Installing outdoor lighting adds functionality to your property and boosts your curb appeal. Yet outdoor lighting doesn’t do you any good if it’s not working efficiently. To prevent disruption and ensure safety, you must perform regular maintenance. Electricians recommend having your outdoor lighting professionally inspected once a year to catch minor issues early.
In between professional maintenance checks, it’s a good idea to do your own investigative work. Check out these outdoor lighting maintenance tips to help you know what problems to keep an eye out for and when to call for repairs.
Check wiring
You should never have exposed wiring. Exposed wiring often becomes a problem when you have loose outdoor lighting fixtures. Wear and tear, storm damage, and improper installation can cause lighting fixtures to eventually pull away from the home’s exterior. Exposed wiring can also damage ground lighting fixtures.
You want wiring connections to remain secure and tight because exposed wiring can cause serious bodily harm if you contact it accidentally. It can even cause electrical fires. Water can easily damage exposed wiring. If you want to avoid these potential electrical issues, experts also recommend regularly checking for cracks and holes in your home’s exterior and calling for repairs promptly to reduce the risk of electrocution, short circuits, and rust or corrosion.
Clean outdoor lighting fixtures
Because of their constant exposure to the elements, outdoor lighting fixtures get dirty and collect debris. A dirty fixture is more than a cosmetic flaw. It also diminishes the fixture’s functionality, reducing the amount of light it can emit.
Outdoor lighting’s primary purpose is to illuminate sidewalks, patios, driveways, porches, and other outdoor spaces at night. Cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures ensures that exterior spaces stay well-lit.
When cleaning lighting fixtures, avoid using abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Those items can damage the fixture. To clean fixtures well, you only need a soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Replace burned-out bulbs
A burned-out bulb here or there might not seem like a big deal, but it can affect your home’s curb appeal and make it difficult to navigate dark outdoor areas. When replacing burned-out bulbs, always use the correct wattage and type for your outdoor lighting system. You can usually find this information on the lighting fixture’s base, the part where the light bulb screws in. If you’re not sure what bulb you need, contact an electrician for guidance.
If you want your outdoor lighting fixture’s bulbs to last longer, consider installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Outdoor LED bulbs not only last longer, but they also shine brighter. They hold up well in harsh conditions, too, proving more durable than traditional bulbs.
We understand the importance of outdoor lighting. It illuminates dark areas, making tripping and falling less likely. It also keeps your home secure, deterring break-ins and other property crimes. A well-lit exterior also enhances curb appeal. If you need help with outdoor lighting maintenance or repair, we can connect you with plenty of local experts. You can also learn more helpful home maintenance tips by visiting our Facebook and Instagram pages.
