Does a Whole House Surge Protector Work?

Sometimes, the voltage in the network can suddenly spike. For example, it often happens after a thunderstorm, a line failure, or a major power outage (by the way, we have already written about how to prepare for it). It is at such moments that a whole-home surge protector kicks in instantly. What does it do? It redirects excess current to ground. So, current doesn’t reach your appliances and (obviously) doesn’t damage them.

Any modern whole-house surge protector can withstand thousands of such surges. 

Pros of Installing Whole House Surge Protection

1. Complete Protection For Your Entire Home

A whole house surge protector covers every outlet. Your refrigerator, TV, water heater, and even your smart home system get protection. To make your home even safer, you can install it together with an electrical panel upgrade. 

2. Savings on Repairs

Well, now is high time for a real success story. Our customers from San Jose told us that they saved around $2,000 after the lightning strike. But how? It literally fried their neighbors’ TVs and modems. Surprisingly, their own whole system turned out to be safe and sound. The device simply absorbed the excess voltage. That’s why their appliances didn’t even notice the surge. Neither did their wallet.

3. Equipment Durability

Small surges often go unnoticed. But they gradually wear down electronics. Constant protection extends the life of your equipment drastically. So, benefits of whole house surge protector are quite obvious!

Cons of Whole House Surge Protectors

1. Initial Costs

That’s not the worst point out of the pros and cons of whole house surge protector, but still. The price of this device plus installation can be up to several hundred dollars. The exact amount depends on the model and level of protection. 

2. No DIY!

This is not a plug-and-forget device. Installation requires an experienced electrician, as it connects to the main fuse box. But the good news is that you can order installation from Fuse Service through electrical repair services.

Cost, Lifespan & Return on Investment

According to Energy.gov, more than 20 million power surges are recorded in the United States every year. That is why it’s absolutely worth installing such a protector. The service life of it is also quite long: by the way, you can easily check its condition during preventive electrical maintenance at any moment.

How to Choose the Right Whole House Surge Protector

So, we have already learned about the pros and cons of whole house surge protector. But still: what exactly should you pay attention to before buying one?

• Voltage and current ratings. Ideally, they should be 40–80 kA.
• Type. There are only two types. The first protects against external surges (lightning), and the second protects against internal surges.
• Presence of status indication. A light will let you know when the device needs to be replaced.

“I also recommend asking the seller about UL1449 certificates. You know, another guarantee of quality and safety can’t really hurt,”—Max, Fuse Service certified electrician.

Is a Whole Home Surge Protector Worth It for You?

The short answer is: of course!

Still unsure whether a whole home surge protector is necessary right now? Request a free consultation. Fuse Service pros will help you find a solution matching your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a whole house surge protector actually do?

Several things at once. It doesn’t just limit the current, it redirects it into the ground. So, that’s exactly how your appliances remain undamaged.

Is a whole house surge protector worth it?

Absolutely! Who really wants to buy new appliances or repair them after every thunderstorm? 

How much does a whole house surge protector cost to install?

Well, it depends. First let the electricians assess the electrical system and the specifics of the installation. A couple hundred dollars is the average, though.

How long does a whole house surge protector last?

5-10 years. But if you need a clearer answer, you need to understand what the current condition of the tread is.

Can I install it myself, or do I need an electrician?

No DIY here, please. It’s a matter of your safety. Only a real pro with a license can install the surge protector. 

Can a whole house surge protector prevent electrical fires?

Sure! Whole house surge protection is the best invisible helper to avoid a big tragedy.