Winter brings colder weather, which can cause problems with your outdoor lighting. The excess wet weather can damage your wiring and lighting. Outdoor lighting offers comfort and safety in your yard and requires extra maintenance during the colder months.
Check for Exposed Wiring
The ground will freeze and thaw as the weather cools during the winter months and will force buried wires upward. Rebury wires above ground before the ground refreezes because the cold may damage them. The rubber casing around the wires can crack and expose the copper to damp weather.
Readjust Your Lighting Fixtures
Your outdoor light fixtures may become unaligned or damaged from snow shoveling or plowing. Check on your outdoor light fixtures periodically during the winter months to align your lighting. Accidents can happen when dealing with winter issues, but placing cones or poles around your fixtures can protect your lights.
Check for Moisture Problems
Moisture issues during winter happen frequently because ice and snow melt. Water may drip into your outdoor outlets, but you can usually hit the reset button to fix the issue. If the reset button doesn’t work, the outlet could have visible damage.
Clean Your Lighting Fixture Lenses
Your outdoor light fixtures deal with the harsh elements and debris throughout the year. Grime from pollen, dirt, and rain can build on the lenses of your light fixtures, significantly reducing their appeal. Light fixture lenses need cleaning the same way your windows need it.
Rethink Your Light Usage
The nights are longer during winter, and using your outdoor lights can combat that. Using your outdoor lights more will raise your monthly bills, but you could install a timer to keep your power usage low. Installing LED bulbs can lower power usage by making outdoor lighting more energy efficient.
Replace Burned-Out Bulbs
Check the condition of your bulbs after checking your outdoor fixtures and wiring. Replace any bulbs that burn out to keep your outdoor security and comfort running smoothly. Any bulbs that look dim or flicker mean they are approaching the end of their life, and you should replace them.
Remove Fallen Leaves
Leaves can increase the chances of rust and corrosion on your outdoor lighting equipment. Leaves and other organic debris can increase moisture on outdoor light fixtures, and snow can stick to the leaves. Cleaning up your yard before the winter months can lower the chances of damage to your outdoor lighting.
Cleaning your yard and cutting back plant growth are good ways to prevent rust and corrosion in outdoor lighting equipment. Cleaning and inspecting your outdoor light fixtures are some ways you can keep things running smoothly during the winter. If you have questions about your outdoor lighting in Waldorf, MD, call us at Circuit Doctor for all your lighting needs.
