As winter approaches, the days get shorter. The nights, in turn, get longer. Thus, outdoor lighting becomes even more important. Are you a Bowie homeowner? Make sure your outdoor lighting can survive the brutal weather we’re about to have as winter settles in. Here are some of our favorite tips for protecting and maintaining your outdoor lighting.
Make Sure Lenses are Cleaned
If you wear glasses, then you know the struggle of keeping the lenses polished. The same principle applies to the lenses of your outdoor lighting fixtures, especially in the winter. Salt, dirt, minerals, and wet leaves can affect how the light shines out. You should pay particular attention to the fixtures that are closer to the ground. Be sure to use a cloth that won’t leave scratches behind and the right lens cleaner to get the job done. Also, consider the bulbs used in your outdoor lighting.
Replace Light Bulbs
What type of light bulbs do you use for your Bowie home’s outdoor lighting? Depending on how long you have been using your current bulbs, you might need to replace them. Whenever a bulb burns out, it’s a good idea to switch it out with a brand new one as soon as you can. Low voltage lighting systems are efficient, but when one bulb stops working, the amount of power it consumes is redistributed to the others around it, causing unnecessary strain on them. The shorter days mean your outdoor lighting system will be on all night long to make up for the lack of natural light. This increased demand for usage can cause the light bulbs to burn out even more quickly.
Look for Faulty Wiring
Over time, the wires supplying power to your outdoor lighting can fray due to the effects of the weather. This consequence is especially troubling for Bowie homeowners who keep their wiring buried underneath their lawns. You’ll have to dig up your wires and inspect them for any damage and then attempt to bury them again. However, the ground is freezing over, which will make the task that much more difficult. If you see any damage to the housing of the wires or the wires themselves, these components will need to be repaired before you can return them to the ground.
Outdoor Lighting Tips From Lehnhoff’s Landscaping
Whether you need skilled landscape design, outdoor lighting, dumpster rental, drainage solutions, or just about anything outside of your property taken care of, call the professionals at Lehnhoff’s Landscaping. We pride ourselves on our fantastic customer service, quality work, and personal touches. We can handle both small and large jobs and will be honored to work on your property. To get a quote and learn more about our services, contact us online or give us a call at (443) 921-5789. For pictures of our work and more lawn and home tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Google+.