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As we flip the calendar to a fresh new year, many homeowners focus on resolutions, decluttering, and organizing their lives. However, one critical area that often gets overlooked is the electrical safety of your home. Electrical systems power everything from your daily appliances to your home office setup, making their safety and reliability essential. At Bowman Electric, we encourage homeowners to prioritize an electrical safety inspection at the beginning of each year. Here’s why:

1. Identify Potential Hazards Before They Escalate

Electrical issues can often go unnoticed until they cause significant problems, such as fires, shocks, or power outages. Annual safety inspections help identify hidden hazards, including:

  • Worn-out wiring

  • Loose connections

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Improperly installed components

Addressing these issues early can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations down the line.

2. Prepare for Winter’s Electrical Demands

Winter often brings increased electrical usage. Heaters, electric blankets, holiday lights, and home office equipment place added strain on your electrical system. An inspection ensures your panel, circuits, and outlets are ready to handle the load, reducing the risk of tripped breakers or overheating.

3. Enhance Energy Efficiency

An electrical inspection can identify outdated or inefficient systems that may be driving up your energy bills. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient solutions not only cuts costs but also reduces your carbon footprint. For instance, replacing old lighting with LED fixtures or upgrading appliances can make a noticeable difference.

4. Ensure Compliance with Current Electrical Codes

Building codes evolve over time to enhance safety. If your home is older, it’s likely your electrical system doesn’t meet today’s standards. During an inspection, a licensed electrician can recommend updates such as installing GFCI outlets in wet areas or adding surge protection to safeguard your electronics.

5. Protect Your Family’s Safety

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires. Regular electrical inspections provide peace of mind by ensuring your home is a safe environment for your family. This is especially important if you’ve recently added new electrical devices or if you’ve noticed signs of trouble like flickering lights or frequently tripped breakers.

6. Maintain Home Insurance Compliance

Many insurance policies require proof of regular home maintenance, including electrical safety inspections. Ensuring your system is up to date can prevent claims from being denied in the event of an electrical-related incident.

What to Expect During an Electrical Safety Inspection

A professional electrical safety inspection involves a thorough examination of your home’s electrical system, including:

  • Inspection of outlets, switches, and panels

  • Testing of circuit breakers and fuses

  • Evaluation of wiring and connections

  • Verification of GFCI and AFCI protection

  • Recommendations for upgrades or repairs


Start the Year Safely with Bowman Electric

Make electrical safety a priority for your household in the new year. At Bowman Electric, our licensed electricians are committed to keeping your home safe, efficient, and up to code. Schedule your annual electrical safety inspection today and gain peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands.

Contact Bowman Electric to book your electrical safety inspection and start the new year with confidence!




The holiday season is the most magical time of year, filled with sparkling lights, festive feasts, and cherished traditions. But nothing puts a damper on holiday cheer faster than a power outage caused by a winter storm. Without electricity, the lights dim, the house chills, and all those delicious holiday meals are left half-cooked. To keep the festivities glowing, a backup generator is the ultimate holiday lifesaver.

Winter Storms and Power Outages: A Recipe for Holiday Disruption

In Montana, winter storms are no stranger to heavy snow, ice, and high winds that can knock out power for hours—or even days. Just as you’re gathering with loved ones, a sudden outage can leave your home in the dark and cold. Beyond the inconvenience, outages can lead to frozen pipes, spoiled food, and unsafe conditions for your family.

Why a Backup Generator is Your Holiday Hero

A backup generator automatically kicks in when the power goes out, providing electricity to the essentials that keep your home safe, comfortable, and festive. Here’s how a generator saves the holidays:

  1. Keep the Lights On: No need to worry about Santa missing your house! A generator ensures your holiday lights, tree, and decorations shine bright through the storm.

  2. Stay Warm and Cozy: Heating systems rely on electricity to keep your home comfortable. A generator powers your furnace or space heaters so your family can stay warm when the temperatures drop.

  3. Save Your Holiday Feast: Whether it’s a turkey roasting in the oven or pies baking to perfection, a backup generator keeps your kitchen running so you don’t have to settle for sandwiches by candlelight.

