Surge Protection for Your Home: Whole-House vs Point-of-Use

Today’s homes have state-of-the-art technology and smart devices that require electricity to run. Unexpected power surges can damage these devices and lead to significant repair and replacement costs. By investing in a whole-house surge protector, you can stop unexpected power fluctuations from damaging your costly electronics.

Why Surge Protection Matters

Power surges can happen for a variety of reasons. Anytime there is a major storm or a problem with the grid, power levels can spike. Large appliances cycling on can also cause brief voltage fluctuations, though most surges originate from lightning strikes, utility switching, or faulty wiring.

When these power surges occur, they can impact the safety of your family. A surge increases the likelihood of a fire or electric shock. It can also damage your electronics and HVAC systems over time. If the surge is strong enough, it can overheat and melt your home’s wiring. Besides increasing the risk of fires, this can also lead to future wiring repairs and rewiring.

What Is Point-of-Use Surge Protection?

While a whole-house surge protector is designed to protect your entire home, point-of-use surge protection targets one specific area. These devices divert excess current to the ground line, so your electronics are protected from the sudden spike in energy.

Examples

You can get a variety of different point-of-use surge protection for your home. Power strips and outlet-based protectors are the most popular options. You can also get plug-in adapters that can be used for a single item, such as a smartphone or tablet.

Pros

These units have a number of important benefits for homeowners in Bend and Redmond.

• Affordable: Point-of-use surge protection is much cheaper than whole-house systems because they only need to be installed in specific areas.
• Easy to Install: Whether you use a plug-in adapter, outlet-based protector, or power strip, these units are fast and easy to set up. Unlike a whole-home system, you don’t need to hire an electrician to plug in a power strip.
• Device-Specific Protection: If you have a computer, smartphone, or large appliance that you want to protect from damage, these point-of-use devices are an effective option.

Cons

When it comes to surge protection for a home, it’s also important to consider some of the downsides associated with point-of-use systems. The biggest drawback is that they only provide limited coverage. They protect plugged-in devices, but other devices can still be damaged by unexpected power surges.

What Is Whole-House Surge Protection?

When it comes to electrical surge safety, whole-house protection is the most effective option. These units are extremely effective at stopping power surges, although they tend to come with a higher upfront cost.

How It Works: Installed at the Electrical Panel

With this type of system, one of our electricians installs the surge protector into your electrical panel. When everything is working properly, the surge protector just waits and monitors the electrical flow. As soon as a surge occurs, the surge protector conducts the electricity using a low-resistance path. When the electrical surge dissipates, the surge protector stops conducting electricity, and the electrical panel resumes its normal functioning.

Pros

By investing in whole-house protection, you can enjoy a few key benefits.

• Whole-House Coverage: One of the most significant benefits of a whole-house system is that it covers every device and outlet that is linked to your circuit breaker panel.
• Appliance and HVAC Protection: Many of your appliances and HVAC equipment are expensive to replace. By preventing damage, you can save money in the long run.
• EV Chargers: EV chargers pull a lot of energy, and sudden surges can damage your EV. Whole-house systems protect your vehicle and charging equipment from damage.

Cons 

While there are some advantages to whole-home systems, there are downsides to consider as well. Unlike a power strip, these systems need to be installed by a professional. They also cost more upfront, which can make them prohibitive for some homeowners.

Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use: Which Is Right for You?

If you are uncertain about which system works best for your family’s needs, we can help. Our electricians can evaluate your existing setup and discuss the best options for your needs.

While each home is different, we generally recommend using layered protection. Installing whole-house surge protection ensures the best level of safety for your family and electric systems. Then, point-of-use systems can be used to provide added protection for your sensitive electronics.

Cost of Installing Surge Protection

The average for whole-house surge protection is $300, but the pricing can vary between $70 and $700. To put this in context, replacing a fridge will set you back between $430 and $10,600. A dryer costs an average of between $435 and $2,300 to replace. If one or more of your appliances are damaged in a power surge, the repair costs quickly add up to more than the cost of surge protector installations in Bend, OR.

Why Hire a Professional Electrician

If you’re interested in lightning protection for your home, it’s essential to work with a professional electrician. By partnering with Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical’s licensed electricians, you can enjoy a few key benefits.

• Safe Installation: When you use an experienced electrician, you can enjoy better peace of mind.
• Permitting and Code Compliance: Setting up surge protection typically requires permits. Our team can ensure your system is in full compliance with local building and electrical codes.
• Local Expertise: We understand what Bend and Redmond homes need to achieve the highest level of protection.

Surge Protection Services in Bend & Redmond, OR

Central Oregon Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has served local homeowners in Bend, Madras, and Redmond since 1993. Over the decades, we have built a reputation for being the area’s most trusted installer. From money-back guarantees to free estimates, we do everything possible to provide upfront pricing and 100% satisfaction on every project. From same-day services to emergency repairs, we can help with all of your electrical issues.

Schedule your whole-home surge protector installation today!