How to Prepare for Lighting Season: A Checklist

Preparing in advance for fall and shorter daylight hours is key to keeping electrical systems in top shape. 

What are some of the best ways to avoid falling behind, and be ready for the upcoming lighting season? Here’s a lighting checklist to stay ahead of the curve. 

Reset Lighting Controls and Adjust Settings

Make sure to update your lighting control systems to ensure a seamless transition into fall days. Here are some reminders:

• Review Timers and Sensors: Check and recalibrate timers and light sensors to synchronize with changing sunset times, ensuring lights activate when needed.
• Adjust Dimmers: Modify dimmer settings to create gradual transitions in indoor lighting, minimizing abrupt changes and enhancing comfort.
• Program Smart Systems: Program smart lighting systems to automatically adjust lighting levels based on daylight changes, enhancing energy efficiency. Smart lighting systems such as Cooper’s WaveLinx can help building occupants easily maintain control and connection.

Upgrade Fixtures to LEDs and Update Supplies

Ensure that indoor and outdoor spaces remain well-lit, safe, and energy-efficient by taking the following measures:

• Evaluate Light Intensity: Take a look at the existing fixtures to see if they provide enough illumination in indoor and outdoor areas. Diminished brightness could mean you need higher wattage or more efficient LEDs.
• Check Colour Temperature: For indoor lighting, consider adjusting the colour temperature to create a warmer and cozier ambiance on darker evenings.
• Assess Existing Fixtures: If the existing fixtures have been used for a long time, their output may have degraded, and they might need to be replaced with energy-efficient LED options to save money and reduce electricity usage.
• Check Dimmers: Test the functionality of dimmable lights to ensure they aren’t flickering. Inconsistent dimming could suggest worn-out lights, while buzzing, or uneven lighting output, can indicate deterioration or potential wiring issues.
• Review Outdoor Security Lighting: Inspect outdoor security and pathway lighting to make sure they’re still providing adequate lighting and enhanced safety. RAB Design Lighting’s safety lighting and motion sensors offer a variety of methods to improve security. 
• Consider Smart Lighting: Smart lighting solutions with automated schedules and remote control optimize lighting during changing daylight hours.
• Update Your Replacement Inventory: Stock up on specific inventory you might need to prepare for the months ahead.

Refresh Your Outdoor Landscape Lighting

You can easily create a more comfortable and safer outdoor space by revitalizing fall landscape lighting to align with the new season. Here’s where to start: 

• Check Fixtures: Thoroughly examine outdoor light fixtures for wear, corrosion, or damage, and replace or repair them as needed.
• Inspect Wiring and Connections: Check for signs of damage and wear to ensure safe and efficient electrical flow.
• Clean Fixture Lenses and Covers: Remove dirt, debris, and obstructions that can dim lighting.
• Upgrade to Seasonal Lighting: Replace existing bulbs with those featuring warmer colour temperatures to create a cozy autumnal ambiance.
• Modify Angles and Heights: Adjust fixtures to align with changing foliage and prevent light obstructions as trees shed leaves.
• Test Safety Lighting: Ensure that safety lighting is robust and reliable, especially for pathways and stairways.
• Add Accent Lighting and Highlight Focal Points: Introduce accent lighting to showcase landscape elements. You can also adjust the lighting focus of fixtures to highlight fall’s colourful trees, pathways, or other decorative elements.

Check out our Landscape Lighting Guide for inspiration.

Think Ahead to Winter Lighting

It’s never too early to plan ahead! Here are some reminders for planning your fall to winter transition. 

• Inspect Exterior Fixtures: Examine outdoor lighting for durability, moisture resistance, and potential issues that could arise during winter. If you’re looking to upgrade lighting, Eaton Crouse-Hinds Crouse-Hinds is known for products that withstand the harshest environments.
• Review Fall Adjustments: Assess the effectiveness of lighting adjustments you’ve made for fall, and consider how they align with winter.
• Evaluate Energy Efficiency: Analyze energy consumption patterns during fall and explore ways to optimize energy usage for winter.
• Check for Snow Accumulation: Anticipate snow around outdoor fixtures and plan for proper positioning to prevent obstruction.
• Reassess Safety Lighting: Check the functionality of safety lights to ensure they provide proper illumination for icy conditions.
• Upgrade for Cold Temperatures: Ensure that lighting components are rated for winter’s chilly weather.
• Verify Timers and Sensors: As sunset times get earlier in winter, confirm that timers and sensors are adjusted to reflect these changes.
• Consider Holiday Lighting: Plan for holiday lighting schemes and decorations, if desired, before the start of winter.

Learn more about the four essential steps you should take to prepare outdoor and landscape lighting for winter.

No Need to Fall Behind on Seasonal Lightning

By following this checklist, you’ll effectively transition any indoor or outdoor space from summer to fall—and start planning for winter—with lighting solutions that enhance safety, comfort, and aesthetics.