The Silent Strain: How Summer Heat Affects Your Electrical Panel

When we think about summer’s impact on the home, we usually focus on cooling systems, outdoor equipment, or energy bills — but your electrical panel may be feeling the heat too, and it’s not something most homeowners ever consider.

Your panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system, and during summer months, it works harder than usual. A/C units, portable fans, dehumidifiers, freezers, outdoor entertainment systems, and even electric vehicle chargers can push aging panels to their limits. Add in high ambient temperatures and you’ve got a recipe for tripped breakers, reduced efficiency, or even fire hazards.

🔥 Heat + Load = Hidden Risk

Panels located in garages, utility rooms, or sun-exposed exterior walls are especially vulnerable. Over time, heat causes internal components and breakers to expand, contract, and degrade — weakening their ability to safely trip when there’s a problem.

⚠️ Signs your panel may be stressed:

• Frequent or random breaker trips

• Breakers that feel warm to the touch

• Flickering lights during hot afternoons

• A buzzing or humming sound near your panel

Don’t ignore the signs. Bowman Electric offers professional panel inspections, breaker replacements, and complete panel upgrades to make sure your home is safe and summer-ready.

☀️ Don’t wait until something fails during the next heat wave — call us today to schedule a checkup and keep your power flowing safely all summer long.

Stay Powered Up This Summer: Why Generators Aren’t Just a Winter Thing

When most people think about backup generators, ❄️ winter storms and freezing temps come to mind. But the reality is, summer can be just as risky — and sometimes even more disruptive when it comes to power outages.

From severe windstorms and fast-moving lightning strikes to wildfire-related grid shutdowns and energy demand overloads, summer outages are on the rise. And when the power goes out during a 90-degree day, you're not just losing lights — you're potentially facing heat-related health issues, food spoilage, and breakdowns in critical home systems.

🌡️ Here’s what’s at risk during a summer outage:

• Spoiled food from a powerless fridge or freezer

• Medical equipment suddenly shutting down

• Loss of A/C or fans, which can quickly turn dangerous in high heat

• Disrupted work-from-home setups or smart security systems

• No phone charging or communication during wildfires or storms

That’s why having a reliable backup power source isn’t just smart for winter — it’s a must-have for year-round peace of mind.

At Bowman Electric, we install everything from:

• ✅ Portable generator hookup panels for occasional use

• ✅ Whole-home standby generators that kick on automatically during an outage

• ✅ Custom setups based on your home’s unique layout and essential load needs

🔥 Why install before the next heatwave hits? Because when summer outages strike, electricians and generator companies often get booked out fast. Getting your system in place now means you're protected when everyone else is scrambling for service.

Whether you’re looking to power a few essential appliances or keep your whole home running seamlessly, Bowman Electric has a backup power solution tailored to you.

📞 Call us today at 406-880-4777 to get your summer generator quote scheduled — and enjoy the rest of the season with power and peace of mind.

Why Your Portable A/C Might Need Its Own Circuit (And What That Means for Your Home)

Portable air conditioners are a lifesaver in the summer heat—but if they’re causing your breakers to trip or dimming your lights every time they start, there’s more going on behind the scenes. What your home likely needs is a dedicated circuit for that unit. Here’s why it matters—and how it keeps your home safer and cooler.

⚡1. Portable A/Cs Pull More Power Than You Think

While they plug into a standard 120V outlet, most portable A/Cs draw between 9 to 12 amps—and that’s just one appliance. If that outlet shares a circuit with lights, TVs, or other devices, it doesn’t take much to exceed the circuit’s safe load.

🚨2. Breaker Trips Aren’t Just Inconvenient—They’re a Warning

If your portable unit frequently trips the breaker, it’s not a fluke. That breaker is doing its job to prevent overload and overheating. Ignoring these trips can lead to overheated wires, melted insulation, or worse—an electrical fire.

✅3. A Dedicated Circuit = Cooler, Safer, More Reliable Operation

Adding a dedicated circuit means your A/C unit has its own power line, free from other competing loads. This minimizes strain on your panel and ensures consistent performance, especially during extreme temps when you need it most.

🛠️4. It’s an Easy Fix That Pays Off Fast

Upgrading to a dedicated circuit is a relatively small project that can prevent major damage—and even extend the life of your A/C. Plus, it's one of those fixes that offers peace of mind all summer long.

Not Sure If You Need One? Here’s What to Look For:

• Breaker trips when A/C runs

• Lights dim when the unit kicks on

• Warm or buzzing outlets near the unit

• A/C shuts off unexpectedly

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to call in a professional.

Bowman Electric can help. We’ll assess your setup, ensure your panel can handle the load, and install a safe, code-compliant dedicated circuit that gives your A/C room to breathe.

📞 Call us today at 406-880-4777 before the next heat wave hits. Let’s keep your home cool and electrically sound.