Being a homeowner in an exercise in constantly staying ahead of whatever unexpected thing will befall your house next. What will break? What storm will hit? What exactly does a termite look like anyway?
There will definitely be situations you didn’t anticipate and things will break a lot. Taking some simple precautions can save you hundreds — if not thousands — in the long run.
Adding plug-in surge protectors or a whole home surge protector is one of those small things you can do that, in the event of a power surge, will protect your home in many ways. Our guide can help you understand surge protectors, the pros and cons of getting one and how to choose the right one for you and your budget.
Pros and cons of whole house surge protectors
Here are a few of the pros and cons of purchasing a whole house surge protector:
Pros of whole house surge protectors
- More likely to help you avoid power surges. Built-in protectors are more reliable than their plug-in counterparts. An electrician is the one who must install it in your electrical panel, so it’s a much more high-tech version of the plug-in options.
- Fairly affordable home upgrade. Compared to other home improvement projects, getting a whole house surge protector is a relatively affordable endeavor.
- They’ll safeguard larger appliances and electronics. Plug-in options have more limitations; whole home surge protectors can help you make sure your larger appliances and electronics are covered.
Cons of whole house surge protectors
- You’re still not 100% protected. Whole whole-house protectors offer a lot of protection, but they still aren’t perfect. That’s why investing in both types of surge protectors is a good idea.
- If you live in a high cost of living area, installation may be expensive. While whole home protectors can be affordable, for people who live in locations where electricians get paid a lot more per hour (New York, Alaska, California), you could end up paying closer to $1,000 to get your protector installed.
By and large, yes, surge protectors are definitely worth it. Small power surges happen very frequently, but larger ones are the most damaging. Typically, these occur due to lightning strikes or faulty wiring.
If you’re wondering if you should buy a surge protector, consider the cost of replacing any appliances or electronics that could be affected by a surge. TVs can cost hundreds of dollars, while refrigerators, washing machines and HVAC systems can all cost thousands. Setting up a whole house surge protector can last you for 5-10 years (depending on the quality of the protector) and can be an affordable way to protect your home’s most valuable assets.
Does home insurance cover power surges?
You may be wondering, would my home insurance also provide a layer of protection against power surges (or at least their results)? Power surges will be covered by some homeowners insurance policies, but it’ll ultimately depend on the type of policy you have and the way the power surge occurred. For example, if the damage was done by a lightning strike, many standard homeowner policies will cover you.
Power surges are caused by more than just lightning though, so you’ll want to check into personal property coverage, which may cover your belongings in the event of a power surge caused by poor wiring. Personal property coverage can protect items like your laptop, TV and more.
You’ll need to check in with your insurance agent to see what your personal insurance company covers.
Whether or not your insurance rates will be lowered by having surge protectors is difficult to tell. Each insurance company will be different, and some may offer discounts for protecting your home with a whole home surge protector. Check-in with your agent and let them know you’re thinking of getting a whole home protector installed, or you’re currently using surge protectors, and see if they can give you a discount. Since it’s improving the safety of your home, they may be willing to offer a price reduction.
FAQS about surge protectors
How long do surge protectors last?
Your surge protector will definitely not last forever. The average lifespan hovers around five years, but if you frequently experience power outages, you’ll likely want to replace yours more frequently.
Can I plug a surge protector into an extension cord or another surge protector?
Nope, you should definitely not plug a surge protector into either an extension cord or other surge protectors. These are huge fire hazards, as power cords especially are designed to handle one source of energy. Only plug surge protectors into your wall outlets.
Do surge protectors come with warranties?
Your more expensive surge protectors may come with a warranty. This warranty will typically be limited and is designed to help you replace any electronics damaged during a power surge that the protector couldn’t handle. When you’re looking for a protector, read the manufacturer label or look up the product to see the terms of the warranty, if one is offered.
Will a surge protector help me save on my power bill?
A surge protector simply helps protect your electronics and electrical system, it doesn’t do much in terms of saving on energy.
A whole home surge protector is one more way you can protect your home from of many possible perils that can befall it. Another element of protection: making sure you have good home insurance coverage. Compare rates today to make sure you're not overpaying.