When summer rolls into Central Iowa, it brings warm evenings, lush green landscapes, and unfortunately, a fair share of powerful thunderstorms. From lightning strikes and downed power lines to sudden blackouts, summer storm season poses serious risks to your home’s electrical system.

One of the most common and destructive threats during this season? Power surges.

Surge protection may not be the most glamorous upgrade to your home, but when it comes to safeguarding your electronics, appliances, and overall electrical system, it's one of the smartest investments you can make—especially in storm-prone areas like Central Iowa.

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that travels through your electrical system. Most homes in the U.S. operate on 120-volt electrical systems, and anything significantly higher than that—usually caused by an external or internal event—can damage electronics and appliances.

Common Causes of Power Surges:

• Lightning strikes (direct or indirect hits to nearby power lines or transformers)

• Fallen trees or power lines during high winds

• Sudden changes in electricity demand (brownouts/blackouts)

• Cycling of large appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators

• Utility grid switching or malfunction

In Central Iowa, summer storms are especially notorious for causing lightning-induced surges and utility-related fluctuations. Even if your home doesn’t take a direct hit from lightning, a strike within a mile can send a surge through utility lines into your home.

Why Surge Protection Is Critical in Summer

1. Storm Frequency and Intensity in Central Iowa

Summer thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in this region. According to NOAA data, Iowa experiences an average of 40 to 50 thunderstorm days per year, many of which cluster between June and August. These storms bring with them lightning, high winds, and the potential for widespread power outages.

When storm-related surges hit, they can instantly fry unprotected electronics. Computers, TVs, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and even HVAC systems are all vulnerable.

2. Modern Homes = More Electronics

Homes today contain more electronics than ever before. Between smart home devices, large-screen TVs, internet-connected thermostats, and high-efficiency appliances, your home’s electrical load is both heavier and more sensitive.

A single power surge can destroy thousands of dollars' worth of devices. Surge protection helps ensure your investment is secure.

3. Insurance Limitations

While homeowner’s insurance may cover some damage caused by lightning or surges, many policies have limits or high deductibles, and often don’t cover damage to smaller electronics. Preventing the damage in the first place with a relatively low-cost solution like surge protection is far more cost-effective.

Types of Surge Protection

Not all surge protection is created equal. Depending on your home’s setup and your needs, there are two main types you should consider:

1. Whole-House Surge Protectors

Installed directly on your electrical panel, whole-house surge protectors provide a first line of defense against external surges—especially those caused by storms or utility issues. These devices stop excess voltage before it enters your home's wiring system, preventing damage at the source.

Benefits:

• Protects large appliances (HVAC, refrigerator, washer/dryer)

• Guards against external surges

• Long-lasting and low-maintenance

2. Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

These are the power strips or plug-in devices you're probably familiar with. They provide protection at individual outlets for specific devices like computers, TVs, or gaming systems. However, they work best in conjunction with a whole-house surge protector rather than as your sole line of defense.

Tips:

• Look for ones with UL certification and a joule rating of at least 1,000+

• Replace them every few years—especially after a major surge event

What to Look for in Surge Protection Installation

When considering surge protection for your Central Iowa home, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Work with a licensed electrician: Whole-house surge protectors must be installed at your electrical panel, which is not a DIY job.

• Choose a reputable brand: Eaton, Square D, and Leviton are commonly used and reliable.

• Ensure proper grounding: A surge protector is only as good as your home’s grounding system. An inspection may be required to verify everything is up to code.

• Ask about warranties: Many surge protection devices come with warranties that cover connected equipment in case of failure.

Bonus Protection Tips for Summer Storms

• Unplug during lightning storms: Even with surge protection, unplugging sensitive electronics is the safest option if a severe storm is imminent.

• Backup power options: Consider a generator or battery backup to keep essentials running during outages.

• Regular maintenance: Have your electrical system inspected annually to ensure everything is operating safely.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

Summer storms in Central Iowa are inevitable—but power surge damage doesn’t have to be. Installing surge protection in your home is a proactive, affordable way to avoid costly damage and keep your family safe.

If you're unsure whether your home has proper surge protection or would like to schedule an inspection, our licensed electricians are here to help. We’ll assess your current system, explain your options, and install the right solution for your needs.

Ready to protect your home before the next thunderstorm hits?
Contact Deaver Electric today to schedule a surge protection consultation and installation.