Adjust Your Settings to Match the Shorter Days
As winter approaches, the days start to get shorter and shorter which can mean that your client’s landscape lighting systems are not properly programmed for the new season. If possible, remind clients to adjust the timer settings in their transformers to match the new daylight hours for your location. Keep in mind, with the AMP® Photocell Timer Combo , adjusting the timer is not required. When the timer dial is set to dusk-to-dawn, the photocell will operate in accordance with the rising and setting of the sun.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Fixtures
With AMP’s® solid brass and solid copper fixtures, regular cleaning is not required as the finishes are designed to patina beautifully over time and naturally blend with surrounding landscaping. If you are looking for ways to keep metal fixtures shining throughout the winter – we recommend these cleaning methods:
For removing hard water stains from a fixture, soap and water is a simple but effective approach. Start by filling a small bowl with a mixture of water and a touch of dish soap. With a soft cloth or sponge in-hand, gently scrub away any buildup. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes after scrubbing and then rinse away the suds. Keep repeating until the desired result is reached.
For a chemical cleaner, Brasso is a solution that is specifically designed for removing patina from metals like copper and brass. To apply this, simply place a small amount directly onto a soft sponge or soft cloth and gently rub the solution into the surface of the fixture. Buff the polished areas thoroughly with a clean rag. Be careful of over-polishing when applying a chemical such as Brasso as you could expose the raw metal underneath the finish if applying too much pressure.
Add New Fixtures for Safety
When snowfall inevitably begins and freezing occurs, traversing properties at night can become a safety concern. With AMP® light fixtures, you can achieve illumination even through the thickest of snowfall. Before winter fully arrives, be sure to analyze a prospect property at night. Do you notice any poorly lit areas that could be a potential injury hazard with snow and ice forming? By expanding on the client’s current landscape lighting system, you can increase revenue and build relationships by helping homeowners prepare for winter.
Switch to LED (If you haven’t already!)
Not only are your systems guaranteed to have longer-lasting bulbs (Avg. of 40,000+ hrs); the savings on energy bills make LEDs the go-to for residential lighting during the winter. A 150-Watt LED system saves on average $483 when compared to a standard 1000-Watt non-LED system. Those savings can be crucial when the rest of the home is eating up heating costs while the temperatures continue to decline.
