How important are surge suppressors/protectors? Are they worth the money?

In two words: very and yes. Surge suppressors protect the delicate electronics in everything from refrigerators to computers. In normal circumstances, the voltage in your house can vary enough to destroy electronics. During lightning storms, the risk is higher and more immediate. You've seen the snow on your television when you run an old vacuum cleaner. Computers and anything with a computer in it can be affected by motors turning on or off in your house. Plugging your computer into a surge suppressor plugged into the wall can protect against the snow (noise) and help protect against voltage surges from outside your house. Whole house surge suppressors (installed at your circuit breaker panel) help protect everything against voltage surges from outside but don't stop the noise generated inside the house. Depending on your situation, you may want one or both. Surge suppressors are absolutely worth the money. We know people who've lost computers, televisions, hifi equipment, and ...  more