Why Your Appliances Break Down After a Power Outage (and How to Prevent It)
Power outages are frustrating enough on their own—but they can also damage your home appliances if you’re not careful. Many homeowners don’t realize the risk until their fridge won’t cool or their washer won’t start after the power returns.
In this blog, we’ll explain why your appliances can break down after a power outage, what signs to look out for, and most importantly, how you can prevent damage before it happens.
How Power Outages Affect Appliances
When power is suddenly cut and then restored, your appliances experience stress—especially sensitive or high-powered ones like refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, and washing machines. Here’s how:
1. Power Surges
When the power comes back on, there’s often a surge of electricity. This can overwhelm an appliance’s electrical system and burn out circuits or fuses.
2. Sudden Voltage Changes
Some appliances rely on a steady voltage to run safely. A sudden drop or spike in voltage can damage motors, compressors, or electronic control boards.
3. Interrupted Cycles
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens often operate in timed or sequenced cycles. A sudden shutdown during operation can confuse the control system or leave parts like the drain pump or heating element in an unstable state.
4. Overheating Components
If a fan-based appliance (like a refrigerator or desktop computer) loses power while running hot, the internal temperature may rise before it can cool down again—potentially damaging internal components.
Common Appliances Affected After an Outage
- Refrigerators & Freezers – May stop cooling or show error codes.
- Washing Machines – May get stuck mid-cycle or not power on.
- Microwaves & Ovens – May lose programming or short out.
- HVAC Units – Compressors or thermostats can be damaged.
- Dishwashers – May leak or fail to restart properly.
Signs of Appliance Damage After a Power Outage
Be on the lookout for the following after an outage:
- Strange noises or burning smells
- Appliance won’t turn on
- Blinking error codes on digital displays
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Unusual heat or no cooling in fridges or ACs
How to Prevent Appliance Damage During Power Outages
Good news—there are simple steps you can take to protect your appliances:
1. Unplug Major Appliances During an Outage
If you know an outage is coming (like during a storm), unplug sensitive or high-powered appliances to protect them from surges when power returns.
2. Use Surge Protectors
Install surge protectors for individual appliances or consider a whole-house surge protection system. These devices absorb excess electricity before it reaches your appliances.
3. Invest in a Backup Generator
If outages are frequent, a standby generator can help maintain steady power and avoid damage due to sudden shutoffs and restarts.
4. Wait Before Plugging Back In
After power is restored, wait a few minutes before plugging appliances back in. Let the electrical flow stabilize first.
5. Have a Professional Inspection
If you suspect damage or something isn’t working right, don’t guess—call an appliance repair professional to assess and fix the issue safely.
Final Thoughts
Appliance breakdowns after a power outage can be costly and inconvenient. But with the right precautions—like unplugging during storms, using surge protectors, and staying alert—you can save yourself from stress and repair bills.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn appliance after a blackout, don’t wait for things to get worse. Contact our expert appliance repair team today and we’ll get things running smoothly again.