Protecting Your Appliances During Severe Weather

Protecting Your Appliances During Severe Weather

How to Avoid Damage from Power Flashes and Brownouts

When storms roll in, most people think about protecting their homes from wind and water. But there’s another silent threat that comes with severe weather — power flashes and brownouts. These sudden changes in electricity can shorten the life of your appliances or even take them out in one hit.

The good news? A few simple steps can help keep your appliances safe.

1. Unplug or Switch Off When You Can

If bad weather is in the forecast, unplug appliances you won’t need. This includes washers, dryers, microwaves, and even refrigerators if you’re home and can manage without them for a few hours. If unplugging isn’t practical, switch them off at the breaker. Even when turned off, plugged-in appliances can still be damaged by a sudden surge.

2. Use the Right Surge Protection

Not all surge protectors are created equal. Standard power strips work fine for TVs and computers, but large appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and ovens need appliance-grade surge suppressors or outlets with built-in protection.

For the best defense, consider a whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel. It stops surges before they reach any appliance in your house.

3. Guard Against Brownouts

Brownouts — when voltage drops but doesn’t fully cut out — can quietly damage motors inside appliances. If you notice a brownout happening, it is best to treat it like a blackout. Unplug or flip breakers off.

4. Wait Before Restarting

When the power comes back on, resist the urge to turn everything back on immediately. Give appliances, especially refrigerators and air conditioners, at least five minutes before restarting. This helps avoid “hard start” damage to compressors.

5. Keep Appliances Maintained

A well-maintained appliance can better handle power fluctuations. Clean refrigerator coils, make sure vents are clear, and have wiring or capacitors checked during routine maintenance.

Bottom line: Storms are unpredictable, but taking these steps can save you from costly repairs or replacements. A little preparation now can keep your appliances running smoothly long after the skies clear.