Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Guide for Homeowners

Outdoor lighting adds beauty, safety, and value to your home—but only if it’s functioning properly. Regular lighting maintenance is essential for homeowners looking to keep their outdoor spaces well-lit and aesthetically pleasing. 

Time, wear and tear, and exposure to the elements can all take a toll on your outdoor lighting system and may even lead to costly replacements or safety issues. Whether you use your lights for landscaping, home security, or nighttime entertaining, a little upkeep goes a long way toward protecting your investment and avoiding detrimental hazards. 

In this guide, we share expert outdoor lighting maintenance tips and list telltale signs that it’s time to schedule professional services with an electrician.

3 Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

There are all kinds of outdoor lighting fixtures for homeowners to choose from—like path lights, flood lights, string lights, and more. While each type has unique maintenance needs, there are some rules that usually apply to all of them. 

Below are some general outdoor lighting maintenance tips for homeowners: 

Inspect and Replace Light Bulbs as Needed

No matter which type of lighting fixture you have, you usually need to replace the bulbs after a certain amount of time. The lifespan of a light bulb can vary greatly depending on which type it is, how long ago you purchased it, and how long your lights are on each day.

Consider checking all the light bulbs across your yard every 6 months or so. If you have LED light bulbs, you won’t need to replace them as frequently because they last up to 25% longer than incandescent lighting.¹ Just one LED light bulb can last up to 60,000 hours before needing replacement. But, it’s still a good idea to check them every now and then because bulbs can fail for other reasons.

2. Trim Back Obstructive Vegetation 

Obstructive tree branches, vines, bushes, or overgrown grass can block light output and even damage your fixtures. Regularly trimming the vegetation around your lighting helps prevent obstruction for the clearest illumination possible. 

This is especially important for security lighting, or lights specifically meant for safety and visibility. It also helps reduce the risk of pests nesting near warm fixtures. 

3. Schedule Routine Professional Maintenance 

Consider scheduling annual outdoor electrical inspections and maintenance to make sure everything is working properly. This usually includes voltage testing, deep cleaning, wire tracing, and sealing or adjusting components. You may need professional maintenance more frequently if you experience any noticeable issues. 

Even if your system appears to be working fine, a licensed electrician can spot subtle issues before they escalate into bigger problems. This not only keeps you and your family safe, but also helps preserve the lifespan of your lighting fixtures and avoids costly fixes or replacements down the line. 

How to Maintain Different Types of Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

As mentioned above, there are many kinds of outdoor lighting fixtures for homes, and each one requires unique maintenance. Below are some tips for maintaining these different fixture types: 

Path Lights

Path lights are used to illuminate walkways, driveways, and garden beds. They are low to the ground and usually prone to buildup from dirt, mulch, and grass. 

Maintenance tips for path lights: 

• Clean lenses with a soft cloth to remove debris and hard water spots 
• Gently brush away dirt, mulch, or dried mud from the fixture’s base 
• Reposition any lights that may have shifted from foot traffic, landscaping tools, bumps, etc. 
• Checked for cracked housings or signs of water intrusion 

Floodlights

Floodlights are typically mounted on your home’s exterior walls or eaves. They provide high-output illumination for large areas like backyards, side yards, or driveways. 

Floodlight maintenance tips: 

• Clean the lens to maximize brightness 
• Ensure each fixture is securely mounted and hasn’t tilted out of alignment 
• Check for rust or corrosion, especially around the mounting brackets 

String Lights and Decorative Fixtures

String lights and other decorative fixtures can make any outdoor space cozy, beautiful, and welcoming. However, they tend to wear out faster than other types of fixtures and need regular inspections to avoid safety hazards. 

String light maintenance tips: 

• Take down lights during winter, rainy periods, or extreme weather to avoid wear 
• Check cords for exposed wires or fraying 
• Replace dimmed or burned-out bulbs to avoid circuit issues 
• Clean with a soft microfiber cloth (avoid pulling on cords too hard when doing so) 

Spotlights and Uplights

Spotlights and uplights are designed to highlight landscaping and architectural features. They are usually installed on the ground or hidden in landscaping elements, so sometimes they’re vulnerable to blockage or misalignment. 

Maintenance tips for spotlights and uplights: 

• Wipe down the lenses and clear away any dirt, dust, or leaves that might be blocking light 
• Realign fixtures so they’re highlighting the intended focal points 
• Check wiring and housing for any rust, dirt buildup, or corrosion 

Wall-Mounted Sconces

Wall-mounted sconces are usually installed on exterior walls near entryways and garages. They provide great illumination for security and safety purposes, but also serve as beautiful focal points you’ll want to keep clean. 

Maintenance tips for wall-mounted sconces: 

• Clean the exterior with mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth 
• Remove dead bugs and debris from inside the glass enclosure 
• Check mounts for loose parts or corrosion 

Signs You Need Professional Outdoor Lighting Maintenance

While there are some steps you can take on your own to keep your outdoor lighting beautiful and functional, some signs indicate deeper issues with your electrical system and may warrant immediate help from a qualified residential electrician. 

Below are some telltale indicators that you need professional outdoor lighting maintenance right away:

If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, there may be more serious issues at play that an electrician can help address.

Schedule Expert Outdoor Lighting Maintenance in the North Bay

Maintaining your outdoor lighting is an easy way to improve curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. With regular cleaning, adjusting, inspections, and keeping an eye out for deeper issues, you can reduce safety risks and keep your outdoor spaces beautiful and functional. 

At Schafer Electric, we have years of experience helping homeowners like you with all things outdoor lighting. From professional installation and maintenance to helping you plan your next lighting renovation, we offer a wide range of residential electrician services to residents in Sonoma County and beyond. 

Contact us online or call (707) 545-3300 to get in touch with a team member today.

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