By Ted Shoop
Florida homeowners know that summer isn’t just about sunshine and beaches—it’s also peak season for sudden storms, lightning strikes and power fluctuations that can occur without warning. In regions like the Panhandle and along the Gulf Coast, frequent thunderstorms create a high-risk environment for electrical surges that can damage sensitive electronics, HVAC systems, security equipment and smart-home devices. While a standard power strip might protect a single device, it won’t shield your entire home from the kind of voltage spike caused by a nearby lightning strike or utility grid switching.
A whole-home surge protector, professionally installed at your electrical panel, acts as a first line of defense by diverting excess voltage before it enters your circuits. This is especially critical for modern homes packed with high-value electronics and interconnected systems—from Wi-Fi routers and entertainment centers to refrigerators, washing machines and programmable thermostats. Over time, even small, undetected surges can degrade components, shortening the lifespan of appliances and increasing long-term repair or replacement costs.
My family recently hired an electrician to install a Square D Surge Arrest in our Hammock Bay home. The peace of mind was worth the approximately $250 cost, and the device comes with a three- to five-year equipment warranty covering up to $75,000 in damage, depending on the size of the unit selected. If preferred, you can also eliminate many of the surge strips throughout your home.
Ted Shoop is a seasoned Realtor with eXp Realty who provides expert advice and guidance to those selling, buying or maintaining a home.
