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How to maintain your outdoor lights after a winter storm

 Winter storms can be beautiful but also harsh on your outdoor lighting system. Snow, ice, and heavy winds can cause damage to your lights, affecting their performance or even causing them to fail entirely. Whether you have outdoor LED lighting everywhere or just lights on your walkway, taking the right steps to maintain and repair them after a storm can ensure that your home stays bright and safe throughout the colder months. Here’s how to care for your outdoor lights after a winter storm.

 

Inspect for damage

 

After the storm has passed, begin by thoroughly inspecting your outdoor lights for visible damage. Look for any broken fixtures, cracked bulbs, or damaged wiring. Outdoor LED lighting is more durable than traditional incandescent bulbs, but the cold and moisture from a winter storm can still cause wear and tear over time. For lights on walkways, check if any are knocked out of place or buried under snow and ice. 

 

Clear away snow and ice

 

Snow and ice accumulation around your outdoor lights can cause them to malfunction. Carefully remove any snow or ice surrounding your outdoor LED light, especially the fixtures on your walkway. Use a plastic shovel to gently clear away debris without damaging the lights. If ice has built up around the wiring or bulb housing, avoid using sharp tools or excessive force, as this could cause further damage. Warm water can help melt the ice safely but be cautious of using anything too hot, which could crack the fixtures. 

 

Check the electrical connections

 

Winter storms often bring wet conditions, and moisture can easily seep into electrical connections, leading to malfunctions. For safety, make sure your outdoor LED lighting and walkway lights are turned off before inspecting the writing. Look for any exposed wires or areas where moisture may have entered. If you notice any corrosion or wear on the wiring, it may be best to call a professional electrician to handle repairs. It’s always better to be safe, especially when dealing with electricity in potentially wet conditions. 

 

Test the lights

 

Once you’ve cleared the snow, checked for damage, and ensured the wiring is intact, it’s time to test your outdoor lights. Turn them on and inspect each fixture carefully to make sure they’re functioning properly. If any of your lights are flickering or not working at all, it may be time to replace bulbs or address any wiring issues. 

 

Consider upgrading your outdoor lighting

 

If your outdoor LED lighting or lights on your walkway have sustained significant damage or are nearing the end of their lifespan, it may be time to upgrade. Modern outdoor LED lights, like those sold on bestprolighting.com, are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions better than older models. Look for weather-resistant fixtures with proper sealing to help prevent moisture from entering and causing future damage. 

 

Maintaining your outdoor lighting after a winter storm is key to keeping your home well-lit and safe throughout the colder months. With regular inspections, proper care, and the right equipment, your outdoor LED lighting and lights on your walkway can continue to shine bright no matter the weather. 

 

Do you have any other tips for post-winter storm maintenance? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.