Is Your Home Really Protected from the Next Lightning Strike?

Why Whole Home Surge Protection Matters More Than Ever

When lightning strikes nearby—sometimes even miles away—it can send a power surge racing through the lines into your home. You might not notice it right away. Maybe your fridge light flickers. Maybe your router dies. Maybe your brand-new washer just doesn’t start anymore. Sound familiar? Here’s the kicker: most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover damage from internal electrical surges.

Yet the average home experiences up to 20 power surges a day—most of them generated from inside the home itself. Multiply that over years, and it’s no wonder appliances start “mysteriously” failing.

So What Is Whole Home Surge Protection?

Whole home surge protection is exactly what it sounds like: a shield installed at your electrical panel that protects everything in your home—from your HVAC system to your smart fridge to your beloved 75-inch flat screen—against damaging surges.

Think of it like a security system, but instead of stopping intruders, it blocks dangerous electrical spikes from frying your investments.

Why It Matters Right Now

Here in Alabama, August is peak storm season. With increased lightning activity and power fluctuations, your home is more vulnerable than ever. And while many people use plug-in surge strips for their computers or TVs, that only protects one or two devices—not your entire home.

What about your refrigerator? Microwave? Garage door opener? Washer and dryer? Water heater? These often-overlooked appliances are just as sensitive to voltage spikes—and just as expensive to replace.

A Real Story from Right Here in Birmingham

One of our customers in Hoover thought he was protected. He had power strips on his home office gear, but when a summer storm rolled through, it tripped his breaker and knocked out his HVAC system. The surge came in through the main electrical panel—well before any power strip had a chance to stop it. Total repair cost? Over $3,000.

We installed a whole home surge protector the very next day.

Who Needs It?

If you own a home built in the last 40 years, you likely have a modern electrical panel and thousands of dollars' worth of electronics, appliances, and systems that rely on consistent power. Even older homes can be retrofitted with protection.

This is especially critical for anyone who:

• Works from home

• Owns major appliances less than 10 years old

• Has a central HVAC system

• Uses smart home tech or home security systems

• Lives in an area prone to storms (like, say… Alabama)

The Takeaway

Storm season is here. Your home may already be vulnerable—and it costs nothing to find out. That’s why this August, John’s Electric is offering a FREE Surge Protection Check with any service.

We’ll inspect your system, explain your options in plain English, and if you need protection, we’ll give you a flat-rate, no-surprise quote before we start anything.

Because protecting your home shouldn’t be a gamble.

Call us today at (205) 426-0583 or schedule your appointment online to get peace of mind before the next storm hits.