Summer Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Tips

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy warm days and cooler evenings outdoors. But while soaking up the sun, it's easy to forget about your home's lighting.

Proper lighting maintenance can improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, and keep indoor and outdoor spaces looking bright and inviting.

Here are some essential summer lighting tips to keep your home and landscape working without a hitch.

Clean Fixtures & Bulbs for Maximum Brightness

Dust, dirt, and dead bugs can accumulate on light fixtures and bulbs, reducing their brightness and clarity. These can accumulate so gradually that you may not notice the reduced light output for months or years.

Indoor Lights: Turn off the power, remove glass covers, and wipe them down with a damp cloth. For chandeliers, use a microfiber duster. When dusting off fan blades, any fixture cover or exposed bulbs should also be cleaned.

Outdoor Lights: Hose down exterior fixtures (if weatherproof) and gently scrub away dirt and cobwebs. Exposed floodlight bulbs can also be wiped down and repositioned for better lighting.

LED Bulbs: Dust off both the bulb and the lower part (the heatsink) to reduce the potential of overheating, which can shorten their lifespan.

Check & Replace Old Bulbs

Summer's longer days mean lights are used differently - some may stay on longer, while others get less use, and the higher heat can cause some unexpected problems.

Swap out old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs to save on cooling costs, as LED bulbs produce less heat overall. However, most household LEDs are not rated for enclosed outdoor fixtures, because poor thermal management can drastically shorten the life of LEDs. When shopping for LEDs for use in an outdoor enclosed fixture, look for ones that are specifically rated for that type of usage.

Inspect outdoor light fixtures, including path lights and porch lights, for wear and tear from weather exposure. Sometimes, the bulb can be replaced, but LEDs often have arrays that are not replaceable on their own, requiring the entire fixture to be switched out.

Also, test motion sensors and security lights to ensure they are functioning properly. Dusk-to-dawn lights should also be tested to ensure they are still coming on and turning off as expected.

If you have a pool, spa, or pond that uses an ultraviolet water purifier, spring and summer are the perfect time to check if the UVC lamp or quartz sleeve need to be replaced. Manufacturers often recommend replacing these every one or two years.

Inspect Wiring & Fixtures for Safety

Heat and humidity can affect electrical components, making summer a great time to check for potential hazards. And after a long winter of freezing and thawing, checking for safety is even more important.

Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion in outdoor fixtures. Components may need to be replaced, or the entire fixture might be worth scrapping and installing a new one, depending on its condition.

Ensure all outdoor lighting is rated for wet/damp locations if exposed to rain or sprinklers. Many newer LED bulbs are now rated for use in some wet/damp locations, but not all.

If a light flickers or feels hot to the touch, consult an electrician - it could indicate a wiring issue. It could also be the bulb going bad, requiring a replacement before it fails entirely.

Optimize Outdoor Lighting for Summer Nights

Make the most of warm evenings with well-maintained outdoor lighting.

If you are using any solar light fixtures, clean the solar panels on the lights to ensure they charge efficiently.

Adjust landscape lighting angles as plants grow and block light.

Consider smart lighting (like dusk-to-dawn sensors) to save energy and enhance ambiance.

Finally, using bulbs with a lower color temperature or installing yellow bug lights can help keep insects away. A bug zapper could also be installed, which use ultraviolet light to attract bugs and electrocute them.

Upgrade to Smart & Energy-Efficient Lighting

Take advantage of summer to modernize your lighting setup, as the temperatures are more comfortable for working outside and there are more hours of daylight.

Install smart bulbs for adjustable brightness, color temperatures, or even different light colors entirely.

Use timers or motion sensors to reduce energy waste when you're away on vacation. Timers can also be used to turn lights on inside your home, giving the impression that someone is home, making the empty house less of a target for thieves.

On porches or patios, string lights or solar lanterns can be installed for a cozy, energy-efficient summer vibe.

Prepare for Storms & Power Surges

Depending on where you live, heavy summer storms can cause power fluctuations that damage lighting systems.

Use surge protectors for indoor and outdoor lighting circuits. Any outlets that are outside should be GFCI.

Unplug or cover decorative lighting during severe weather to prevent damage.

Store spare bulbs and emergency lighting, like battery-powered LED flashlights or tap lights, in case of outages.

Final Thoughts

A little lighting maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home and landscape bright, safe, and energy-efficient during the summer. Whether you're sprucing up indoor fixtures, optimizing outdoor ambiance, or upgrading to more efficient lighting solutions, these tips will help you enjoy a well-lit and worry-free season.

Pro Tip: Set a reminder to check your lighting every few months - your future self (and your electric bill) will thank you!