All outdoor lighting systems require maintenance. It’s the nature of things. But how can you control your maintenance costs in order to get the most bang for your buck?
The best and easiest thing you can do is to upgrade to LED lighting if you haven’t already. It is easy to retrofit an existing system with LED lamps, so don’t let that put you off. Halogen systems have a much lower tolerance of voltage variations. If a bulb burns out, theThe best and easiest thing you can do is to upgrade to LED lighting if you haven’t already. To know more read our full blog here. other lamps now receive more volts at each fixture because the transformer is sending out the same amount of current, but it is being divided up by one less bulb. This increase in voltage can create a domino effect of burning out other bulbs, faster and faster as the voltage per remaining bulb increases with each outage. We like to correct any outages as soon as possible to prevent the domino effect, so we suggest two maintenance calls per year for halogen systems (plus any additional service calls as necessary) to replace burned out bulbs. LED lamps have a wider voltage tolerance, and a longer lifespan, so they require less attention.
LED lamps have a rating of 30,000 – 50,000 hours, which translates into 15 –20 years. We recommend halogen bulbs be replaced annually, which adds time to the service calls. In addition, cleaning the lenses and fixtures may take longer with halogen bulbs. All in all, LED maintenance is about half the time of halogen maintenance. The service/maintenance charges are always based on time. More time means higher cost.
Another way to save on lighting maintenance expense is to have a maintenance agreement. It works similarly to an HVAC maintenance agreement—1 or 2 maintenance calls are included (regular maintenance cuts down on outages and breakdowns) and if parts are needed, they are available at a discount (we offer 20% off to our contract clients). We much prefer to maintain your system rather than wait for an outage. Maintenance includes cleaning the lenses and fixtures so the light looks its best and brightest, trimming any new growth that might be blocking the fixtures, adjusting the fixtures so they are aimed correctly, and checking on other components to ensure that all is well. Maintenance keeps your lights looking their best and helps prevent outages and further service calls, thereby reducing your maintenance expenses.
Any outdoor lighting system is going to have maintenance costs associated with it. But you can help reduce those costs by having regular routine maintenance done and switching to LED lamps if you haven’t already done so. We believe that you will be much happier with your lighting if you have routine maintenance—the lights will perform better and look better. And that’s what we strive for: customers who are more than satisfied.
Are you looking for Landscape Lighting in Greensboro? Located in Summerfield, NC Southern Lights- Architectural and Landscape Lighting serves properties and property management companies throughout the state of NC including Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Burlington, Reidsville, Oak Ridge, Brown Summit, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Raleigh, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Gastonia, Matthews, etc.
Southern Lights has installed hundreds of outdoor landscape lighting systems and carries more certifications than anyone in the state. We specialize in lighting designs and service everything we install as well as lighting systems installed by others. With attention to detail and a solid knowledge of design, Southern Lights is the leading outdoor landscape lighting firm in the state of NC and beyond. See why our clients choose us. Contact us today by web (online form) or phone 336-451-4969.
