Lighting Preventative Maintenance
Lighting preventive maintenance is scheduled for December—just before major cold snaps and winter storms—to ensure optimal safety, reliability, and performance during the season of heaviest use.
Whether decorating for the holidays or not, this proactive timing helps prevent system failures, reduces electrical risks from ice and moisture, extends bulb and fixture life, and maintains clear, consistent lighting for safety and security when daylight hours are shortest.
Recommended December Maintenance Tasks
Inspect Fixtures: Check all outdoor lights for cracks, loose fittings, corrosion, or damage.
Replace Burnt-Out Bulbs: Replace any failed bulbs to maintain performance and prevent voltage strain on remaining lights.
Clear Debris: Remove leaves, dirt, and debris around fixtures to prevent performance issues and fire risks.
Check Electrical Components: Examine outdoor outlets and extension cords for cracks or frayed insulation and secure them against weather exposure.
Key Reasons for December Maintenance
Preventing Winter Weather Damage: Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and moisture can worsen small electrical issues or create new hazards. Lighting experts and electricians highly recommend addressing these problems early helps protect lighting systems through harsh conditions.
Ensuring Safety and Security: Well-lit outdoor areas reduce the risk of slips, falls, and accidents during the dark winter months, safeguarding residents and visitors alike.
Avoiding Breakdowns During Peak Use: With shorter days and longer lighting hours, systems face higher demand. Combined with increased electrical load from heating systems, this can strain unchecked equipment. Conducting maintenance in December helps prevent outages during this high-use period.
Improving System Lifespan: Routine upkeep—such as replacing aging bulbs and cleaning fixtures—preserves system performance and extends overall longevity.
Reducing Repair Costs: Identifying and fixing minor issues before winter prevents them from escalating into larger, more expensive repairs that are difficult to manage in freezing weather.
Key Benefits
Cost Savings
Extends Fixture Lifespan: Routine cleaning and inspections reduce excessive wear, minimizing the need for costly replacements.
Reduces Energy Costs: Maintaining fixtures slows light loss and keeps systems operating efficiently, lowering electricity usage.
Prevents Major Repairs: Early detection and correction of minor issues help avoid expensive system failures.
Safety and Security
Reduces Hazards: Preventative maintenance identifies and corrects loose connections, faulty wiring, and damaged parts that could cause electrical fires or other safety risks.
Ensures Consistent Visibility: Regular checks prevent flickering or dimming lights that may lead to accidents or an unprofessional atmosphere.
Enhances Security: Reliable lighting improves visibility, promoting the safety of people and protection of property.