I'm sure every home has so many outdoor lights in your doorways, small yards, gardens, and more to light up outdoor living after nightfall!
But have you ever wondered how long these fixtures last? How about longer?
Whether you're upgrading your outdoor lighting or planning to install new fixtures, knowing how long they last can save you time, money, and hassle.
In this guide, we'll look at the lifespan of outdoor light fixtures, the factors that affect their durability, and tips for keeping them bright and prolonging their life for years to come. Let's get started!
How Long Do Outdoor Light Fixtures Last?
How long do outdoor luminaires last? This question is often difficult to answer because the length of service life is affected by many factors, which we'll get to later. For now, I'll answer this question about the general lifespan of four common bulb types.
1. LED Bulbs
LED bulbs have a lifespan of 25,000-50,000 hours (average 10-20+ years).
LED lighting, unlike other lighting types, has a much longer lifespan.
LEDs are energy efficient and reduce the strain on the bulb. LED lamps don't generate much heat, are weather-resistant, and are less likely to overheat and fail even in extreme outdoor conditions.
2. Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs have a lifespan of 750-2000 hours (1-2 years of average use).
Incandescent bulbs are not energy efficient and generate much heat, especially in environments where outdoor temperatures fluctuate. Moreover, the filament inside is fragile and can easily break once it is affected by vibration, wind, and rain.
3. Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs have a lifespan of 2,000-4,000 hours (2-3 years on average).
Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent bulb that contains halogen gas inside, making them brighter and more efficient. However, they still produce heat and are prone to problems in extreme temperatures and humidity.
4. Solar Lights
Battery life is 1,000-5,000 hours; LED bulbs 10+ years.
The rechargeable batteries in solar lamps deteriorate due to repeated charging, and once the batteries can no longer hold a charge, the lamp will not work.
They are also susceptible to damage due to prolonged UV exposure and the effects of extreme weather, although the LED components themselves may have a longer lifespan.
The service life of the bulb, to a certain extent, determines the service life of the outdoor lamps and lanterns. With the correct understanding of the bulb, choose the best ideal outdoor lamps and lanterns.
5 Factors Affecting the Service Life of Outdoor Lighting and How to Choose
The service life of outdoor light fixtures is not just a result of the fixtures themselves but also includes a variety of external factors, such as the quality of the installation, the impact of the weather, and many other aspects of each other to affect the time of use.
Next, we will comprehensively analyze which factors affect the service life of outdoor lamps and provide you with some tips on choosing durable outdoor lamps to help you have a deep understanding.
1. Luminaire Material Performance
Different luminaire housing materials have different qualities and affect the results differently.
- Metal: Fixtures made of stainless steel, aluminum, or brass are more durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Plastic: Cheap plastic fixtures can fade, crack, or warp after prolonged exposure to external environments such as UV light.
- Glass: The thickness of glass affects durability and is UV resistant but fragile.
Tips: Choose stainless steel, brass, or aluminum materials and UV-resistant plastic outdoor fixtures treated with powder coating, which are sturdy and water and rust-resistant, won't crack or fade in the sun, and are cost-effective. Avoid copper, which is prone to patina.
2. Exposure to Various Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are uncertain factors affecting the use of outdoor light fixtures. Humidity, UV rays, and temperature differences are the most basic, which can lead to rusting, water ingress, or fading of the light fixtures.
But once you encounter stormy weather, hail, blizzard, and other extremely bad weather, the impact on the lamps and lanterns is great, as well as uncontrollable.
Tips: Choose outdoor lamps with an IP65 and above protection level, which can effectively prevent water, dust, etc. from entering. Before use, check to ensure the luminaire is sealed to prevent moisture and rust.
3. Installation Quality
Improperly wired, unfixed, or ill-positioned luminaires are a problem of installation quality.
Improperly installed wiring can lead to electrical problems, short circuits, or reduced performance, which can result in damage to the luminaire. Improperly fixed luminaires are more likely to fall and be damaged by natural or human movement.
4. Maintenance Methods
Regular maintenance of luminaires also affects the longevity of the luminaire in certain roles. Regular cleaning and maintenance and early repair of minor problems, such as replacing worn seals or corroded parts, can extend the service life.
Tips: Choose LED bulbs or solar lights that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and durable, have low maintenance costs, and are ideal for outdoor use.
5. Location and Environment
Coastal areas: salt air will accelerate corrosion, coupled with high winds all year round; screws are easy to lose; the lamps should be tilted.
Urban areas: Pollution and dirt accumulation will put outdoor lamps and lanterns in long-term deterioration.
Rural areas: Insect activity or overgrowth can clog or damage the fixtures of your light fixtures.
Tips: Choose corrosion-resistant materials such as brass or stainless steel for coastal areas; metal fixtures that can withstand the cold for cold climates; heat-resistant glass or metal for hot tropical areas; and plastic outdoor fixtures are best for areas where it rains all year round.
With these few factors affecting the length of service life of outdoor light fixtures, I believe you already have a preliminary understanding in your mind.
Durable fixtures also depend on the choice, and keeping these few simple tips in mind for choosing long-lasting and cost-effective outdoor fixtures will ensure that your outdoor fixtures will continue to function and look great for years to come.
How to Routinely Maintain to Extend the Life of Outdoor Luminaires
Regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your outdoor luminaires (lighting fixtures). By taking a few simple steps on a regular basis, you can extend the life of your outdoor light fixtures and keep your outdoor environment bright and safe for a long time.
The following are ways to perform routine maintenance:
- Check for dust and debris to ensure that it is not collecting around the shade and base, which can block light and cause overheating, or accumulate water and clog vents.
- For outdoor light fixtures made of metal, occasionally check for rust, and if you find rust, gently wipe it off and apply a protective coating or rust inhibitor.
- Check bulbs for flickering, burned-out, etc., and replace them if necessary to prevent additional strain on the rest of the lighting system.
- Ensure that the light is firm, check for loose screws and wires, and fix them in time to avoid damage or short circuit.
- Maintain solar lights, replace batteries, and clean panels regularly; dust or dirt can reduce their efficiency, to ensure maximum sunlight reception.
- Clear weeds and trim plants or branches that may block light or impede the function of the light without affecting the performance of the light.
- Check the power supply and wiring for damage or moisture, especially after storms or strong winds. Make sure the voltage is correct and the power supply is stable to prevent damage to the light over time.
By following these simple routine maintenance steps, you can extend the life of your outdoor light fixtures and ensure that they will last for years to come, illuminating your outdoor environment.
Conclusion
On average, a high-quality outdoor light fixture will last around 5 to 20 years, with LED bulbs being the most durable and longest-lasting. The key to making your outdoor fixtures last longer is proactive maintenance, and our seven ways to maintain them will hopefully give you some inspiration.
Whether you're looking to light up your yard, pathway, or garden, purchasing high-quality outdoor light fixtures and keeping them well-maintained ensures that they continue to shine brightly.
HomeyFad can do this for you with our outdoor light fixtures, featuring a diverse selection and great value for money!