Outdoor lighting is a crucial style and safety feature for every property. If you plan on installing landscape lighting, you may wonder how long the outdoor lights will last. Do these lights require frequent replacement or take several years before eventually dimming? 

The lifespan of outdoor lighting is largely up to the lighting fixture you use for your home. Maintenance will also play an important role in determining the longevity of your landscape lighting system. 

This article will cover the average lifespan of outdoor lights and what you can do to extend the operating life.  

The Lifespan of Various Lighting Fixture Types

When discussing the average length of an outdoor light fixture, the most important information is the type of light bulb. In outdoor lighting applications, the two most common types of lighting are LED and halogen light bulbs. 

While incandescent lights can be utilized for your home’s outdoor lighting, they have the shortest lifespan of any lighting option. These lights last between 700 and 2,000 hours before needing a replacement bulb. 

LED outdoor lights will exceed the average operating hours of halogen light fixtures in your yard. If you install LED landscape lights, you can expect 25,000 hours or more before needing a replacement bulb. 

Halogen lights have an average operating life of between 2,000 and 4,000 hours before needing a replacement. As you can tell, the difference between an LED light and other lighting options is significant.

You may also install battery-operated solar lights that require no wires to illuminate your property in outdoor lighting situations. However, the rechargeable batteries within the fixture have a 3-5 year life expectancy.

How Do You Extend the Lifespan of Outdoor Lights? 

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a well-lit outdoor living space, there are a few steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your light fixtures. One of the most important things you can do is perform maintenance on your lights.

Some of the steps of a proper landscape lighting maintenance are: 

  • Cleaning Fixtures
  • Remove Overgrown Vegetation
  • Inspecting Fixtures For Exposed Wires
  • Adjust Positioning of Lights

Scheduling maintenance on your outdoor lights will give them the ideal environment and prevent them from dimming prematurely. Additionally, you should always consult the help of a professional landscape lighting company. 

If a light bulb has a wattage too high for a fixture, it can cause overlamping and permanent damage. Having an LED light fixture installed by qualified professionals will ensure it lasts the full 25,000 hours. 

Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation

After our team installs outdoor lighting on your property, you can enjoy the illumination benefits for several years without disruptions. Most LED lights last an average of 4-6 years before needing a replacement. 

As a landscape lighting company in Houston and surrounding areas, you can count on Houston Lightscapes for your outdoor lighting needs. We will ensure you get the most out of your outdoor lighting display.

Call us at (713)-461-3600 to schedule a free consultation with one of our lighting specialists. 

The team at Houston Lightscapes takes pride in their many years of experience in the landscape lighting industry. They've been serving the greater Houston area for over 30 years bringing innovation and elegance to their designs. Learn more about Houston Lightscapes here.