Surge Protection & Smart Home
Surge protection at the panel for appliances, HVAC, EV chargers and electronics, plus energy monitors, thermostats, doorbells and cameras.
Most surges aren't lightning. They come from inside, every time the AC, fridge or well pump kicks on. Each is small, but years of them wear down circuit boards from washer to furnace.
A whole-home protector costs less than most appliances it guards. Plug-in strips for TVs and computers cover the other end.
Surge and smart home work
- Whole-Home Surge ProtectionProtect electronics and appliances at the panel.
- Whole-Home Energy MonitoringSee every circuit's use on your phone.
- Smart ThermostatsShift AC use away from peak rates.
- Video Doorbells & CamerasHardwired, so no batteries to charge.
Signs you need surge protection
- Lightning, outages or utility work nearby
- New HVAC, appliances, solar or EV charger to protect
- Electronics failing early or rebooting at random
- Electric bill climbing for no clear reason
How the install goes
- Check the panel. We confirm there's space and pick the right protector for your panel and service.
- Install and ground. Mounted at the panel with short, direct leads and a verified ground.
- Set up apps. Monitor, thermostat or doorbell connected and set up with you.
- Show you how. What the indicator lights mean and when to replace it.
What it costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Whole-home surge protector at the panel (installed) | $550 to $1,100 |
Prices updated October 2026.
Surges around here
Valley thunderstorms are rare. Utility switching and summer load swings across PG&E and SMUD territory are not, and restorations after Public Safety Power Shutoffs hit foothill homes. Solar, batteries, heat pumps and EV chargers add more to protect.
Surge and smart home questions
Is a whole-home surge protector worth it?
For most homes, yes. At $550 to $1,100 installed, it covers circuits a power strip can't, like HVAC and EV chargers. The 2020 National Electrical Code requires one when service is replaced or upgraded.
Does a whole-home surge protector stop lightning?
No device stops a direct strike. A whole-home protector handles the common switching and appliance surges, and softens nearby strikes.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
Until it's used up. Most have an indicator light; replace it when protection is lost. Chief Watch and Chief Total members get replacement included.
What does a home energy monitor show?
Real-time use for the house and major circuits: what the AC, water heater, EV charger or pool pump really costs.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.