It’s easy to take home lighting for granted, especially if it continues to work well without incident. But to keep your lighting running optimally, it’s critical to give it some attention and care from time to time. Some small maintenance tasks, along with regular professional inspections, can keep your fixtures safe and in top shape.
Looking Beyond the Flickering Bulb
You may never think about your light fixtures until you’re suddenly sitting in the dark. However, waiting for a total failure is usually a bad plan. You should take a walk through your home at least once every six months to check for subtle warning signs, such as buzzing sounds or scorched marks around a socket. If you notice a light that flickers even after you put in a brand-new bulb, the problem is likely a loose wire or a failing switch that could lead to a dangerous spark. A quick visual check twice a year makes certain that your home stays bright without any hidden surprises lurking behind the drywall.
Cleaning for Better Visibility and Safety
Cleaning your lighting fixtures once each season is a surefire way to help them function better. In the kitchen, dust and grease accumulate on the glass globes and plastic covers. This blocks a considerable amount of light and may even cause you to use higher-wattage bulbs than you truly need. Dust and grime can accumulate on other fixtures in the home, too, and interfere with how well they work. If you have recessed “can” lights in your ceiling, these can collect dead bugs or insulation fibers that pose a fire risk if they get too hot.
Before you clean any fixture, make sure the bulbs are cool to the touch and that the power is off. The last thing you want is to get burned or shocked. Then, wipe them down with a lightly damp microfiber cloth. Make sure everything is dry before restoring the power and turning on the lights.
A Smart Move for Finding Hot Spots
While you can handle the dusting and bulb swaps yourself, having an expert look at your wiring once a year is a smart move. An electrician can use a thermal camera to find hot spots in your walls where wires might be rubbing together or getting chewed by a stray mouse. This is especially important if you live in an older house with “knob and tube” wiring. Those old systems were never meant to handle the high-tech LED dimmers we use today.
If you’re still using old and outdated incandescent bulbs, a professional can help you with lighting upgrades. For lighting help in your San Diego, CA home, reach out to the experienced team at Mauzy.