[richidoo]

The utility is a monopoly and is therefore regulated by the state to provide a consistent standard of service. You suspect your electrical service is substandard and demand an inspection and repair within 72 hours. Ask them if you need to call the state utility regulator to get them to act. Then you call the regulators and tell them your appliances are humming and overheating but the utility is dicking you around after a month of calls still no technician. Your state attorney general's office can point you to the utility regulator. The utilities also have public relations departments to deal with issues of bad service like power outages. You might find traction there. If you can get the service manager on the phone you are home free, he is salary company man. Just ask to speak to him by name. Tell his secretary you're from regulator's office... haha////  Call your state legislative representative if you need more help. One call from his secretary and the problem is over.  Keep smilin!! 

http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/detail/humbuster-iii
http://www.ciaudio.com/xdc2.html

DIY: diode bridge 30A/400v and 2 electrolytic caps 6800uF 16V soldered right to the bridge posts. Bolt it to a piece of aluminum or inside a metal chassis or hammond aluminum box for some cooling and safety. This recipe is from Occam to accompany Gordy's schematic above.

[markC]

I think I'd start by replacing that 1949 breaker panel. Does your friend with the similar problem live in the samearea with the same panel? While it may not be the root of the problem, no harm in upgrading to a modern power distribution centre and taking it from there.