Check for smoke or burning
If you smell burning or see smoke after a lightning strike or surge, get out and call 911. Lightning can start hidden fires in walls and attics.
Power surge or lightning damaged circuits or equipment?
A lightning strike or utility surge can damage outlets, breakers, appliances, HVAC controls and electronics. Unplug sensitive equipment, check for smoke or burning smells, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent electrician inspects and repairs.
Am I in the right place?Yes for dead circuits, failed appliances or electronics, scorched outlets, or tripped breakers after a storm or surge.
Is this urgent?Urgent with burning smells, heat or smoke. If you see smoke, flames, or sparks that do not stop, leave the building and call 911.
What do I do next?Unplug electronics, note what stopped working, and call 833-877-1717.
HVAC not working after a surge: emergency AC or no heat.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
After a surge
Unplug sensitive equipment
Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics until power is stable and the system is checked.
Note what stopped working
List devices, outlets, breakers and appliances that failed. It helps the electrician and any insurance claim.
Hidden lightning damage
Lightning can damage wiring inside walls and start smoldering fires. If you smell burning, call 911. Never touch electrical equipment while wet or standing in water, and do not open panels or devices that are hot, buzzing, smoking or sparking. If you see smoke, flames, or sparks that do not stop, leave the building and call 911.
What surges damage
Dead outlets and circuits
Surges can damage outlets, GFCIs and breakers, leaving parts of the property without power.
HVAC and appliance failures
Control boards in AC units, furnaces and appliances are sensitive to surges. See emergency HVAC repair.
Damaged electronics
Computers, TVs, routers and smart devices can fail outright or behave erratically after a surge.
Lightning strike to the building
A direct or nearby strike can damage wiring, the panel and grounding, and may cause hidden fire damage.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home, rental or business
- When the surge or strike happened
- What stopped working
- Any burning smell, scorch marks or tripped breakers
- Whether the utility reported an outage or problem
How surge damage repair usually works
- Safety check. The electrician checks the panel, main connections and grounding for damage and overheating.
- Test circuits. Outlets, GFCIs, breakers and wiring are tested and damaged parts are replaced.
- Document damage. The electrician notes what failed and why, which helps with insurance claims.
- Prevent repeats. Whole-building surge protection and proper grounding can reduce damage from future surges.
Appliance and HVAC control boards often need the appliance or HVAC technician once the electrical system is confirmed safe.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles surge damage electrical repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Surge damage questions
Can a power surge damage my AC?
Yes. Surges can damage the control board, capacitor or compressor components. Have the electrical system and the AC checked.
Is surge damage covered by insurance?
RepairNowUSA cannot answer for your policy. Lightning damage is commonly covered under property policies, but terms vary. Document everything and contact your insurer.
Do surge protectors prevent all damage?
No. Plug-in surge strips and whole-house protectors reduce damage from many surges, but a direct lightning strike can still cause damage.
Why do some outlets work and others do not after a surge?
Surges can damage individual devices, GFCIs or breakers. Each affected circuit should be tested.
Can I call after a storm at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.