8 Outdoor Lighting Spring Preparations Tips
Winter can be harsh on outdoor lighting, so a thorough inspection and cleaning are essential. Here are 7 things you can do when spring begins to make sure your landscape lighting is functional and void of safety hazards.
1. Clean Fixtures
- Wipe away accumulated dirt, dust, and debris from all light fixtures and lenses.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution (soapy water is often sufficient). Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the fixtures or lenses.
- For solar lights, thoroughly clean the solar panels to ensure optimal charging efficiency.
2. Visually Inspect for Damage
- Examine each fixture for signs of physical damage, such as cracks, rust, loose or missing parts, or broken lenses. Repair or replace damaged components immediately.
- Check for any exposed or frayed wiring, which can be a fire hazard. Re-bury any lines that have become exposed due to winter weather or animal activity.
- Look for signs of water infiltration within the fixtures, which indicates a sealant failure.
3. Change Bulbs
- Replace any burned-out or dim bulbs. Spring is an excellent time to consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED lights if you haven’t already. LEDs are long-lasting and perform well in various temperatures.
4. Trim and Remove Vegetation
- Overgrown bushes and trees can obstruct your outdoor lights, creating unwanted shadows and reducing illumination. Trim back any surrounding vegetation to ensure clear light paths, especially for pathway and security lights.
5. Adjust Positioning and Settings
- Winter storms or ground movement can sometimes shift the position of your lights. Assess your property at night to see if lights are still highlighting your landscaping and home as desired. Adjust angles and reposition fixtures as needed.
- If you have smart lighting solutions, review and adjust your settings for the longer spring and summer days. Consider programming different lighting scenes for various occasions.
6. Check Electrical Connections and GFCI
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and tightened.
- Verify that all outdoor outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed and are functioning correctly. GFCIs are crucial for safety in wet conditions.
7. Address Corrosion
- Inspect metal fixtures for any signs of rust or corrosion and address them early to prevent further deterioration. Applying an anti-corrosion spray to exposed metal components can help.
8. Insulate Exposed Components (if applicable)
- While more for winterization, ensure any exposed wiring or components that were insulated for winter are still adequately protected, or if you’re installing new lights, consider proper insulation.
Inspecting and maintaining your landscape lighting does not only help extend the lifespan of your fixtures and and ensure that they are functional, but most importantly prevents any safety hazards.
If you are looking for landscape lighting installation and maintenance services in the Greater Toronto area, contact Water Your World at +1 905 – 689 – 6168.
We serve the areas of Toronto, Oakville, Niagara, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Flamboro, Guelph and other surrounding areas.