The Signs Your Lighting Is Outdated or Unsafe
You probably rely on your home’s electrical system more than you realize. For instance, you likely have lights on outside at night to keep it safer from outsiders. You may also keep lights on to make it easier to navigate at night or ensure that you can see what you’re doing while cooking, taking a shower or performing other tasks. Ultimately, it’s important to know that your lighting is neither outdated nor unsafe to use.
Signs that Your Lights Are Unsafe
Regardless of how long ago light fixtures were installed on your home, they could be potential safety hazards. For instance, they may have been installed incorrectly or place too much of a strain on your home’s electrical system. Of course, the older a fixture gets, the more likely it is that it could burn out or somehow cause an electrical fire. Let’s take a look at some specific audible, visual or tactile clues that something is wrong with a light, light switch or wiring to a light fixture.
Odd Noises Could Indicate a Problem
When you turn the lights on, you might hear a buzzing, hissing or popping noise that seems to come from the fixture. Alternatively, the source of the noise may appear to come from behind the fixture. In either case, these noises are often signs of problems with the wiring.
A frayed wire, poor grounding or other hazards may be making it difficult for excess current to flow where it is supposed to. It’s possible that such a problem could lead to heat buildup that can cause an electrical fire if not dealt with properly. If you hear buzzing or other odd sounds from your lights, contact a professional to diagnose and repair any potential issue as quickly as possible.
Flickering Lights Should Never Be Ignored
Lights may flicker temporarily when you turn on the washing machine, start the dishwasher or first use other appliances that require significant power to begin operations. However, if they flicker when you start the vacuum or turn on the computer, it could be a sign of a problem.
The same is true if they flicker at random as there may be an issue either with the wiring or with the electrical panel. You may be able to get away with checking the electrical panel for a blown fuse or other obvious signs of unsafe lights. Otherwise, call a professional if you think that fuses, circuits or wires need to be inspected or replaced.
Is a Fixture Hot When You Touch It?
If you touch a light fixture, it should be cold, cool or lukewarm depending on when you last used it. In some cases, it may feel hot to the touch for a few minutes after you first turn the light on.
However, if a light switch or dimmer switch is hot hours after you have last used it, you have a serious problem. This is even more true if you see melted plastic or notice an odd odor that resembles melted plastic or wire. In that scenario, you might be dealing with a hidden fire behind the wall. Ideally, you’ll call for help immediately before calling an electrician.
Signs that Your Lights are Outdated
While your older lights may work fine and suit your needs, there is never a bad time to consider replacing them anyway. This is because older light bulbs tend to experience buildup and are vulnerable to reduced light output after a period of several years.
It may also be a good idea to replace your lights if you are thinking about replacing your existing wiring. Let’s take a closer look at these and other variables to consider when deciding whether or not to replace your lights.
Modern Lights May Require Modern Wiring
One of the best reasons to replace light bulbs when you rewire your home is that modern lights tend to work better with newer wires. This is especially true if your home has aluminum wiring instead of copper, which was popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
New Lights and Fixtures are More Efficient
A modern LED bulb can last for about 10,000 hours, which means that you might never have to replace it. Furthermore, they offer a cleaner and brighter light that makes it easier to illuminate a living room or the hallway that your kids like to walk down late at night.
Do You Like What You See?
You may have been able to look past the chandelier hanging in the kitchen or living room when you first bought your home. In fact, it may have even been trendy to have such a feature at some point. However, as time moves on, trends and preferences change as well. Therefore, if you aren’t happy with what you currently have in your home, that’s a good enough reason to make some upgrades.
If you are having issues with your home’s lighting system, don’t hesitate to call the team at Mister Sparky today. When you work with Mister Sparky, you won’t have to put up with any malarky. Instead, you’ll have access to a qualified professional who can diagnose and repair electrical problems quickly. We can also help with cosmetic upgrades or any other electrical system updates that you want to make to ensure that your home is safe and comfortable at all times.
