Top 3 Power Surge Facts from The Maynard Man

Power surges aren’t just something to worry about during a thunderstorm—they’re sneakier and more common than most homeowners realize. One split-second spike in electricity can quietly fry your favorite electronics or cut short the life of major appliances. That’s why knowing how power surges happen—and how to protect your home—is so important. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an electrician to stay ahead of the game. With expert insights from The Maynard Man, you’ll uncover three essential facts that every homeowner should know. Keep reading to learn how to safeguard your home, your devices, and your peace of mind.

What Is a Power Surge and Why It Matters

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. These spikes usually last less than a second—but that’s all it takes to cause serious damage. Surges can overload circuits and damage anything plugged in at the time—especially sensitive electronics and appliances like your home’s heating and cooling system.

Most people assume power surges only come from lightning strikes, but that’s far from the full story. In fact, the majority of surges are much smaller and more frequent, caused by everyday sources right inside your home. Over time, these “mini-surges” wear down your devices and reduce their lifespan—sometimes without any obvious warning signs.

Ignoring surge risks can lead to costly repairs, fried electronics, and even electrical fires. That’s why it’s important to understand where they come from and how to stop them before they strike.

Power Surge Fact #1 – Everyday Sources Are the Real Culprit

When most people think of power surges, they picture a dramatic lightning strike or a sudden blackout—but the truth is, everyday occurrences are far more likely to cause damage. Power surges are often generated right inside your own home, and they can happen dozens of times a day without you even noticing. That’s what makes them so dangerous.

Common Causes of Power Surges

• Large appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines cycling on and off
• Faulty wiring or aging electrical systems
• Overloaded circuits or too many devices plugged into one outlet
• Power grid fluctuations or restoration after an outage
• Nearby construction or utility work causing shifts in electrical flow

Why This Surprises Homeowners

Many homeowners assume power surges only happen during storms, but that’s just one part of the picture. In reality:

• Small surges can occur anytime your HVAC system or fridge kicks on
• These micro-surges slowly wear out your devices and electronics
• Damage is often cumulative, leading to sudden failure later—even if nothing dramatic happened
• Most surge events go completely unnoticed until it’s too late

Understanding the true sources of power surges is the first step toward preventing costly and avoidable damage.

Power Surge Fact #2 – Your Electronics Are Always at Risk

Think your electronics are safe just because you’ve never had a lightning strike or blown fuse? Think again. Power surges don’t always come with flashing lights or flickering screens. They can silently chip away at your devices over time, shortening their lifespan or causing them to fail when you least expect it. And unfortunately, the more tech you have in your home, the more you stand to lose.

What’s Vulnerable?

Modern homes are filled with sensitive electronics, all of which are at risk during even minor surges:

• Smart TVs, gaming systems, and laptops
• Wi-Fi routers, modems, and smart speakers
• Refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves
• Smart thermostats and HVAC control systems
• Home office setups including printers, monitors, and desktop computers

These items contain delicate circuitry that isn’t built to handle voltage spikes—even small ones.

Cost of Replacing Damaged Equipment

Replacing just one damaged appliance or device can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars:

• A smart TV? $500–$2,000
• A computer or home office setup? $1,000+
• HVAC control board? Often $300–$800
• Kitchen appliances? $800–$3,000+ depending on the model

Even worse, most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover surge damage unless caused by a direct lightning strike. That means the cost often falls entirely on you. Investing in proper surge protection can save you a fortune down the road.

Power Surge Fact #3 – Whole-Home Protection Is Easier Than You Think

The idea of protecting your entire home from electrical surges might sound complex or expensive—but it’s actually much simpler (and more affordable) than you’d think. While power strips and unplugging devices can help, they’re not enough on their own. A whole-home solution gives you the peace of mind that everything, from your TV to your HVAC system, is shielded from harm.

What Homeowners Can Do

You can start improving your surge protection today with a few smart habits:

• Unplug devices during major storms or when you’re away for extended periods
• Use high-quality surge protector power strips for TVs, computers, and entertainment systems
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many devices
• Have your home’s electrical system inspected if it’s older or hasn’t been checked recently

These basic practices provide an extra layer of defense—especially when paired with professional solutions.

When to Call Maynard Plumbing, Heating, Cooling

Some protection strategies go beyond DIY—and that’s where the pros come in. Contact Maynard Plumbing, Heating, Cooling when:

• You want to install a whole-home surge protector directly at your electrical panel
• You’re concerned about outdated wiring or overloaded circuits
• You’re upgrading appliances or smart home devices and want to protect your investment
• You’ve already experienced surge-related damage and want to prevent it from happening again

With expert installation and advice, Maynard can help safeguard your entire home against electrical threats.

Bonus Tips from The Maynard Man

Want to go the extra mile when it comes to protecting your home from power surges? The Maynard Man has a few extra tips up his sleeve. These simple steps can add another layer of safety and ensure your electrical system stays in top shape.

• Install a smart panel or whole-home surge protector to automatically block high-voltage spikes
• Schedule annual electrical inspections to catch hidden issues before they become problems
• Label your circuit breakers clearly so you can quickly shut off power if needed during an emergency
• Use grounded outlets and GFCI protection in key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and garages
• Avoid DIY electrical fixes—even small wiring mistakes can increase surge risks

These tips may seem small, but they go a long way toward keeping your home safe, efficient, and surge-ready.

Wrap-Up: Stay Safe with Maynard’s Surge Protection Solutions

Power surges might be quick, but the damage they cause can last for years—and cost you thousands. By understanding what really causes surges, knowing which of your devices are at risk, and taking steps to protect your entire home, you’re already ahead of the curve. The Maynard Man’s top three facts are more than just trivia—they’re tools to help you take control of your home’s electrical safety.

If you’re ready for whole-home peace of mind, the experts at Maynard Plumbing, Heating, Cooling are here to help. From surge protector installations to full system inspections, our team delivers smart, long-term protection that fits your needs. Give us a call today and let us help you keep your home—and everything in it—safe from unexpected power surges.