Hurricane season officially starts June 1, but in Central Florida the real risk to your appliances isn’t just the big storm — it’s the power surges that come with everyday summer lightning and the flicker when the grid comes back on. Those surges quietly destroy the electronic control boards that run modern refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges and dishwashers. A little protection now saves an expensive board later.
Why surges hurt appliances
Today’s appliances are run by circuit boards, not simple mechanical switches. A voltage spike — from a lightning strike nearby or power restoring after an outage — can fry a control board in an instant. The appliance may look fine, then simply not turn on. Board replacements are among the pricier repairs, which makes prevention worth it.
1. Use surge protection on plug-in appliances
Quality surge protectors are cheap insurance for anything on a standard outlet — especially a garage or second refrigerator, and countertop appliances. Look for a protector with a clear joule rating, and replace it every few years or after a big hit.
2. Consider whole-home surge protection
Hardwired appliances (range, some dryers, built-in units) can’t use a plug-in strip. A whole-home surge protector installed at the panel by a licensed electrician covers everything at once — the best protection for a house full of modern appliances in lightning country.
3. Unplug before a known outage
If a storm is bearing down, or the utility warns of planned work, unplugging major plug-in appliances removes the risk entirely. The most dangerous moment is often when power surges back on.
4. After an outage, wait before restarting
When power returns, give it a minute before running big appliances, and let a refrigerator settle rather than power-cycling it repeatedly. See our guide on protecting appliances after a power outage.
If a surge already got you
A dead control board isn’t always the end — many are replaceable, and it’s often worth diagnosing before replacing the whole appliance. We service all major brands with same-day appointments across Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding area. Call (386) 308-2564 to book a diagnostic visit.
