Can a whole house surge protector save you money?
Every plugged-in device in your home with a digital or electronic component is susceptible to power surges. Even small voltage surges can reduce the lifespan of your electrical devices and appliances. In addition to premature replacement costs, power surges can cause programming issues and increase your electricity fees by lowering the efficiency of your appliances and devices.
How many devices are plugged in to a power outlet in your home? How many of those devices are electronic or digital?
It would take a while to come up with a final tally -- because it’s a lot of devices! How much time and money would it cost you to replace every device because of a power surge?
Fortunately, you can take affordable precautions today to protect your devices, your wallet and your monthly budget.
What causes electrical surges?
Especially during summer months, we think of electrical surges happening as a result of a lightning strike. However, surges vary in size and origin. Large surges often occur during electrical storms but also when electricity is restored after a power outage.
Small surges are actually the most common and can be caused by appliances in your home. Here are just a few examples:
- your HVAC-changing cycles
- your refrigerator compressor starting
- even turning on a hair dryer
Ever wonder why your refrigerator or other major appliance didn't last as long as you expected? Surges could be the culprit. Eventually, even the small surges have a costly effect on your electronics.
What types of surge protectors are available?
You probably already know that you can install surge protectors for each of your valuable electronics, but are you aware that installing one whole-house surge protector can help safeguard all of your appliances and electronic devices?
There are three types of surge protection devices (SPD):
- Type 1 is installed in front of your power meter (between your power meter and the street). Type 1 protectors are not popular because installation requires coordinating with your power company; many power companies don’t even allow installation of these devices.
- Type 2 is commonly referred to as a whole-house surge protector. It is installed by a licensed electrician at your breaker box.
- Type 3 devices are what most homeowners rely on; these are plugged into wall outlets and sometimes look like a power strip.
Whole house surge protector
Rather than plugging each individual device into a surge protector, a whole house surge protector installs at your electric panel to protect the main line into your home. For Type 2 surge protectors, here are the important specifications:
- Surge rating: Devices are available with a wide range of surge current ratings, from 10,000 amps and up. The lower rated devices will likely not last past one initial large surge, so it’s best to look for a higher rating. Fitch Services can discuss what rating will be best for your house.
- UL compliance: Each device must be UL certified for safety.
- Indicator lights: Each device should include a notification light to let you know if it’s absorbed a big enough surge to no longer be effective.
What type of surge protectors do I need?
Ideally, your home should have a cascade of protection with a Type 2 surge protector at the breaker box and multiple Type 3 protectors.
How do I get started?
In Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding Central VA counties, call Fitch Services to discuss surge protection needs at your home. We may be able to schedule an installation appointment at the first call! For many basic home installations, we won’t need to come out for an initial consultation since type 2 protectors are universal and can typically be installed on any type of electrical panel. If you want to ensure total surge protection for your home, you’ll also need to protect your phone and cable lines. For this type of installation, we’ll schedule a free in-home appointment to look at your electrical panels and discuss options.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; call Fitch Services today to discuss total surge protection for your home!
Still have questions?
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See All ReviewsJulie D. (Charlottesville, VA)I can’t say enough good things!! We had an emergency, no AC during the 113+ heat wave on a Friday holiday afternoon (worst timing!!!). I called multiple companies and only Fitch called me back.
Larry was fantastic!! He kept me informed as to when he anticipated getting to us, and called when on his way, and showed up when he said he would.
He was, again, fantastic! Explained the issue and promptly fixed it. Our house was literally 98 degrees. Everything is running smoothly!
And, for an emergency call late on a Friday afternoon, the cost was incredibly reasonable.
I highly HIGHLY recommend their services. We now have them on speed dial and will absolutely be using them again for our needs, even for other services they offer we have yet to use.
Again, thank you Larry & Fitch Services from us and our pups - for being there when we needed you most and delivering exceptional customer service. 5 stars for sure!
Barbara M. (Charlottesville, VA)I am proud to say I have been a client of Fitch Services since they began. My family has always received courteous and timely service for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical issues. They have installed and maintain a whole house generator. That was a fantastic decision. I use their annual maintenance plans for all of my systems. I personally recommend Fitch Services.
John K. (Charlottesville, VA)I knew of Fitch Services and their technicians via my place of employment. The technician's honest and forthright approach to their work was very much appreciated... They were initially contacted to come to our residence to address a clogged kitchen sink drain line. It was suggested to us we replace the drain line instead of snaking it. When the old drain line was cut out and shown to me, it was amazing anything had gotten through that line! Glad we chose to replace it... We also inquired about replacing/updating all the galvanized supply lines in our home. The scope of the work needed and how it would be done was discussed to make sure we understood... We appreciated the honest assessment of how the project might or would go. While the technicians were on our project, they kept us updated with daily conversations towards the end of their working day. The finished project has been great! We were excited to finally have full flow of the hot water! Fitch is now our 'go to' plumber.
Tom P. (Charlottesville, VA)I've used Fitch for a few years now for both electrical and plumbing work. They are professional and do a great job on things both big and small. Twice we have had pretty huge jobs and they have come in under budget. Plus, the service technicians are friendly and work hard and the office staff communicates very well. Definitely recommend!
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