Can You Leave Outdoor String Lights Out in Winter?

Outdoor lighting can be a great addition to your home and one of the best ways to produce a look in your back or front yard. Outdoor string lights look fantastic as they are great at creating a welcoming atmosphere. They are also an easy and affordable way to add lights around your yard. One of the frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting is can outdoor string lights stay out in winter? We’ll go over some common questions regarding outdoor decorative lights string and share some tips to keep your backyard well-lit year-round.

Can Outdoor Lights Stay Out In Winter?

You can leave your lights outside during the winter as long as they are rated outdoors. Outdoor lights are specially designed to be weatherproof and can be hang out all year round. Check the Ingress Protection Rating of the lights before purchasing them. There will be an indoor or outdoor rating on the packaging of each set of lights you purchase. Though most outdoor lights are weatherproof, you should check the wire and lights once a year and try to install them in a cool, dry place if possible to help them last longer.

Winter is a tough season for string lights. The cold weather can cause the wire to become brittle, leading to breakage. In addition, the moisture in the air can cause corrosion, which can shorten the lifespan of your string lights. So, if you’re going to leave your string lights out in winter, take some precautions to protect them from the elements. 

Our professional quality decorative string lights are built and installed to withstand the weather. While of course there are special extreme cases where anything can happen, general snow and light ice should not cause you any issues.

Outdoor String Lights for you that are perfect to stay out in winter

How to take care of outdoor lights?

Outdoor lights and lamps add extra charm to the environment. Be it your backyard or your vegetable garden, outdoor lights never fail to enhance the ambiance. It remarkably increases the beauty of your chosen spot.

But be careful! Not maintaining them properly might make them hazardous. If you are confused about how to maintain and take proper care of your outdoor lights, here are some suggestions to help you out:

1. Locate Your Lights Correctly

Install the porch lights near the front door so that they can be kept away from the rain. Locate the lights right under the overhangs where the rains cannot reach.

2. Keep the Bulbs Clean

Clean the bulbs of your outdoor lights in the late fall to remove things such as dust that can really dim bulb brightness. Use a soft damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt. If you have halogen lights, they heat up enough to melt snow away. However, LED bulbs stay cooler, so they occasionally require clearing after a heavy snowfall.

3. Check for Exposed Wires

If you had installed your outdoor lighting for a long time, it is recommended to check them regularly. Look for wear and tear signs, such as fraying cords, loose connections, etc. If you find any abnormality in the lights or cords’ functioning, stop using it and replace with a new one.

4. Clean Solar Panels for Solar String Lights

If you have your solar powered string lights in your outdoor space during winter, they may occasionally require clearing on the solar panel after a heavy snowfall, so it can charge properly during day time.

5. Switch off when not required:

Please turn off your outdoor lights when they are not required. This will increase their lifespan of the bulbs and keep them from being overheated if they are incandescent. This is also a smart practice to optimize energy usage. You can consider switching off the lights when you step inside or leave the house.

Now that you have an idea about can outdoor lights stay out in winter and how to take care of them properly, you will find minimum issues in installing them and maintaining them regularly. 

If you’d love to create a nostalgic and festive feeling on your patio or deck that can stay up all year long, contact ZHONGXIN Lighting today to learn more! 


Post time: Jun-23-2022