Are Your Appliances Ready for a Power Outage?

Lights flicker, screens go dark, and a sudden silence settles in. The power just went out! Refrigerators sit idle, washers pause mid-cycle, and electric ranges stop cooking. In this situation, is there something you should do to protect your appliances when the power surges back on? A proactive plan ensures long-term appliance health and peace of mind.

Power Outage Appliance Risks

Power outages are annoying and inconvenient, but even worse, following a power outage is the occasional power surge. While we are pleased the power is back on, power surges pose risks to major appliances. These surges can fry control boards, damage compressors, and overwhelm circuits. Smart appliances can suffer memory loss or failed resets. Washers and dishwashers, caught mid-cycle, leave water sitting, risking leaks or mildew. Can you avoid these situations? Here is what we recommend:

Pre-Outage Prep Tips

If you are aware that a storm is rolling in that may cause power outages, unplug sensitive appliances such as televisions, computers and monitors, microwaves, coffee makers or countertop ovens, dishwashers, and front-load washers and dryers with digital displays. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed — cold air stays trapped for about 4 hours (fridge) to 48 hours (freezer) when sealed in and left undisturbed, but do not unplug them in advance! For critical needs like medical refrigerators, consider battery backup solutions, portable power sources, or permanent emergency generators.

Post-Outage Recovery Tips

When the power is back on, wait 5–10 minutes before plugging your appliances back in. It is not unusual for power to surge on and then cut out all over again. Sudden restarts may overload components such as control/circuit boards, compressors, motors, and pumps. Watch for error codes, flashing displays, or delayed startups. Following these recommended tips will protect your appliances during power outages.

When To Call A Pro

Power outages don’t need to end in costly repairs. If something doesn’t sound right or act as expected after a power loss, contact River City Appliance for a full diagnostic. Burning smells, strange sounds, or inconsistent cycles deserve professional attention. River City Appliance is here to help!