It’s easy to screw in a lightbulb, and simply forget about it and the fixture it’s in. This is especially true of the newer LED lights that can last a decade or longer. However, even lighting fixtures need the same level of maintenance as your kitchen appliances, your electrical panel or your HVAC system. Here are some common lighting issues and the maintenance that can prevent them.
Flickering Lights
Lights that flicker or grow dim might mean that the light bulb hasn’t been seated properly, or there’s a problem at the circuit box. If it’s an LED bulb and you have a dimmer switch, the bulb and switch might not be compatible. There may also be something wrong with the LED driver, which controls the power that’s supplied to the bulb. Sometimes all you need to do is make sure the bulb is tight in its socket. You can also check the circuit with a continuity tester. Also, check if wires look burnt or are loose. If problems continue, it’s time to call in a professional electrician.
Hums and Buzzes
A humming or buzzing sound from a lighting fixture might mean that your dimmer switch is inferior, or there’s a loose wire in the circuit. You might want to call in an electrician to install a quality dimmer switch or to search for and fix the bad wiring.
Something Feels Hot
Incandescent and halogen bulbs are notoriously too hot to touch, but LED bulbs shouldn’t be. The fixture itself should not be too hot to touch. If it is, it might mean that it’s being asked to handle more wattage than it’s rated for. Make sure that your fixture operates with the right wattage.
Corrosion
If you live in a humid climate, the components in your lighting fixture may be at risk of corrosion. Corroded fixtures can cause your lights to flicker and can ultimately cause them to fail. Regular cleaning should keep corrosion at bay. Just remember to make sure that the components are perfectly dry before using the fixture again.
Checking and Cleaning Schedule
It’s a good idea to set up a maintenance schedule for your light fixtures. Check indoor lights about twice or three times a year, and make sure to dust off ceiling lights and remove any dead bugs caught in them. Tighten any loose screws, and clean shades, whether they’re made of fabric, glass or another material. Make sure that all switches and cords are sound, test your dimmers and switches, and replace bulbs that have burnt out. Unplug the lights or turn them off at the circuit before maintenance work.
A schedule of easy maintenance can help your lighting fixtures work for many years. If you need a professional inspection or lighting installation and replacement help, don’t hesitate to contact our professionals at Marshall Services of Skippack, Pennsylvania.