Landscape lighting is a tried and tested way to add ambiance and beauty to your home, and improve nighttime safety, especially in outdoor areas. However, it can be challenging to keep up with the changing seasons. As temperatures drop in winter, you may need to adjust your landscape lighting fixtures or even change bulbs.
If you’re not prepared, you could end up spending money on repairs or not being able to use your outdoor lights during the colder months. Here are some tips to help you prepare your outdoor lighting for winter.
1. Clean your lighting fixtures.
Dirty fixtures won’t be as bright as clean ones. You’ll want to clean your fixtures so that your landscape lighting looks better and works more effectively. This includes cleaning the lens, fixture housing, and other parts that may have collected dust.
Hard water stains also appear during the winter months. You can clean hard water stains by using dish soap and water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub hard water stains until your light fixtures look new again.
2. Check for exposed wire or broken wire fixtures.
During winter time, there’s a greater chance that your light fixtures are exposed to harsh weather conditions. If this happens, you may have to replace them sooner than expected.
Check all of your landscape lights for exposed wires and damaged wiring. This will prevent any problems related to wiring and electrical shock later on. For safety, it’s best to hire a professional from Texas Rainmakers to do the inspection for you.
3. Replace your bulbs.
Another way to prepare your landscape lighting for the cold season is to change out your bulbs. Bulbs wear down faster in the cold, making them less effective at producing light. Replacing them before the temperature drops will ensure that you have enough light throughout winter.
It’s recommended to change out your bulbs to LED because they last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also operate with less energy so that you can save money on your monthly bills.
4. Adjust your settings.
You should always make sure that your outdoor lighting is set correctly. Winter means weather change that needs different lighting. For example, the sun sets earlier during the winter. If you have your landscape lighting set according to a summer schedule, then there’s a chance your outdoor space won’t be lit at the right time at night. In this case, adjust your settings to accommodate the shorter daylight hours.
5. Check for moisture problems.
In winter, there’s an increased risk of moisture problems. If you notice condensation on your fixtures, then you may need to check if they’re getting into your fixtures. This can cause damage to your fixtures and lead to expensive repairs.
To avoid these issues, inspect your fixtures one by one. Remove any snow on them to prevent water from damaging them. You’ll also want to invest in a warranty for your fixtures for added protection.
Let the Texas Rainmakers Pros Handle Your Winter Landscape Lighting
Texas Rainmakers has a team of lighting specialists that can handle any of your lighting needs. We have years of experience working with landscape lighting systems in Humble, TX, and nearby neighborhoods. We know how important it is to keep your outdoor space beautiful and safe year-round, and you can expect nothing but quality service from us. Contact us at 281-852-4331 to learn more about our landscape lighting services.
