Did you know your outdoor lighting needs maintenance too?
While the benefits of an outdoor lighting system is provided year-long, during the colder season, it is important to maintain your system. Cold weather, including a build-up of snow and ice – can cause many unforeseen issues. Read on for some tips for outdoor lighting maintenance to get done as quickly as possible before heading back indoors!
Clean Lenses
Outdoor lighting is meant to be bright and light up a path in the dark, but your lighting can’t do its job if the lenses aren’t clean. Take a few minutes now and then to make sure your lenses are clean of dirt, debris, and mineral deposits, especially on low setting ground fixtures. You should also clear off lighting after a big snowstorm, as LED bulbs don’t produce enough heat to melt the snow or ice. Simply use a nonabrasive cloth to clean the lens and keep your lights bright all winter long.
Moisture Problems
When ice and snow melt, the runoff can sometimes lead to moisture issues on the lines due to a possible build-up. A common issue is a GFCI outlet that may have been tripped, which will require you to hit the reset button on the outlet and ensure the cover is closed. If the outlet has become damaged, consider replacing it.
Bulbs
Due to freezing cold temperatures in Maryland, make sure you check all bulbs of your outdoor lighting system. The extreme temperatures can shorten the longevity of a bulb, and once a bulb has burned out, it should be replaced immediately as it can augment the provided voltage to the others in the same line.
Exposed Wires
If the ground is icy, a wire can work its way up to the surface and cause problems. Check all of your outdoor lighting wiring, and if you see any exposed wires, rebury them before the ground freezes again. However, first inspect the wire to ensure it has not been damaged by the weather, as damaged wires should be repaired by a professional. As a reminder, use caution when working with outdoor lighting and electricity.
Outdoor Lighting with Aqua Bright
Whatever the cause of your landscaping or hardscaping woes, the professionals at Aqua Bright can help you come up with a solution. For a consultation and to hear what we can do for you, give us a call at (410) 489-9009 or visit us online.