Fall Outdoor Lighting Tips

As we move into the fall and winter months, days become shorter and outdoor lighting takes on even more importance than it does in the warmer months. Not only do you need to consider extending outdoor time with appropriate lighting, but you also need to prepare your home for the holiday lighting that will soon be on the agenda. Here are three tips to help you safely and effectively prepare your outdoor lighting for fall.

Change Out Bulbs

It’s likely that bulbs have burned out during the summer months and you’ve not noticed until you try to turn them on that first autumn evening. If you can easily reach lights from the ground, check to make sure all bulbs are in working order and change ones that have burned out. If you have tricky light fixtures or ones that need to be reached with a ladder, either employ the help of a friend or call a professional electrician.

Upgrade Outlets

Outdoor outlets carry the added risk of getting wet, and should be properly equipped to handle the moisture. All your outdoor outlets should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. These types of outlets look like traditional outlets but have the added ‘test’ and ‘reset’ buttons on their face. This allows them to monitor the flow of electricity and quickly shut off energy flow should a disturbance in the current occur. These outlets are especially crucial if you plan to use them for holiday lighting that will be kept on when you’re asleep or not at home.

Have a Professional Inspection

It’s always a good idea to have an electrician come to your home or office and perform a professional inspection during this time of year, especially if you’ve not had an inspection done in some time. An electrician can check for any shorts or wiring problems, ensure that all outlets are appropriate, change bulbs that you cannot reach, and make suggestions on lighting upgrades or improvements. If you have questions about adding to or changing your outdoor lighting, an electrician can guide you on the best decisions. Professional inspections are especially useful for those who live alone or for senior homeowners who cannot safely get on ladders.

Though the days are getting shorter and cooler, you can still enjoy your outdoor space by properly preparing your landscape lighting. By performing a thorough inspection before the cold temperatures hit, you can ensure your home will be ready for holiday lighting and outdoor entertaining all fall and winter long. If you would like to have a professional electrician inspect your outdoor lighting, please reach out and schedule an appointment.