As temperatures rise, so does the chance of sudden, severe summer storms. Lightning strikes, high winds, and heavy rains can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system, leaving you vulnerable to power outages, costly damage to appliances, and the frustration of unplanned repairs.
Homeowners in storm-prone regions know the panic of a blackout or hearing that unmistakable snap of a fried circuit. But with the right planning and equipment, you can protect your home and wallet.
Let’s walk through how to prepare your home’s electrical system for storms, protect against surges, and minimize disruption with smart, preventative solutions from Kinsmen Electric.
How Storms Damage Home Electrical Systems
Summer storms can bring more than just a heavy downpour—they can cause thousands of dollars in damage if your electrical system isn’t prepared. Here’s how:
- Power Surges: Severe weather can cause damage to the power grid, causing a surge of electricity into your home. That spike can fry sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances in seconds.
- Outages and Blackouts: Downed trees or damaged power lines can cut electricity for hours—or days. For homes relying on electric HVAC systems, refrigeration, or medical equipment, the stakes are high.
- Water Intrusion and Damage: Flooding from intense rain or drainage backups can infiltrate electrical panels and basement circuits, leading to shorts or fire hazards.
That’s why storm safety isn’t just about staying dry—it’s about making sure your home’s wiring and power system are ready before the first thunderclap hits.
Surge Protectors and Whole-House Solutions
Think of surge protection as the seatbelt of your home’s electrical system: you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there when you do.
There are two main types of protection:
1. Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
These are the strips or outlets with built-in surge protection. They’re great for shielding individual electronics like your TV or computer. However, they don’t protect everything—and can’t handle big surges from lightning strikes or power grid failures. They are also a one time use product that would need replaced afterwards.
2. Whole-House Surge Protection
Installed directly at your main electrical panel, a whole-house surge protector guards all your home’s circuits against incoming surges. It’s your first line of defense during a storm and offers more robust protection than plug-in units.
Kinsmen Electric offers expert installation of whole-house systems, ensuring your appliances, HVAC, and expensive electronics stay safe when the grid gets hit.
Benefits of Home Generator Installation
No power? No problem. If outages are frequent in your area, a home generator can keep your household running smoothly when the grid fails.
Here’s how a generator helps:
- Immediate Backup Power: A standby generator kicks in automatically the moment it detects a power outage.
- Protects Critical Systems: Keeps sump pumps, refrigerators, HVAC, medical devices, and internet services online.
- Peace of Mind: No more tossing out spoiled food or sweating through a heatwave while you wait for power to return.
- Adds Home Value: Buyers are increasingly attracted to homes with built-in backup systems, especially in storm-prone regions.
Kinsmen Electric installs both portable and whole-home generators, and we’ll help you determine the right size and style based on your family’s needs.
Maintenance Tips Before and After a Storm
Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to minimize electrical damage during a storm. Here are our top storm safety tips to keep your system healthy:
Before the Storm:
- Inspect Your Electrical Panel: Look for rust, corrosion, or outdated wiring. Have Kinsmen Electric perform an electrical inspection if anything looks suspicious.
- Unplug Electronics: During an intense storm, unplug non-essential items to avoid surge damage.
- Check for Tree Hazards: Trim back branches that could fall onto power lines or your home.
- Test Your Generator: Run your generator monthly and keep fuel or maintenance supplies stocked.
After the Storm:
- Do a Safety Check: Don’t touch any downed wires. Call your utility company or electrician immediately if you see anything concerning.
- Inspect for Water Damage: If your basement or electrical panel got wet, have a professional inspect it before turning anything back on.
- Reset Surge Protectors: After a major event, your whole-house surge protector may need to be reset or replaced. Many models have indicator lights to show their status.
How Kinsmen Electric Prepares Your Home for Storm Season
At Kinsmen Electric, we believe in preventing problems—not just fixing them.
Our storm prep services include:
- Comprehensive Electrical Inspections: We’ll evaluate your home’s current system, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend upgrades.
- Surge Protection Installation: We provide whole-home surge protectors and high-quality point-of-use devices.
- Home Generator Installation: From portable options to fully-integrated standby systems, we help you choose and install the best backup power solution.
- Wiring and Panel Upgrades: If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll make sure it’s ready to handle the demand of today’s appliances—and tomorrow’s storms.
We understand your home is more than a structure—it’s where your family lives, grows, and makes memories. Let us help you protect it.
Prepare NOW!
Don’t wait until the storm hits to take action. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home’s electrical system from summer storm damage. Whether it’s through surge protection, generator installation, or proactive maintenance, Kinsmen Electric is your partner in power outage prep and peace of mind.Get ahead of the storm. Contact Kinsmen Electric today for a consultation—and take the first step toward storm-proofing your home.