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 A professional energy audit can identify issues with insulation, lighting, outdated appliances, or phantom loads.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.

Ungrounded Outlets — What They Are and Why You Should Have Them Fixed

If your home has outlets with only two slots and no round grounding hole, it likely means your electrical system is outdated — and possibly unsafe. Ungrounded outlets are more than just old-fashioned. They can’t properly protect your appliances or your family from electrical faults, surges, or shock hazards.

Let’s break down what ungrounded outlets really mean and why addressing them should be a priority.

What Does “Grounded” Mean in Electrical Terms?

Electrical grounding provides a safe path for stray electricity to travel back to the ground (earth) if there’s a fault — like a short circuit or surge. A grounded outlet has three connections:

• Hot wire: carries power into the device.

• Neutral wire: carries electricity back to the panel.

• Ground wire: a safety route for excess current.

When an outlet is ungrounded, it’s missing that safety route — so if something goes wrong, the electricity could travel into your devices, your walls, or worse, into a person.

Why Ungrounded Outlets Are a Safety Hazard

Ungrounded outlets might seem harmless, especially if they’ve “worked fine for years,” but the risks are real:

• Surge Vulnerability: Without grounding, your electronics have no defense against voltage spikes from lightning or utility surges.

• Shock Risk: Faulty appliances or wiring can become live without warning — especially dangerous in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.

• Fire Risk: Arcing or overheating can occur behind walls when faults have nowhere safe to go.

• Code Compliance: Most electrical codes now require outlets to be grounded, especially in any room near water.

• Insurance Liability: In the event of damage or fire, some insurance claims may be denied due to outdated or unsafe wiring.

What Can You Do About Ungrounded Outlets?

Fixing ungrounded outlets isn’t just about swapping out a faceplate — it takes a licensed electrician to properly diagnose and safely upgrade the wiring behind the walls. Here’s what we can do at Bowman Electric:

• Upgrade to Grounded Outlets: We’ll replace outdated two-prong outlets with three-prong grounded ones, ensuring each circuit has the proper grounding path.

• Install GFCI Protection: In some cases, especially if full rewiring isn't immediately possible, we can install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets as a temporary safety measure. While not a true ground, GFCIs monitor current and shut off power if a fault is detected.

• Inspect and Test Your System: We’ll assess your wiring, confirm if grounding is present, and recommend the safest path forward based on your home’s condition.

When Should You Make the Switch?

If you’ve recently purchased an older home, are planning to sell, or are using modern electronics in an ungrounded system, now is the time to act. TVs, computers, chargers, and appliances are more sensitive than ever to fluctuations in power — and one surge could fry them instantly.

Plus, upgrading your outlets adds value to your home and peace of mind to your daily life.

📞 Ready to Upgrade?

Let Bowman Electric help bring your home’s electrical system into the modern age — safely, efficiently, and to code. Whether you need a full rewiring or just want safer outlets in key areas, we’ve got your back.

Safe Power for Summer Adventures: Installing a Dedicated RV or Camper Hookup

Warmer days are arriving, and that means RV and camper season is almost here. Whether you're planning cross-country travels or simply prepping your home-on-wheels for weekend getaways, one important thing often gets overlooked—how you're powering your RV while it's parked at home.

Many homeowners assume it's fine to plug their RV into a standard outlet in the garage or outside the house. While this might seem like a convenient solution, it can actually be quite risky.

Why a Standard Outlet Isn’t Enough

RVs and campers are designed to operate on a specific amperage—most commonly 30 amps or 50 amps. Your typical household outlet, however, only provides 15 or 20 amps. Plugging into the wrong kind of outlet can:

• 🔌 Overload your home’s circuits – risking tripped breakers or melted wires.

• ⚡ Damage your RV’s internal electrical systems – appliances, air conditioners, and converters can be affected.

• 🔥 Increase the risk of electrical fire – especially when using unsafe adapter cords.

• 🛑 Void warranties or violate electrical codes – which could lead to problems with insurance claims or inspections.

The Benefits of a Dedicated RV Hookup

To avoid these hazards, it's best to have a professional install a dedicated RV or camper hookup at your home. This setup ensures your RV receives the correct voltage and amperage, giving you peace of mind every time you plug in.

Here’s what a proper installation provides:

• ⚙️ Correct amperage (30A or 50A) to meet your RV’s power demands

• 🔒 Grounded, weatherproof outlet box installed near your parking pad or driveway

• 💡 Code-compliant wiring and protection to keep your home and RV safe

• 🔌 Convenience for charging batteries, running appliances, or prepping your rig before trips

When Should You Install One?

With camping season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to install a dedicated hookup—before summer adventures are in full swing. Even if you don’t travel far, a safe, reliable power source at home allows you to:

• Run your fridge and prep your RV in advance

• Use your camper as a guest space or home office

• Avoid generator noise and fuel use when parked

Planning to hit the road—or just park in comfort? A dedicated RV hookup is a small upgrade that delivers big peace of mind.