Space Heater Electrical Safety — Stay Cozy Without Risk

When temperatures drop, space heaters become a quick fix for cold bedrooms, offices, and garages. But while they’re great for adding extra warmth, they also draw a high amount of electrical current, and improper use can easily overload circuits or start a fire.

Many homeowners don’t realize that most power strips and extension cords aren’t built to handle the constant demand of a space heater. It only takes minutes for an overloaded cord to overheat — and by the time you notice the smell of melting plastic, damage has already begun.

Space heaters should be plugged only into wall outlets — never into extension cords, surge protectors, or power strips. Those cords and devices can overheat under heavy loads, creating a hidden fire risk behind your furniture.If you don’t have an outlet where you need one, we can install one safely and correctly so you can stay warm and worry-free all winter.

🔥 The Right Way to Use a Space Heater

To keep your home and family safe, always follow these simple but critical safety steps:

• Plug directly into a wall outlet. Avoid cords, adapters, and multi-plug connectors.

• Keep a 3-foot safety zone around the heater — away from curtains, bedding, or furniture.

• Set it on a level, nonflammable surface like tile or hardwood, never on carpet or countertops.

• Inspect the cord and plug before each use. Replace any heater with frayed or discolored wiring.

• Turn off and unplug the heater when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Check the label. Look for UL or ETL safety certification to ensure it meets fire safety standards.

Even small space heaters can pull 1,500 watts or more, roughly the same as a hair dryer running nonstop. If you’re using multiple devices on the same circuit — lights, chargers, TVs — that extra load can push your system past its limits.

⚙️ When to Call a Licensed Electrician

If your space heater causes lights to flicker, outlets to feel warm, or breakers to trip, those are warning signs your circuit is overloaded. Don’t ignore them — your wiring could be under stress every time you plug that heater in!

At Bowman Electric, we can:

✅ Add dedicated outlets or circuits designed for space heaters or other high-demand devices.

✅ Inspect your electrical panel to ensure it’s distributing power safely.

✅ Upgrade old or damaged wiring so your home can handle today’s modern power needs.

These small upgrades not only keep your home safer — they also prevent nuisance trips and extend the life of your electrical system.

Light the Way Before the Dark Evenings Arrive

As the evenings get darker earlier, it’s easy to notice dim spots in your home or yard that felt fine just a few weeks ago. Check your exterior lighting, porch fixtures, and motion sensors to make sure they’re all functioning properly. If your walkways or driveways are poorly lit, consider adding LED path lights or motion-sensor fixtures to increase both safety and visibility.

Inside, it might be time to switch out older bulbs for brighter, energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer, cost less to run, and create a cleaner, more inviting light for those long winter evenings.

🕒 ⏰ Recheck Timers, Smart Switches & Outlets

The time change also means your lighting schedules may now be off by an hour. If you use outdoor timers, holiday lighting, or smart switches, take a few minutes to adjust their settings so lights come on right when you need them.

While you’re at it, test your outdoor GFCI outlets — if they trip frequently or don’t reset, it could signal water intrusion or wear from previous seasons. Replacing them now prevents bigger issues later when snow or freezing rain arrives.

🔋 ⚡ Seasonal Safety Starts Indoors Too

Daylight Savings is also a great annual reminder to:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (replace batteries if needed)

• Check outlets for warmth or buzzing sounds

• Avoid overloading extension cords or daisy-chaining power strips

• Unplug devices you don’t use often to save energy

Even small maintenance steps can make a big difference in preventing electrical fires and improving energy efficiency through the winter months.

🏠 Bowman Electric: Here to Keep Your Home Safe & Bright

At Bowman Electric, we believe seasonal changes are the perfect time to pause, reset, and make sure your home’s electrical system is ready for what’s ahead. From outdoor lighting upgrades and GFCI replacements to interior fixture updates and full system inspections — we’re here to help you fall back safely and light up your home for the darker months ahead. ⚡

Designing the Perfect Entertainment Space Starts with Power

Gaming computers, large TVs, streaming lights, and subwoofers might look harmless — but together, they can draw more power than your kitchen appliances. A single gaming PC with dual monitors can use 800–1000 watts on its own! Add a mini-fridge, speakers, or LED lighting, and that “fun setup” suddenly becomes a power-hungry zone.

Older homes especially weren’t wired with this kind of tech load in mind. Circuits that once handled lamps and a TV are now powering entire entertainment ecosystems — and they’re struggling to keep up.

⚡ 💡 What Happens When Circuits Are Overloaded

If your gaming area shares a circuit with other parts of your home, you may notice:

• Flickering lights when equipment starts up

• Breakers that trip during long gaming sessions

• Hot outlets or buzzing sounds

• Random reboots or performance drops on your PC or console

These are signs your system is maxed out. Constant overloading doesn’t just trip breakers — it causes wiring to overheat, increases fire risk, and can shorten the lifespan of your gear.

🔌 🎯 The Solution: Dedicated Circuits

A dedicated circuit gives your setup its own line of power straight from the electrical panel — meaning your console, gaming PC, or theater system isn’t competing with other rooms or devices.

✅ No more mid-match breaker trips

✅ Stable voltage for sensitive electronics

✅ Safer wiring and longer equipment life

✅ Cleaner audio and video with less interference

This one upgrade not only protects your investment — it keeps the fun going without interruptions.

🏠 🛠️ Designed for Your Setup

Every entertainment space is different. Whether you’re designing a gaming corner, a full-blown streaming room, or a movie-night theater, Bowman Electric can calculate your home’s electrical load and customize a dedicated circuit that fits your needs. We’ll make sure your power is balanced, your outlets are in the right spots, and everything is code-compliant and future-ready.

At Bowman Electric, we know how much your home’s power impacts your comfort and lifestyle. Whether you’re setting up a gaming station, designing a home theater, or upgrading your electrical system for safety, our licensed electricians make sure your power is ready to perform. From start to finish, we focus on quality, integrity, and lasting solutions—because your home deserves nothing less.