Why You Should Replace Old Surge Protectors

August 9, 2023

One of the simplest ways to add extra protection for your electronics is to power them up through a surge protector. This ought to stop any electronic surges from frying your gear—but did you know that surge protectors need replacing after a while? Even if they seem fine!

As we prepare to transform into the new How-To Geek Reviews newsletter, we’re using this week to revisit some of our biggest stories. In today’s newsletter, we’re revisiting our explainer on all the reasons you should replace your surge protectors regularly.

Other Highlights:

• Learn how bone conducting headphones work and if they’re right for you.
• Find out if it’s a good idea to use AirTags to track your cat or dog.
• Ever wondered how long solar panels last? We’ve got the answer!
• … and more!

-Dan

P.S. Don’t forget to add “newsletter@howtogeek.com” to your contact list or address book, so you don’t miss the next iteration of this newsletter when it arrives.

There’s nothing better than knowing that your valuable electronics are safe. And surge protectors give you that peace of mind for a very low price—but only if you replace them every few years. While the old surge protectors in your home may seem to function normally, they likely offer zero protection for your electronics. Read More »

As more and more companies are moving to cloud and multi-cloud environments, being able to assess the compliance of these environments properly is becoming more important. In this ebook, you’ll learn about the importance of performing cloud control assessments and how to navigate AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud environments. By the end of this book, you will be able to confidently apply and assess security controls for these environments allowing you to independently and effectively confirm compliance in the cloud. Download your copy today to get started.

If you’re an introvert like me, home workouts are your jam. You don’t have to pay for a gym membership or actually go to said gym to work out in front of other people. WeGym’s Rally X3 Pro Smart Bands delivered the full-body, reminiscent-of-the-gym home workout I’ve been waiting for. Read More »

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a common type of computer port that makes it easy to charge a device or transfer data between two devices. Since it was first developed in the 90s, USB has continued to evolve alongside technology, progressively becoming smaller, faster, and more powerful. With so many devices that use USB, it’s easy to get confused by the different connectors. But fear not—we’re going to demystify all of that today. Read More »

If you’ve ever wanted to listen to music without losing track of your surroundings, it may be time to shop for some bone conduction headphones. These specialized headphones lack speakers and leave your ears free to hear external noises, such as voices or oncoming cars. Read More »

Apple AirTags are a great way to keep track of things that get away from you often. But can they work with your pets? Let’s find out. Read More »

It’s really hot outside! If you’re dealing with the same heat wave we’re experiencing in Texas, I highly recommend this 4-pack of cooling towels. They’re perfect for wearing on a walk, at the gym, camping, or even while sitting at home. Chill one of the four large 40×12″ microfiber towels, throw it over your neck, and take a break from the blistering heat.

You can get one wet and toss it in the freezer before heading outside, or even wrap one around your arm and use it to wipe away excess sweat during a workout. Either way, you’ll be glad you have them.

Those considering adding solar panels and renewable energy to their homes probably have many questions. Some of those may include the costs of going solar, if solar panels can pay for themselves, or, more importantly, how long they last. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »