If you have a lot of appliances running at once,  you can actually increase your chance of having a surge. When high-powered electrical devices such as AC units and refrigerators are working at peak capacity, it takes a lot of energy to keep their motors and compressors going. This high demand can upset the steady voltage flow through your electrical system.

You should also unplug your important appliances during a power outage. There is often a surge when the electricity comes back on.

Additionally, consider a surge protection device which goes in the electric panel where the circuit breakers or fuses are located. The suppressor will channel the extra electricity during the power surge and prevent it from getting into your main system. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of storms, a lightning rod might be a good idea to mitigate the damage of a direct strike. Finally, make sure your homeowner's policy insures you in case a surge does knock out your devices, despite your best efforts to protect them.

Your local Mister Sparky® electrician can help protect your electronics and appliances with whole-home surge protection. Give us a call and we'll explain the options and help you make the right choice for you.

Like the rest of the country, property values in Des Moines continue to rebound from the housing recession that caused so many headaches and heartbreaks. With the housing market in Polk County on the rise, many residents in the area are purchasing homes and immediately starting on renovation projects to even further increase the value of their home. However, while many people can get instantly excited to start remodeling a kitchen as part of their new home’s makeover, one thing that is often overlooked is the house’s wiring. If you have recently purchased a home or are considering doing so, it is important to call a residential electrician to inspect the residence’s current wiring structure and possibly conduct an entire house re-wiring.

Older homes were not built with the anticipation of modern appliances, and therefore purchasing and renovating an older home will most certainly require an electrician to properly prepare for your new stainless steel appliances. Additionally, homes built in the early part of the 20th century were not equipped to handle conveniences we now take for granted, such as deep freezes and clothes dryers. While many of us keep deep freezes to stock up on staples such as ground beef and expect to be able to dry our family’s clothing without heading to a laundromat, it is extremely important to ensure your home has the proper electrical services before plugging in. Your best bet is to call a local electrician you can trust, and in Des Moines, that means calling Electrical Gurus. Our licensed electricians are experts in house wiring, and we can help you be certain that your new home is ready for your appliances.