Outdoor lighting can add great curb appeal during any season. But as winter arrives, the temperatures will drop, and your exterior lighting will need a bit more maintenance. To help you, here are four great tips from Shaffer Electric, Wilton, CA’s trusted licensed electricians.

How to Maintain Your Outdoor Lighting This Winter

1. Check & Replace Bulbs

During the winter, the night gets longer, which means your outdoor lighting is on for longer than it is in the summer. It’s a good idea to check all the bulbs and, if necessary, replace them each fall. This will ensure your lights are always shining, enhancing your landscaping and adding warm light to your home’s exterior. 

2. Use Timers

Another way to save your bulbs from burning out too fast? Use timers for your outdoor lighting. This will also help you save on your energy bill, since there won’t be a chance of leaving the lights on accidentally during the day. If you don’t have a timer, you can purchase one at any home improvement store. For something more sophisticated, ask your electrician to install a wired timer for your outdoor lighting. 

3. Use LED Bulbs

To extend the life of your outdoor lighting, use LED bulbs instead of CFLs. LEDs do not use as much heat and can last up to 100,000 hours, which saves you money on energy costs. Plus, LED bulbs are much brighter. Just make sure you purchase ones specifically for outdoor use. You can also have your electrician make sure all bulbs can be used outdoors. 

4. Clean the Bulb Lenses

Outdoor bulbs can attract all kinds of dirt and debris, especially during the winter months, when precipitation is high. A dirty lens can block out your lighting or dim it dramatically. To keep the bulbs bright and your exterior well lit, clean off the lenses once a week or after inclement weather. Use a non-abrasive cloth and special CLR cleaner, which removes calcium, lime, and rust from fixtures and surfaces.

While you can do many of these yourself, it’s still best to have a licensed electrician inspect your outdoor lighting to make sure there are no problems. The team at Shaffer Electric can help prepare your home for the coming winter season and ensure you don’t need any electrical repairs ahead of time. Give them a call at (916) 687-7555 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more.