For most people, that light switch is flipped without a second thought. It’s a thing we all do every day without even thinking about it. But lights, particularly the wrong kind in the wrong fixture, can become too hot. That heat can also accumulate over time, and this can sometimes lead to significant dangers. If lights become too hot, it can result in burnt-out bulbs, melted fixtures or, worst of all, an electrical fire. Fortunately, with a handful of small habits, you can avoid that risk entirely.

Use the Proper Bulb for the Fixture

Dumping a bulb with too high a wattage into a fixture that wasn’t designed for it is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Just because the bulb screws in, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Every light socket has a watt threshold. If you exceed that, too much heat may have nowhere to go.

You might not notice the heat straight away, but there’s usually a slow build. That’s where the trouble starts. Always read the label near the socket or inside the lighting fixture before installing a new bulb. If the fixture says 60 watts, do not put in a 100-watt bulb.

Prevent Fixtures From Collecting Dust

Dust sounds like a small thing, but when it accumulates around light fixtures, it can form insulating mounds that will trap heat. Lightbulbs themselves generate heat during operation. When a light bulb is encased in dust or dirt, the heat it generates will be trapped, and the bulb will get even hotter. If you have ceiling fixtures, use enclosed lighting, such as pendants and chandeliers, and keep them clean. Good old elbow grease isn’t such a bad approach with a soft cloth or two. You need not clean them daily, but a quick touchup once a month can help you steer clear of a dangerous buildup.

Switch to Cooler Bulb Choices

Incandescent bulbs are notorious for becoming scorching to the touch. That’s how they operate, as they emit light by heating a metal filament. But newer options, such as LED or CFL bulbs, emit drastically less heat while providing the same amount of light in your space. LEDs, in particular, remain cool to the touch, consume less energy and last longer.

Let Your Lights Breathe

If your lights are crammed in cabinets, deep angles or low ventilation areas, heat can really build up quickly. Even top bulbs need air to flow to remain cool. Strive not to entrap your lighting in boxes, shades or decorative items that don’t allow air flow. Lampshades and fixtures should fit snugly but not touch the bulb. If the fixture feels warm to the touch, that is a clue to reacquaint yourself with how it’s configured.

It’s also not a bad idea to have your light fixtures installed or even occasionally inspected by an electrician. This way, you can find and fix problems before they can put you and your family in significant danger. If you’d like to have new lighting installed in your Lethbridge, AB home, reach out to Charlton & Hill to make this happen right away.