  4. Power Essential Devices: From medical equipment to Wi-Fi routers and phone chargers, a generator ensures you can stay connected and safe during an outage.

  5. Avoid Frozen Pipes and Costly Damage: By keeping your heating system on, a generator helps prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting—a common winter problem that can lead to expensive repairs.

Choosing the Right Backup Generator

Generators come in different sizes and types to meet your home’s needs. For full-home coverage, a standby generator is the best choice. It’s permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically when power is lost. Bowman Electric can help you determine the right size and setup to keep your home running smoothly through the winter storms.

Peace of Mind for the Holidays

Investing in a backup generator is more than just a safety measure—it’s peace of mind. You can enjoy the holidays without worrying about disruptions, knowing that your family, home, and traditions are protected no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Don’t Wait Until the Lights Go Out

Don’t leave Santa—or your family—in the dark this holiday season. Contact Bowman Electric today to discuss installing a backup generator. From selecting the right model to expert installation, we’ll ensure your holidays are bright, warm, and worry-free.


Bowman Electric: Keeping Your Holidays Powered and Bright.




The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of decorating our homes with twinkling lights, festive displays, and charming decorations. While decking the halls can be fun, it’s important to prioritize safety when working with electrical components. Here are some essential tips to keep your holiday decorating safe and stress-free.

1. Inspect Your Lights Before You Hang Them

Did you know that even small cracks in the insulation of holiday lights can lead to shocks or fires? Before hanging lights indoors or outdoors, inspect each strand for frayed wires, damaged plugs, or broken bulbs. Replace damaged lights immediately and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED options for a safer, longer-lasting display.

2. Avoid Overloading Circuits

Holiday decorations can add significant electrical load to your home. Plugging too many lights and decorations into a single outlet or power strip can lead to overheating and tripped breakers. Use multiple circuits to spread the load, and if your outlets aren’t keeping up, consider having additional outlets installed by a professional electrician.

3. Use the Right Extension Cords

Not all extension cords are created equal. Outdoor decorations should always be plugged into weather-resistant, heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use. For indoor use, ensure cords are properly rated for the wattage of the decorations. Did you know that using an indoor-rated cord outside can lead to electrical shorts or damage from exposure to weather?

4. Secure Cords Safely

Avoid running cords under rugs, through doorways, or in high-traffic areas. Doing so can lead to tripping hazards, cord damage, or overheating. Instead, use cord protectors or tape cords securely to the ground where necessary.

5. Install GFCI Outlets Outdoors

Did you know that all outdoor outlets should be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection? This safety feature helps prevent electrical shocks, especially in wet or snowy conditions. If your home’s outdoor outlets aren’t GFCI-protected, call Bowman Electric to schedule an upgrade before hanging your lights.

6. Protect Connections From Moisture

Keep all electrical connections off the ground and away from puddles or snow. Use weatherproof outlet covers and cord connectors to shield plugs and sockets from moisture. This simple step can help prevent shorts and electrical hazards.

7. Invest in Smart Plugs and Timers

Want to make managing your holiday lights easier and safer? Smart plugs and timers allow you to automate your lighting schedule, saving energy and eliminating the need to plug and unplug decorations manually. Many smart plugs even allow remote control from your smartphone!

8. Call a Professional for Complex Installations

Planning an elaborate display or working with high-wattage decorations? It might be time to call in the professionals. Bowman Electric can assist with installing additional circuits, outlets, or even a dedicated power source for your holiday lights, ensuring your display shines safely and reliably all season long.


Spread Cheer, Not Hazards

Holiday decorating should be a source of joy, not worry. By following these electrical safety tips, you can enjoy a festive and hazard-free season. And if you need any assistance, Bowman Electric is here to help with all your electrical needs. From safety inspections to outlet upgrades, we’ll make sure your home is ready to light up the holidays.


Ready to Decorate Safely? Contact Bowman Electric today to schedule a consultation or service. Let’s make this holiday season bright and safe for your family and home!

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