As we move from the summer solstice (June 21st) through the fall equinox on Saturday, September 23rd, the Earth’s axis gradually tilts away from the sun. This results in shorter days and longer nights, meaning your exterior lighting needs to work harder and be properly adjusted to keep your property well-lit during evening hours. Proper exterior lighting is essential for safety, security, and maintaining a professional appearance. Here’s how you can get your exterior lighting ready for the coming changes in September.
- Perform a Comprehensive Maintenance Check
Before adjusting your lighting timers, ensure all fixtures are in proper working order as daylight continues to wane. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
- Inspect bulbs for burnout: Check every exterior light to ensure no bulbs are burnt out or flickering. Replace any outdated bulbs with energy-efficient options like LEDs to maximize performance and longevity.
- Examine fixtures for damage: Over time, weather and environmental factors can cause wear and tear. Inspect fixtures for cracks, rust, or other signs of damage that could reduce their effectiveness.
- Clean lenses and fixtures: Dirt and debris can accumulate on light lenses, reducing brightness. Make sure to clean your fixtures to maintain maximum light output.
- Check for faulty wiring: If certain lights are flickering or not turning on, there could be an issue with the wiring. Have a professional evaluate and fix any electrical problems.
- Adjust Your Lighting Timers for the Shorter Days
As the earth tilts further from the sun and daylight becomes increasingly scarce, it’s important to adjust your lighting timers to accommodate earlier sunsets. Properly timed lights ensure your property stays well-lit and secure.
- Review current settings: Check the timers on all your exterior lights and update them to reflect the earlier dusk. Ideally, lights should turn on just before sunset to ensure continuous illumination.
- Consider upgrading to photocells or motion sensors: If you’re still using manual timers, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading to photocell or motion sensor technology. These systems automatically adjust to changing daylight hours, saving you the hassle of constant manual updates.
- Evaluate Your Lighting Coverage
As the days shorten and nights lengthen, it’s a good opportunity to assess whether your current lighting provides adequate coverage for safety and security.
- Identify any dark spots: Walk around your property during the evening to spot any areas that may not be getting enough light due to the earlier sunset. Consider adding additional lighting where necessary.
- Prioritize security lighting: Make sure all high-traffic areas like entrances, walkways, and parking lots are well-lit. As night falls earlier, proper illumination becomes even more crucial for safety and security.
- Prepare for Seasonal Weather Changes
Fall weather can be unpredictable. Preparing your exterior lighting for rain, wind, and debris will help maintain performance throughout the season.
- Weatherproof your fixtures: Ensure that all exterior lights are weather-resistant and securely fastened to prevent damage from fall weather.
- Trim trees and landscaping: Overgrown trees or bushes can obstruct light, creating dark spots. Trim your landscaping to maintain clear, even lighting coverage.
- Schedule Regular Inspections
Regular inspections throughout the fall and winter months can help prevent outages and ensure your lighting system is performing optimally as the days get shorter. Scheduling quarterly maintenance checks with a professional can help identify potential issues early on and keep your lighting in top condition.
Conclusion: From the summer solstice to the fall equinox, daylight hours consistently decrease, making it important to prep your exterior lighting for the changing season. By performing regular maintenance checks, adjusting your timers, and ensuring adequate coverage, you can keep your property safe and well-lit as nights get longer. Omni Commercial Lighting is here to help with all your exterior lighting needs—contact us to learn more!
