Cold weather burdens most of the systems in your home, including your lighting. But there are things you and your professional electrician can do to make sure that your light fixtures work through the cold months.
Don’t Overload Your Electrical System
If you have table or floor lamps that need to be plugged in, don’t overuse the outlet. Ideally, use one light fixture per outlet.
Check for Loose Connections
The cold weather can cause your electrical wires to shrink and come loose. During an inspection, your electrician will check for any loose connections. You can do this as well. One symptom of loose wiring is a flickering light fixture. If you check and find a loose connection, you must unplug the fixture. Don’t use it again until you call in an electrician to come and inspect it.
Don’t Use Candles During a Power Outage
It may be romantic to use candles during a power outage. Indeed, it used to be a thing for a homeowner to have a box of candles ready when the lights went out. However, candles are a fire hazard. A hurricane lamp lends that touch of romance while being safer than an open candle. Ideally, you should invest in a flashlight or two or three in case of a power outage. Check the batteries now and then to make sure they work.
Check Outdoor Lights for Moisture Problems
Well-made outdoor lighting should have moisture-proof housing, but you should still check to make sure that no moisture from melting snow or ice has infiltrated it. If it has, the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) should trip. Make sure the fixture is dry, replace the cover, then hit the GFCI’s reset button.
Look for Exposed Wires
The cold not only causes wires to shrink, but frost heaving can actually move them up out of the ground. When you see this, turn off the power, then have an electrician come to inspect them and rebury them.
Replace Burnt Out Bulbs
Harsh winter conditions, such as moisture intrusion or ice buildup, can kill LED bulbs. If you see any dead bulbs in your outdoor lighting, replace them right away. Make sure the bulbs are tight and that the fixtures are properly sealed so that moisture cannot get inside.
Unplug Almost Everything if the Power Goes Out
If the power does go out, unplug everything except for one lamp. This keeps circuits from frying when the power comes back on. The lamp lets you know that the power has been restored.
Don’t let winter’s cold make you worry about the lighting in and around your home. If you need lighting service or installation, get in touch with our professionals at ACE ABQ in Albuquerque, New Mexico.