If you walk through your home to test each light and all of them come on, you may think your lighting setup is running safely and efficiently. However, there could be loose connections that present fire hazards or old bulbs wasting energy when LED bulbs would work better. This is why it’s a good idea to schedule annual electrical inspections. A licensed electrician has the tools and expertise to find hidden problems that affect your lighting, safety and energy bills.

Loose Connections Can Hide Serious Risks

When a light comes on after you flip the switch, you may believe that everything is working correctly and safely. But the connection behind the drywall may be starting to come loose. And since you can’t see behind the wall, it’s pretty much impossible to know whether you have this problem. During maintenance checks, an electrician will use special diagnostic tools to verify each fixture’s electrical connections. If they run a voltage test and it produces a fluctuating reading, they’ll know to tighten the loose connection or replace the damaged wiring.

Using the Wrong Bulb Wastes Energy

One of the worst things for your monthly energy bills is using light bulbs that consume more electricity than necessary. This often happens when homeowners screw in old-school incandescent bulbs, which aren’t nearly as energy efficient as LED or CFL bulbs. An electrician can check each light during maintenance to see if you need to upgrade to a more efficient option.

Overheating Fixtures Often Go Unnoticed

It can be tempting to screw in the brightest bulb possible in every light fixture for optimal lighting. And while this is perfectly okay for fixtures that have open designs and plenty of ventilation, it’s not safe for the ones that have enclosed covers or globes. A bright light can expel heat that becomes trapped in the fixture, creating a major safety hazard. The plastic around the socket may even melt. Using LED bulbs is an easy way to fix this since they produce much less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. An electrician will inspect each bulb during maintenance visits to see if they’re a safety risk.

Moisture Damage in Outdoor Light Fixtures

Even if a light fixture has a weather-resistance rating, it doesn’t mean moisture can’t get trapped inside. This is a problem that’s common in areas with high humidity or frequent storms. You can watch for certain signs to know whether your outdoor fixtures are struggling with this issue. The glass on the fixtures may remain foggy, or the bulb sockets may have a greenish-looking crust. Electricians can spot these warning signs immediately when performing their yearly maintenance tasks. The affected fixtures may need a new gasket or weatherproof seal added to keep the moisture from getting inside.

You don’t have to wait for your lights to flicker to know there’s a problem. With annual maintenance visits, a licensed electrician can fix hidden issues before they result in serious safety hazards or expensive repairs. If you live in Modesto, CA or a surrounding area and need lighting services, make your first call to The Electric Company.