How to Winter Prep Your Outdoor Lighting

As the days shorten and the chill sets in, your outdoor lighting transforms from a simple accent to a critical safety and security feature. Winter’s ice, snow, and extreme cold can be brutal on electrical systems. Taking the time now, before the first hard freeze, to properly prepare your outdoor lighting will not only safeguard your investment but ensure your walkways stay lit and your home remains secure throughout the dark, long nights.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to winterize your low-voltage landscape lighting, wall mounts, and security fixtures, keeping them sparkling and functional until spring.

Step 1: Pre-Winter Inspection and Cleaning

The first and most important step is a full system walk-about. Look at every fixture, wire, and connection.

Inspect for Damage and Misalignment

• Fixtures: Check each light fixture for cracks, loose housing, or corrosion. Pay special attention to the seals where the lens meets the fixture body. A damaged seal is an open invitation for moisture—the biggest enemy of outdoor electronics—to seep in and freeze, causing internal damage or short circuits. Tighten any loose screws or bolts on the fixtures and their mounting stakes.
• Wires: During the growing season, tree roots, ground shifting (known as frost heave), and general landscaping can pull wires to the surface. Exposed wires are vulnerable to damage from shovels, snow blowers, and rodents. Gently rebury any exposed low-voltage wiring about 4-6 inches deep before the ground freezes solid. If you find frayed or damaged copper, it's best to call a professional for repair to ensure waterproof connections.
• Transformer and Outlets: Check your transformer box to ensure it’s securely mounted and that the door seal is intact. Make sure all GFCI outlets powering your lights are functioning correctly and that their weatherproof covers are securely in place.

Clean the Lenses and Fixtures

Over time, dirt, dust, mineral deposits, and even dead insects accumulate on your lenses and reflectors, significantly dimming the light output.

• Turn off the power to the system at the breaker or transformer before cleaning.
• Wipe down the exterior of the fixtures with a soft cloth and a mild soap-and-water solution.
• For stubborn mineral deposits or debris inside the lens, you can carefully use a non-abrasive cleaner. Clean lenses are key to achieving the maximum intended brightness and effect, especially as natural daylight becomes scarce.

Step 2: The Electrical Tune-Up

Preparing the internal components now prevents cold-weather failures later.

Replace All Failing Bulbs

Identify and replace any burned-out, dim, or flickering bulbs immediately. In low-voltage systems, when one bulb burns out, the remaining working bulbs receive an increased voltage load, which can dramatically shorten their lifespan. A full, working system is a balanced system.

Consider an LED Upgrade

If you are still using older halogen or incandescent bulbs, winter is the perfect time to switch to LED lighting.

• Cold Performance: LED bulbs perform exceptionally well in cold temperatures and turn on instantly, unlike some traditional lights.
• Durability: Most quality LED fixtures have robust construction and are designed to withstand the elements better than traditional glass bulbs.
• Efficiency: They draw significantly less power, reducing strain on your transformer and saving energy during the season when you need them to run the longest.

Check Connections and Seals

Even with high-quality fixtures, winter's freeze-thaw cycles can cause seals to weaken.

• If you notice moisture inside any fixture, dry it out immediately and check the seal. You may need to apply a small bead of outdoor-rated silicone sealant around the seam where the lens meets the housing for extra protection against driving snow and ice melt.
• If you have exposed connections (like wire nuts), make sure they are waterproof and sealed. For landscape lighting, using grease-filled wire connectors provides an excellent barrier against moisture.

Step 3: Adjustments for the Winter Season

Your lighting needs and the environment change significantly once winter hits. Your lighting schedule must change with them.

Adjust Timers and Controls

With Daylight Saving Time ending and the days getting shorter, you’ll need to reprogram your timers or smart controls.

• Earlier ON Time: Adjust the activation time to account for the earlier sunset. You want your paths and key features lit well before nightfall for maximum safety.
• Later OFF Time: Consider keeping your lights on longer in the morning, especially if you or family members leave before sunrise.

Re-aim and Optimize Fixtures

• Compensate for Bare Trees: Deciduous trees that provided a beautiful canopy of leaves in the summer now have bare branches. The lights that once highlighted the foliage may now shine directly into neighbors' windows or your own, creating unwanted glare. Adjust the angle of any uplights or spotlights to focus on the trunk, or simply turn them toward other architectural features.
• Prioritize Safety: Shift some path lights or spotlights to better illuminate high-risk areas like steps, steep slopes, or areas prone to ice, ensuring a clear, safe path for guests and residents.

Step 4: Proactive Snow and Ice Protection

In areas with heavy snowfall, you need to plan ahead to prevent damage from accumulation and removal equipment.

Mark Fixtures Near Removal Paths

If you use a professional snow removal service, or if you use a snow blower near your driveway or walkways, it’s easy for small path lights to be damaged or ripped out of the ground.

• Use brightly colored driveway markers or fiberglass stakes next to ground-level fixtures along walkways and driveways. This simple, inexpensive step provides a highly visible warning to anyone plowing or blowing snow.

Gentle Snow Clearing

After a snowfall, don’t use a metal shovel near your fixtures. Ice and snow can block light output and, in heavy accumulation, put stress on the fixture housing.

• Gently brush snow away from the top of the fixtures using a soft broom or brush. The minimal heat from LED lights may help melt very light layers of snow, but you’ll need to clear heavy drifts manually.

Protecting Your Investment

Winterizing your outdoor lighting is more than just maintenance—it’s an investment in safety, curb appeal, and longevity. A few hours spent now ensures that your lighting system remains functional, beautiful, and ready to greet the spring thaw without the need for expensive, post-winter repairs.

For any complex repairs, wire issues, or concerns about your transformer, always consult a qualified outdoor lighting professional.