Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the ambiance of any home and improving its functionality. Unfortunately, almost all homeowners face some issue with their lighting products at least once in their lifetime. This can be very frustrating, especially when you can’t easily pinpoint what the problem could be.
Familiarizing yourself with common lighting product issues can help you to identify them on their onset. And, knowing how to fix them can help save you time and thousands of dollars in repair.
This article highlights some of the frequent issues you may face and how to solve them.
Common Lighting Products Problems and How to Fix Them
Great lighting is an art and a science. And, like all other electrical elements, lighting products come with a fair share of challenges. Below are issues you may encounter and reliable solutions to help you fix them.
Burnt-Out Bulbs
Returning to a dark home after a full day of work can be frustrating. Realizing you’re the only one in darkness because your bulb isn’t working is even more worse. The leading causes of burnt-out bulbs are sub-standard products, high voltage, and wrong bulb choices.
Power surges tend to burn a bulb’s filament. The wrong bulb if unable to handle the voltage running through is also likely to get burnt out. Often times, cheaper bulbs are associated with shorter lifespans. This is one of the reasons why LED bulbs which are more durable cost more compared to incandescent and halogen lighting products.
Solution: One of the best ways to prevent frequent bulb burn-outs is by hiring a certified technician. They use specialized tools like voltage testers and multi-meters to assess whether the voltage in your home is too high. If this is the case, they can install surge protectors to protect your lighting products and home appliances. They can also accurately assess and inspect the wiring in your home for any issues and advise accordingly. You can also fix this problem by ensuring you select the right bulb and invest in high-quality lighting products.
Flickering Lights
You’re likely to experience eye strain and fatigue when you’ve got flickering lights in your home. Mostly caused by loose bulb connections, worn-out switches, and unstable current flow, this issue can significantly affect your home’s ambiance. Thankfully, there are ways to fix it.
Solution: You should first check your bulb connection. If it’s loose, you can tighten it by screwing it back in place. Faulty switches may require replacement. Be sure to select high-quality lighting products.
For voltage fluctuations, its best to consult an electrician. Installing a voltage stabilizer is typically the ideal solution. However, technicians can also evaluate your home’s wiring system and conduct repairs where necessary. The elements are prone to wear and tear which can cause power surges.
Faulty Light Sockets
Like every other electrical component, light sockets are prone to suffer some wear and tear over their period of use. These lighting products are also susceptible to weather elements and can suffer from corrosion which can impact their performance.
Solution: A broken light socket poses a safety hazard for you and your loved ones. Once you notice this issue, you should immediately switch off the power and replace the power outlet. Be aware that there’s a wide variety of styles and sizes carrying different specifications. Ensure you select the right one.
Corrosion tends to impact current flow by preventing proper surface contact. Wiping the corroded parts with contact cleaner like distilled vinegar sprayed onto a ball of cotton wool can help fix the issue. If this doesn’t work, you may have to replace the lighting product.
Tripping Circuit Breaker
A frequently tripping circuit breaker can signify a serious issue and pose a safety hazard. Often times, this may be caused by overheating appliances, overloaded circuits, worn out parts, and short circuits. According to the National Institutes of Health, at least 1000 people die every year from electrical injuries. This issue needs immediate attention.
Solution: Check your circuit breakers for any issues. If it’s overheating or emits a burning odor, it might be time to replace it. Also, avoid overloading your circuit with too many appliances. You can either shift some to a different circuit or install dedicated ones. Shopping for energy-efficient appliances is also a smart choice.
To solve a short circuit issue, you can reset the breaker and assess whether the circuit keeps tripping. If it does, consult a professional immediately for assistance. They can accurately evaluate your wiring system and advise accordingly.
Buzzing Sound
If you notice a buzzing sound from your lights, there may be an issue with your electrical system. It may signify a loose wire connection or faulty dimmer switches. Faulty bulbs and fluctuating voltage can also present this problem.
Solution: To fix the issue, homeowners can replace the bulb. Swapping your incandescent bulb for an LED is ideal. This is because they have no filament hence less likely to vibrate and therefore eliminate the buzzing sound. However, if your LED bulb isn’t dimmable, you may encounter a buzzing issue. You must use the right bulb type or upgrade your dimmer to fix this problem. Always ensure that your bulb is compatible with the dimmer switch you purchase.
If working with fluorescent bulbs, replacing the ballast can help. Also, check for loose connections and retighten them. Ensure the light is turned off when handling your lighting products.
Tips for Proper Lighting Products Maintenance
To ensure that your lighting products last longer and perform effectively, you need to take proper care of them. Remember, poor maintenance only serves to hike your operational costs. If you’re looking to minimize your home lighting expenses, here’s what you can do:
- Routinely assess and retighten your bulb connections.
- Regularly clean your lighting fixtures to remove dust and debris which can impact their performance.
- Schedule routine wiring inspection with a professional.
Enhance Your Home’s Functionality and Safety With Proper Lighting Products Maintenance
Familiarizing yourself with common home lighting issues and knowing how to resolve them is helpful. By practicing the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can handle these problems better and keep your home lighting design at its best.
However, if you doubt your expertise, it’s recommended that you hire a professional. This ensures your safety and guarantees that the job is done correctly.
