A whole-home surge protector is one of the best investments to safeguard your home’s electrical system. But how much does it cost?
The total whole-home surge protector cost depends on factors such as the type of surge protector, installation complexity, and home size. Whether you’re looking to protect major appliances or an entire home system, understanding the whole-house surge protector installation cost helps you budget effectively.
This article breaks down pricing, installation costs, and the key benefits of surge protection for your home.
Average Cost of Whole-Home Surge Protectors
The average cost of a whole-home surge protector ranges from $200 to $500 for the device itself. However, for larger homes or advanced protection systems, costs can exceed $700.
Installation Cost: Professional installation adds $150 to $300, depending on your home’s electrical setup and panel complexity.
Whole-Home Surge Protector Costs by Type
Surge protector costs vary by type. Three main types exist for your electrical devices.
Each protects against unexpected power surges to help extend the lifespan of electronics and appliances. Their differences lie in the placement and the extent of coverage.
| Type | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Installed between the utility pole and the home meter. Offers the highest level of protection against external surges (e.g., lightning strikes). | $300 – $700+ |
| Type 2 | Installed at the main electrical panel to protect home appliances and circuits. Most common for residential homes. | $100 – $400 |
| Type 3 | Point-of-use surge protectors, like power strips. Used to protect individual devices. | $20 – $100 |
4 Factors That Affect Whole-Home Surge Protector Costs
Several factors impact the total cost of installing a whole-home surge protector:
- Home Size: Larger homes might need stronger surge protectors, increasing the whole-home surge protection cost. This helps mitigate voltage spikes that travel across your entire home’s electrical system.
- Electrical System Complexity: Homes with complex systems or sub-panels may need extra protection, raising the cost of a surge protector. Multiple service panels often demand multiple protection devices.
- Brand & Quality: Reputable brands offer higher-quality models, often at higher price points. Investing in quality ensures better long-term savings from unexpected power and costly repairs.
- Installation Costs: Professional installation adds $150 to $300 to the protector cost, depending on location and job complexity. A professional electrical installation is safer and can avoid costly issues later.
Why Whole-Home Surge Protectors Are Worth It
The cost of whole-home surge protection is an investment. It safeguards against the destructive effects of small surges, which often go unnoticed and shorten the lifespan of electrical devices over time.
Comprehensive Protection
A whole-home surge protector covers all appliances, offering protection for electrical appliances and preventing small surges, offering comprehensive protection to the electrical outlets in your home. It shields electronic devices from the damaging effects of both internal and external surges.
Potential Insurance Savings
Some insurance companies offer discounts for professionally installed protection, offsetting the initial cost and contributing to long-term savings.
Power surges, often from lightning strikes, cost an estimated $1 billion annually, says the Insurance Information Institute. The average surge-related insurance claim is around $12,000, emphasizing the cost of not being protected.
Unexpected power can come from a variety of internal and external sources, affecting a power source.
Extended Lifespan of Electronics
Protecting electrical appliances against power surges prevents damage to expensive electronics and costly repairs, saving money and reducing electronic waste.
Peace of Mind
A whole-home surge protector offers peace of mind against power surges. This protects everything connected to your home’s electrical system, from your security cameras to your HVAC systems, and prevents damage caused by power surges and lightning strikes.
Choosing the Right Whole-Home Surge Protector
When choosing a surge protector, consider these key elements to protect against power surges, internal surges, and damaging surges that happen:
- Maximum Surge Current Capacity: The IEEE recommends at least 20kA for reliable protection. This will better help protect against unexpected power.
- MCOV: For U.S. homes (120V), choose an MCOV of at least 138V.
- Warranty: Some warranties cover connected equipment if the protector fails. Make sure protecting electrical devices is top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Safe From Power Surges
Professional surge protection installation, while having an added surge protector installation cost, offers long-term protection and saves you on the other whole-home surge protector costs related to the replacement of other items damaged by power surges.
Protect your home and valuable electronics with a professionally installed whole-home surge protector from Brand Home Service. Our team of licensed electricians ensures top-quality installation, safeguarding your appliances from unexpected power surges and electrical spikes.
Contact us today for whole-home surge protectors in Lafayette, IN, and take the first step toward a safer, surge-free home!
