Daylight Savings Time & The Impact On Your Lighting
Daylight Savings Time (DST) can significantly affect outdoor and security lighting for Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and commercial properties. As property managers adjust to the time change, it’s important to ensure that outdoor lighting remains effective, safe, and energy-efficient. Here’s what you need to know about the impact of DST on your lighting systems and how to stay ahead of potential issues.
Changes in Lighting Timing
When clocks spring forward in March and fall back in November, lighting schedules that rely on timers or manual operation may become misaligned with actual daylight hours. This can result in:
• Lights turning on too early or too late
• Dark periods where properties may be underlit, increasing security risks
• Unnecessary energy consumption if lights remain on longer than needed
Security & Safety Hazards
Proper lighting is a key component of security and safety. Improperly timed lighting schedules can lead to poor coverage within & around the property:
• Increased risk of accidents in parking lots, walkways, and common areas
• Higher vulnerability to vandalism and break-ins due to inadequate lighting
• Resident and tenant dissatisfaction due to poorly illuminated spaces
Adjusting Lighting Controls & Timers
• Photocell Sensors – These automatically adjust to natural daylight, eliminating the need for frequent manual updates.
• Smart Lighting Controls – Digital or Wi-Fi-enabled lighting systems can adjust based on sunset and sunrise data, ensuring consistent illumination.
• Scheduled Maintenance Checks – Plan biannual inspections of your lighting systems around the time changes to update timers and settings.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
The shift in daylight hours can also impact energy consumption. By optimizing your outdoor lighting, you can:
- Reduce waste by ensuring lights are only on when necessary
- Lower electricity bills by incorporating LED fixtures and motion sensors
- Improve sustainability efforts, aligning with green initiatives
Preparing for the Next Time Change
To avoid disruptions, property managers should:
- Schedule an audit of outdoor lighting systems before each DST shift.
- Upgrade outdated lighting controls to adaptive, automated solutions.
- Use experienced maintenance teams like Nevada Illumination insures best practices are used for lighting adjustments.
A Final Thought …
By proactively addressing these daylight savings challenges, property managers can maintain a well-lit, secure, and energy-efficient environment for their HOAs and commercial properties. Need assistance with lighting maintenance or upgrades? Contact us today to ensure your lighting system is always optimized for safety and efficiency.
