Winter in San Jose brings much-needed rain — but it also increases the risk of power outages and dangerous electrical surges that can quietly damage your home appliances.
Many homeowners don’t realize their refrigerator, washer, dryer, or dishwasher may already be compromised after a storm.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Power Surges Are Common in San Jose During Winter
Heavy rain, strong winds, and downed power lines strain the electrical grid across Santa Clara County.
When power goes out and suddenly comes back on, voltage spikes can occur. These surges can:
- Burn out control boards
- Damage motors and compressors
- Short-circuit internal wiring
- Reduce appliance lifespan
Even small surges you don’t notice can slowly weaken your appliances over time.
Appliances Most Vulnerable to Storm-Related Damage
Refrigerators
Modern refrigerators rely on sensitive electronic control boards. A sudden surge can damage the compressor or motherboard, leading to:
- Inconsistent cooling
- Loud clicking noises
- Complete failure days later
This is one of the most common post-storm service calls in San Jose.
Washing Machines
Front-load washers contain digital control panels that are highly surge-sensitive. After storms, homeowners often report:
- Error codes
- Machines not starting
- Mid-cycle shutdowns
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are frequently hardwired directly into your electrical system, making them especially vulnerable.
Signs of surge damage:
- No power
- Burning smell
- Incomplete wash cycles
Dryers
Dryers draw significant power. Voltage spikes can damage heating elements or internal thermostats.
Real Local Example
After a major winter storm last year in San Jose, multiple homeowners reported refrigerator failures 24–48 hours after power was restored. In many cases, the cause was a fried control board — a repair that could have been prevented with a surge protector.
Warning Signs After a Storm
If you experience a power outage, watch for:
- Flickering appliance displays
- Reset clocks or blinking lights
- Strange noises
- Appliances running but not performing properly
- Burning smells
These symptoms may appear days after the storm.
How to Protect Your Appliances
✔ Install whole-home surge protection
✔ Use heavy-duty appliance surge protectors
✔ Unplug small appliances during major storms
✔ Schedule preventative maintenance inspections
✔ Avoid running large appliances immediately after power is restored
When to Call a Professional in San Jose
If your appliance:
- Won’t turn on
- Makes unusual noises
- Stops cooling or heating properly
- Shows repeated error codes
It’s best to have a professional inspection before the damage worsens.
Early repair is almost always cheaper than full replacement.
