There are many ways to upgrade your home with modern technologies that make life easier and more enjoyable. Take an HVAC system with a smart thermostat, for example. You’ll enjoy remote access features that let you alter the temperature with just a few taps on your smartphone. But if you don’t have everything set up with surge protection, you risk your expensive electronics being fried during power surges. This article walks you through the importance of whole-home surge protection and why it’s better for modern technologies.
What Is Whole-Home Surge Protection?
When you install surge protection in your home, you have two basic types to choose from: point-of-use and whole-home options. The point-of-use types get installed at or near the device being protected, usually directly in the outlet or as a connected power strip with built-in surge protection. Whole-home surge protection gets installed in your main electric panel and provides coverage across the entire house. Because of this, whole-house options are much more convenient.
What Types of Modern Technologies Benefit From Whole-Home Surge Protection?
When your goal is to make your home more modern, you have an endless list of technologies to choose from. In addition to smart thermostats, many homeowners are installing smart lighting and automated home security systems. High-end appliances with digital screens and controls are completely changing how people interact with and use their kitchens. EV chargers are also becoming increasingly popular as more and more drivers make the switch from gas-powered vehicles to those that run on electricity.
But even though today’s modern technologies make huge differences in saving energy and enjoying a better quality of life, they are no less vulnerable to power surges than the technologies and appliances that came before them. In fact, most of them have a greater number of sensitive internal components because of all the advanced features and smart functionality they offer.
Some of the many different types of modern technologies that need surge protection include:
- High-efficiency HVAC systems and smart thermostats
- Smart kitchen and laundry appliances
- Smart lighting systems
- Smart security systems
- Computers and laptops
- Whole-home water treatment systems
Why Do Modern Homes Need Whole-Home Surge Protection?
The last thing you want is for your upgraded appliances and security systems to experience damage from a power surge. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace some of these technologies.
With whole-home surge protection, every outlet and electrical circuit will have protection against even tiny fluctuations in voltage. This means you can keep watching scary movies in your home theater during severe storms without worrying about sudden power spikes. If lightning were to strike the local power grid, the surge protector would automatically redirect the excess electrical energy away from your smart TV, speakers and soundbars. It also means you don’t have to spend all night unplugging your EV charger every time a storm rolls through. Just keep the car plugged in, and the whole-home surge protector will work behind the scenes to shield it from electrical surges.
Now that you know why it’s important for modern homes to have whole-home surge protection, it’s time to hire a skilled electrician. The setup process entails working with high-voltage electrical components and connecting the surge protector to your home’s main electrical panel. It may also involve adding a dedicated circuit breaker. Only a licensed electrician can safely handle these electrical connections and ensure the installation meets all applicable electrical codes. If you live in Rochester, NY or a surrounding area and need surge protection services, make your first call to Nichols Electric and Plumbing.
