Spring Check: Are Your Outdoor Outlets Still Safe?

As temperatures rise and homeowners start heading outdoors again, it's time to think about more than just cleaning patios and setting out the furniture. If you’re plugging in outdoor lights, grills, fountains, or power tools—your exterior outlets need just as much attention.

🌦️ Why Outdoor Outlets Wear Down Faster

Unlike indoor outlets, exterior ones face a constant battle with the elements. Fluctuating temperatures, rain, snow, and even UV exposure can all take a toll. Over time, these conditions can cause:

• Cracked or brittle outlet covers

• Corroded or loosened wiring

• Worn seals that allow moisture inside

• GFCIs that no longer function correctly

And that wear doesn’t just affect performance—it creates a real safety hazard.

🔍 What to Look For

Check for any of the following signs around your outdoor outlets:

• Loose or wobbly outlets

• Discolored or cracked covers

• No GFCI protection (test using the "test" and "reset" buttons)

• Water intrusion or signs of rust

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

💡 The Smart Fix: Weather-Rated & GFCI Protected

Today’s outdoor outlets are designed to hold up better with weather-resistant materials and code-compliant GFCI protection. Upgrading your outdoor outlets can help:

• Prevent shock hazards

• Ensure proper protection against rain and snow

• Keep you in line with current electrical codes

• Provide peace of mind when using power outdoors

🌼 Get Ready for Spring Fun

Don’t wait until the BBQ is sizzling or the kids are running through sprinklers. Let Bowman Electric inspect your outdoor outlets now and upgrade them if needed—so you're ready to enjoy the season safely and confidently.

👉 Call today to schedule your spring outdoor outlet check!

Why Whole-House Surge Protection Matters More Than You Think

When most homeowners hear the phrase power surge, they picture a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. But here's the surprising truth—the majority of surges that damage your electronics actually come from inside your own home.

🌩️ What Exactly Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a brief spike in voltage that travels through your electrical system. These spikes can be large and obvious—like when lightning strikes a utility pole—or small and subtle, caused by everyday appliances cycling on and off. Regardless of the size, surges can slowly (or instantly) damage anything plugged into your home’s outlets.

⚠️ Internal Surges: The Hidden Culprit

According to industry studies, 60–80% of all power surges originate from internal sources. That includes:

• Refrigerators and freezers

• HVAC systems (especially when compressors kick on)

• Washers and dryers

• Dishwashers and microwaves

• Power tools or equipment with motors

• Hairdryers or vacuum cleaners

These everyday devices create tiny surges each time they start or stop. Over time, those fluctuations can degrade circuit boards in TVs, computers, gaming systems, and smart home devices—leading to premature failure.

🛡️ What Does Whole-House Surge Protection Do?

Unlike plug-in surge strips that only protect individual devices, a whole-house surge protector is installed at your electrical panel to guard your entire home. It works like a pressure valve—redirecting excess voltage safely into the ground before it can travel to your outlets and fry your electronics.

Even better, whole-house surge protection doesn’t just guard against internal mini-surges. It also adds an essential layer of protection against:

• Lightning strikes nearby

• Power grid issues

• Utility switching surges

• Downed power lines

It’s a complete solution that protects every circuit, not just the ones you can see.

💡 Why Install It Now?

With summer just around the corner, your air conditioner is about to start working harder—and that’s one of the top sources of internal surges. Combine that with increased demand on the power grid, and your electrical system will be under more stress than usual.

Adding a surge protector now ensures:

• Your home is ready for the seasonal load increase

• You’re protecting new appliances or smart home investments

• Your electrical panel is working smarter, not harder

✅ The Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection

• Covers your entire electrical system—every outlet, every circuit

• Prevents costly damage to electronics, appliances, and HVAC units

• Affordable—especially when added during a panel upgrade or service visit

• Low-maintenance and long-lasting solution

• Boosts your home’s resale value with added protection and safety features

If you're investing in smart tech, upgrading your panel, or just want to extend the life of your electronics, this is a smart, protective step. Bowman Electric can install surge protection as a standalone service or bundle it into any panel or service upgrade.

Protect your home from the inside out—before those invisible surges start costing you.

Watt’s Good for the Planet: Simple Electrical Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

Every day is a good day to save energy—but Earth Day is the perfect time to make it happen. Whether you're looking to cut monthly costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or modernize your home, small changes to your electrical system can lead to big results for both your wallet and the environment.

Here are three upgrades that pack a powerful punch:

💡 1. Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs last up to 25 times longer and use a fraction of the electricity compared to incandescent or halogen options. With rebates often available and installation costs low, this is one of the easiest ways to boost efficiency.

🌡 2. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats learn your patterns and adjust heating and cooling automatically, helping you avoid energy waste. Many models offer app control, energy usage reports, and integrations with your smart home system.

⚙ 3. Consider a Whole-Home Energy Audit

Not sure where your home is losing energy? A professional energy audit can identify issues with insulation, lighting, outdated appliances, or phantom loads. We offer full audits and can recommend upgrade packages that fit your goals and budget.

🔋 Bonus: Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances

When it's time to replace older appliances, opt for ENERGY STAR-rated models. They’re designed to use less energy and water without sacrificing performance.

The Bottom Line: Going green doesn’t mean going it alone. Bowman Electric can help you make smarter electrical decisions that are good for your home and great for the Earth.

✅ Book your energy-efficient upgrade today and take a powerful step toward sustainability.