Protecting Your Fridge from Airdrie Summer Power Surges
Summer in Airdrie brings beautiful sunny days, but it also brings sudden and powerful thunderstorms rolling across the plains. These storms often lead to quick power flickers or total outages that can be very hard on your household electronics. While most people worry about their computers or televisions, your refrigerator is actually at the highest risk. Our team at Freedom Appliances Okotoks notices a major spike in service calls right after a big storm hits our area. We want to help you understand how these power surges work so you can keep your kitchen running safely all summer long.
A power surge happens when the voltage in your electrical lines suddenly jumps far above the normal level. This extra “push” of electricity flows into everything plugged into your walls. Because your fridge stays plugged in 24 hours a day, it is a sitting duck for these electrical spikes. Modern refrigerators are much more sensitive than the old models our grandparents owned because they contain complex computer chips. We believe that a little bit of preparation can save you from the stress of a warm fridge and spoiled groceries during the next Airdrie storm.
Why Modern Fridge Boards are Sensitive to Voltage Spikes
The main control board acts like the brain of your refrigerator, telling the compressor when to turn on and the fans when to spin. These boards use tiny, delicate components that can only handle a specific amount of electricity. When a surge from a lightning strike or a transformer failure hits your home, it can “fry” these small circuits instantly. You might not even see smoke or smell anything burning, but the fridge will simply stop cooling because the brain can no longer send signals.
Furthermore, internal surges happen more often than you might think. Every time your air conditioner or your vacuum cleaner kicks on, it draws a large amount of power and then releases a small “kickback” of electricity into the rest of the house. Over months and years, these tiny daily surges wear down the microchips in your fridge. Eventually, one more surge—even a small one—can be the final straw that breaks the board. If your fridge screen starts flickering or behaving strangely after a storm, you likely need professional Fridge Repair Airdrie to inspect the electrical health of your unit.
Choosing the Best Surge Protector for Your Kitchen
Many homeowners assume that a standard power bar from a big-box store will protect their appliances. However, there is a big difference between a simple power strip and a true surge protector. A power strip just gives you more outlets, while a surge protector contains a special component called an MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor). This part acts like a pressure valve that diverts extra electricity into the ground wire before it reaches your fridge.
When shopping for protection in Airdrie, you should look for a “joule rating.” This number tells you how much energy the protector can absorb before it fails. For a major appliance like a refrigerator, we recommend a rating of at least 1,000 to 2,000 joules. We also suggest looking for a protector that has an “auto-shutoff” feature. This means that once the protector has sacrificed itself to save your fridge, it stays off so no more “dirty” electricity can get through. It is a small investment that can save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
Signs Your Fridge Suffered a Power Surge
You might not know right away that a surge damaged your fridge. Sometimes the damage is “latent,” meaning the fridge keeps running but starts to fail slowly over the next few weeks. One of the first signs we see is inconsistent cooling. If your milk is cold one day but slightly warm the next, the control board might be struggling to read the temperature sensors correctly. You might also notice that the ice maker has stopped working or the interior lights are flashing.
In more severe cases, the surge can damage the compressor itself. The compressor is the heart of the cooling system, and it uses copper windings that can melt or short-circuit during a massive voltage spike. If you hear a repetitive clicking sound coming from the back of the fridge, the compressor might be trying to start but cannot because of electrical damage. If you notice any of these symptoms after a windy Airdrie storm, you should Contact Us immediately to prevent further damage to the system.
The Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
While individual plug-in protectors are great, they do not protect everything. Many Airdrie families are now opting for “whole-home” surge protection. This involves a device that a licensed electrician installs directly into your main electrical panel. This device stops large external surges from lightning or utility grid switching before they even enter your home’s wiring. This protects not only your fridge but also your dishwasher, washer, and dryer.
We believe this is the best line of defence for homes in Alberta. Since our weather can be so unpredictable, having a “gatekeeper” at the electrical panel provides massive peace of mind. Even with a whole-home system, we still suggest using plug-in protectors for your most sensitive electronics. This “layered” approach ensures that even small internal surges from other appliances won’t harm your refrigerator’s computer. It is the most robust way to ensure your kitchen stays cool through every summer heatwave.
What to Do During a Power Outage
If the power goes out in Airdrie, your first job is to protect your food, but your second job is to protect the appliance. We suggest unplugging your refrigerator as soon as the power dies. When the utility company restores the power, the initial “rush” of electricity can be very unstable. This “inrush current” is often what kills appliances. By leaving the fridge unplugged for ten minutes after the lights come back on, you allow the grid to stabilize before you reconnect your machine.
During the outage, keep the doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer can stay frozen for about 48 hours if you do not open the door. A fridge will keep food safe for about 4 hours. Once the power returns and you plug the unit back in, give it at least 24 hours to reach the correct temperature again. If the fridge does not start humming within a few minutes of being plugged back in, check your circuit breaker first. If the breaker is fine but the fridge is silent, the surge might have already done its damage.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
If you suspect a power surge hit your fridge, do not try to fix the wiring yourself. Modern appliances are very complicated and carry a risk of electrical shock even when unplugged. Our professional technicians have the right meters to test the voltage and communication signals between the different boards in your fridge. We can tell the difference between a simple blown fuse and a total control board failure. This saves you from buying expensive parts that you might not actually need.
We take pride in serving the Airdrie community with fast and honest repairs. We know how much of a hassle a broken fridge can be, especially during the busy summer months. Our goal is to get your kitchen back to normal as quickly as possible while making sure your appliance is safe for your family to use. Whether you need a simple part replacement or a full system check, we are here to help. Let us handle the technical side so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a power surge cause a fridge fire?
While it is very rare, a massive surge can cause a short circuit that generates enough heat to melt plastic or scorch a circuit board. Most of the time, your home’s circuit breaker will trip and cut the power before a fire can start. However, if you smell a pungent, burnt odour, you should unplug the unit immediately.
Why is my fridge screen showing an error code after a storm?
Smart fridges often show error codes when they detect a “logic error” or a loss of communication between parts. A power surge can scramble the computer’s memory. Try a hard reset by unplugging the fridge for ten minutes. If the code comes back, a component is likely damaged.
Will my home insurance cover surge damage?
Many home insurance policies in Alberta do cover damage from lightning strikes or major utility surges. However, you often have to prove that the damage was caused by a surge. We can provide a professional diagnostic report that you can submit to your insurance company to help with your claim.
Is a GFCI outlet enough to protect my fridge?
No, a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is designed to protect people from shocks, not to protect appliances from surges. While a GFCI might trip during a surge, it is not fast enough or strong enough to stop a high-voltage spike from damaging the electronics inside your fridge.
How do I know if my surge protector is still working?
Most surge protectors have a small light that says “Protected” or “Grounded.” If this light goes out, it means the internal MOV has been used up and the device is no longer protecting your appliance. You should replace the protector immediately if that light is dark.
Can a brownout damage my refrigerator?
Yes, a “brownout” (when the voltage drops too low) can be just as bad as a surge. When the voltage is low, the compressor motor has to work much harder to turn, which causes it to overheat. Some high-end surge protectors also protect against low voltage to prevent this type of damage.
