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Winter Maintenance Tips

Winter has already begun to rear its ugly head here on Long Island. One step outside and there is no doubt that it is here. Your outdoor lighting system from Resort Lighting is designed to work in all seasons but there are a few simple things that you can keep and eye on or do during these cold winter months that can help to keep it in good working order.

Exposed wiring

One thing that you should keep an eye on in all seasons is checking for exposed wiring. Any wires that are exposed will need to be reburied, which is easier to do during the warmer months when the ground is not frozen. During the winter as the ground freezes and thaws it is possible for the wiring to move to the surface. Before reburying check the wires to make sure that the copper wiring is not exposed. If it is, it will need to be replaced before being reburied.

Keep the Lenses Clear

To get the most out of your lighting system keeping your lenses clear is very important. Over the course of the year Mother Nature will do what it does best and begin to obscure your lenses. A non abrasive cloth can be used to clean them and this can be done at any point of the year, though it may take a bit of effort to fully clean them.

Ice, Snow and Moisture

When snow starts falling it is a good idea to get snow away from your fixtures, especially after a big snow event. In past years halogen bulbs produced a lot of heat and were able to melt much of the snow around it. Newer LED bulbs do not produce as much heat and therefore will not melt the snow as quickly. So while it is possible that the sight of your lights buried under the snow may be just what you are looking for after a big snow event your lighting system will not be doing what you want it to do.

Snow also presents another problem. Or you could say moisture in general. While moisture is a problem all throughout the year winter presents different issues. The constant freeze and refreeze can damage many different components which is why it is a good idea to keep as much of the snow away from your fixtures. Snow and ice can also trip your GFCI outlet shutting the system off. In most cases it will just need a reset but if the cover is damaged you will want to have it repaired as soon as possible. If anything is broken or exposed do not mess with it. Let the pros handle the repair.

Mark Your Fixtures

lighting

Your light fixtures can be bumped out of alignment at any time of the year but as you get out and clear snow it is very easy to bump one. Or if you have kids that play in the snow it is very easy for one to be bumped out of alignment (or broken). The weight of the snow itself can do it as well. The good news is that realigning your fixtures is very easy and just requires you to visually check the fixtures.

Here on Long Island we can get a lot of snow and get a lot of it quickly. If you haven’t already it would be a good idea to mark where your fixtures are. Not only will that make it easy to find them it can also prevent damage to them since they will be clearly marked with a pole or a flag. While shoveling or blowing snow you can use more caution around them or if you pay someone to clear your snow they will be able to know where they are (of course make it doesn’t hurt to tell that person as well). By preparing to avoid any accidental damage now your outdoor lighting system can survive the snow in much better shape.

Check the Bulbs

Also during the winter don’t forget to check the most important part of your lighting system, the bulbs. Bulbs can burn out during any season but the extreme temperatures (and sometimes extreme temperature swings) can wreak havoc on even the sturdiest bulb. Don’t forget as well that during the winter the system will also run longer as the nights as longer putting more strain on the bulbs.

At Resort Lighting we know that the winters here on Long Island can be extreme. With some simple planning and an occasional walk around the home you can help to keep your lighting system in good running order. Resort Lighting can also come out and check to make sure that your system is in good working order as well. Winter time can provide its own beauty and when combined with an outdoor lighting system it can provide a panorama that is second to none. It might be so spectacular that you might not want to go back inside!

 

References:
https://www.mckaylighting.com/blog/outdoor-lighting-winter-maintenance-tips
https://www.powerblanket.com/blog/frozen-ground-understanding-freezes/
https://www.lifx.com/blogs/the-latest/19032975-how-hot-are-led-light-bulbs

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