Houston storm season tests every appliance with power cuts and returning surges. Built-in refrigeration and ovens use electronic controls, and those boards do not like flickering voltage. You cannot make a home storm-proof, but you can lower the odds of a bad outcome.
Before the Storm
- Install surge protection at the panel, or use plug-in protectors rated for appliances where the manual allows it.
- Note your model numbers and keep your manuals handy.
- Lower the number of door openings once you expect an outage.
During an Outage
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Use a thermometer to judge food, and follow standard guidance on perishable items rather than smell or sight. Do not run a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
When Power Returns
- Wait for steady power before restarting. Rapid cycles of on and off are hard on compressors.
- Give refrigeration time to cool and avoid reloading it right away.
- Check ovens, hoods and dishwasher displays for blank screens or odd codes.
- If a breaker keeps tripping, leave it off.
What Cannot Be Known at Once
A unit that comes back may still have a damaged board or a stressed compressor, and a problem can show up days later. Watch for a display that flickers, a unit that cycles on and off, or cabinet temperatures that creep up. A surge protector reduces risk but does not guarantee protection from a direct strike. Write down what each display showed when power returned, because that record helps if a unit acts up a week later.
If something behaves differently after a storm, book a visit. We confirm a three-hour window, give a written price before work and stand behind repairs for 30 days. See refrigerator repair or check our service area.