Low-voltage outdoor lighting is one of the best ways to add beauty, safety, and curb appeal to your home. But like any investment, it needs regular care to perform its best—and to last for years.
Here at TLC, we’ve spent over 42 years installing and maintaining lighting systems across Maryland and D.C., from the waterfront homes of Annapolis and Queen Anne’s County to the hilly properties of Frederick and Montgomery. Our clients in places like Crofton, Bowie, Ellicott City, and Waldorf trust us not just to get the job done—but to do it right.
One big difference? We maintain lighting systems the way we’d maintain our own homes. And we check the little things that many companies overlook.
What TLC Checks During Every Maintenance Visit
1. Voltage at Every Fixture
Most companies only test the voltage at the transformer. That’s not enough. We test at every fixture to ensure balanced power distribution and detect weak connections early.
2. Buried Wire Integrity
We check for exposed, damaged, or pinched wire throughout your yard—including spots under mulch, near edging, or around tree roots.
3. Fixture Positioning and Angles
Rain, snow, landscaping, or kids playing ball can shift your lighting. We realign every fixture, re-aim beams, and make sure the focus is right.
4. Lens and Housing Cleanliness
Dirty glass or moisture buildup can dim your lights by 30–40%. We clean every lens, check for condensation, and inspect for cracked or clouded housings.
5. Socket Corrosion and Loose Bulbs
We open up fixtures and check for corrosion, debris, or signs of rust. We tighten or replace any loose or faulty lamps.
6. Timer and App Settings
Whether it’s a traditional mechanical timer or a smart controller synced with your smartphone, we check for daylight savings adjustments, syncing issues, or outdated firmware.
7. Transformer Condition
We inspect the transformer enclosure, tighten connections, check the voltage taps, and ensure the breaker isn’t overheating or shorting.
8. GFCI Outlet Functionality
If your transformer is plugged into a GFCI outlet (as it should be), we test it. A tripped or faulty outlet is one of the top reasons lighting systems fail.
9. Landscape Changes Since Last Visit
New mulch beds? A new tree? Changed irrigation layout? We adjust your lighting to match. Many companies skip this—but we know your yard evolves.
10. Overall Performance and Night Aesthetics
We offer optional night visits to inspect how your lighting looks when it counts. This is when we dial in the magic.
Real Client Stories
Annapolis Overhaul
One client in Annapolis had a lighting system installed by another contractor just two years ago. It looked great at first, but fixtures were misaligned, the transformer was rusting, and four lights were out.
We performed a full TLC Lighting Check-Up. We discovered: – Several fixtures were only receiving 8 volts instead of 12 – One fixture had water intrusion – The transformer was pulling too much load on a single tap
After realigning fixtures, redistributing the voltage, replacing one housing, and adjusting the smart timer—it looked brand new. “I wish we had you do this from the start,” the homeowner said.
Ellicott City Tune-Up
A family in Ellicott City had a mix of DIY solar lights and professionally installed low-voltage fixtures. Over time, the system looked patchy and inconsistent. We unified the system, buried exposed wires, cleaned every lens, and added path lighting to match. “It finally looks polished—and it works every night,” the homeowner told us.
Southern MD Waterfront Fix
In Calvert County, a waterfront homeowner struggled with salty air corroding cheap aluminum fixtures. We upgraded to brass, rewired corroded sections, and added zoning for dock and patio lighting. The difference was immediate: “Now we enjoy evenings outside, and it all just works.”
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Lighting systems live outside. They deal with: – Rain and snow – Leaves and mulch – Pets, lawn crews, and kids – Heat and freezing temperatures
Without maintenance, even a top-tier system will fail over time. And the truth is, lighting should look great every night—not just after installation.
That’s what our lighting service plans are built for.
TLC’s Seasonal Landscape Lighting Maintenance Checklist
Spring (March–May)
- Clean lenses and housings
- Re-align fixtures shifted by winter snow or plows
- Check for freeze damage
- Test voltage and wiring integrity
- Set timers for Daylight Saving Time
Summer (June–August)
- Clear debris, mulch, and overgrowth from fixtures
- Check for heat-induced fixture warping or discoloration
- Monitor power loads (especially during irrigation use)
- Re-program timers for longer daylight
Fall (September–November)
- Remove fallen leaves and mulch build-up
- Adjust fixture aim as plants die back
- Prepare transformer and GFCI for winter use
- Test waterproofing seals
Winter (December–February)
- Check lighting during early darkness hours
- Inspect for holiday décor interference
- Test remote and app controls
- Optional: mid-winter tune-up visit if system shows signs of wear
What’s Included in TLC’s Lighting Service Plan
- One or two visits per year (spring and/or fall)
- All checks listed above
- Replacement of standard bulbs included (LED upgrades optional)
- Minor fixture adjustments and realignments
- Detailed report of what we checked, fixed, and recommend
- Priority service if issues arise between visits
We offer these plans in: – Anne Arundel County – Prince George’s County – Montgomery County – Frederick County – Baltimore County – Charles and Calvert Counties – Queen Anne’s County and the Eastern Shore – Washington, D.C.
FAQs
Q: How much does maintenance cost? A: Most plans range from $295–$695/year depending on system size. We offer bundled discounts if you have both lighting and irrigation with us.
Q: Do I need to be home? A: No, not unless you want to walk through it with us. We’ll send photos and a report.
Q: Do you service systems installed by other companies? A: Yes, we do. We service and upgrade systems installed by other contractors or DIY kits.
Q: What about solar lights? A: Unfortunately, we don’t service solar path lights. They’re not designed for long-term maintenance.
Q: Can I upgrade to smart controls later? A: Absolutely. We can retrofit many systems to work with smart timers, Wi-Fi, and phone apps.
Q: Do I really need maintenance if everything looks fine? A: Looks can be deceiving. Corrosion, voltage drops, and weak connections don’t always show until it’s too late. Preventive care saves money.
Q: What’s the most common issue you fix? A: We see a lot of water intrusion, especially in fixtures installed without proper seals or drainage in mulch beds. Also: timer settings that don’t adjust for seasons.
Why You Can Trust TLC
We’ve been doing low-voltage lighting in Maryland for over four decades. We’re not new. We don’t subcontract. And we don’t leave you hanging after the install.
Our content is written by our team—based on the real things we do for real homes across Maryland. From Bethesda to Bel Air, from Kent Island to Upper Marlboro, we show up, we fix it, and we stand behind it.
We follow Marcus Sheridan’s “They Ask, You Answer” model—so we’ll always tell you what’s included, what it costs, and why it matters.
Final Thoughts from Bob
Lighting isn’t just a set-it-and-forget-it feature. It’s a living part of your home. It changes with the seasons, with your landscaping, and with your life.
If you already invested in outdoor lighting, protect it. Maintain it. And let us do the hard work.
Whether you live in Prince Frederick, Potomac, Severna Park, or Queenstown—we’ve got your lighting covered.
Ready for lighting that always looks great? Book your TLC Lighting Check-Up today