How To Fix Dim Landscape Lights (Complete Guide)

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Willie writes on small engine repair, landscaping, and lawn care. He owned a professional lawn care business in Alabama for almost 10 years.

1. Check the Light Bulbs for Dirt or Debris

The first thing you’ll want to do when troubleshooting dim landscape lights is to check the light bulbs. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the light bulb, thereby dimming the light produced by the device.

The dirt creates a barrier between the light and the glass, which reduces the amount of light that can pass through. This results in a duller light, which can take away from the overall look of your home.

You will need a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution to clean the light bulbs. Follow these simple steps:

Remove the light bulb from the socket.
Gently wipe the light bulb with a soft cloth and the mild soap and water solution to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using anything too abrasive, as this could damage the light bulb.
Rinse the light bulb with clean water.
Dry the light bulb with a soft cloth. Be gentle so you don’t break the glass, which can injure you.
Fasten the bulb back into the socket.

This should fix the problem, and your landscape lights should be shining bright once again. Turn on the power to test it out. If the light is still dim, move on to the next method.

2. Replace Any Burned Out Light Bulbs

Nothing will make your landscape lights appear dimmer than a burned-out light bulb. Burned-out lights also create patches of darkness on your landscaping, which can look unsightly.

Over time, light bulbs will burn out (naturally) and therefore need to be replaced.

This is especially true for older landscape lights that use incandescent bulbs. These types of bulbs have a shorter lifespan than newer LED bulbs. They also rely on a filament to create light, which can break over time.

When replacing a burned-out bulb, you will want to choose a replacement with the same wattage and voltage as the original. This helps ensure that the new bulb is compatible with your existing landscape lighting system.

Once you have the new light bulb, follow these steps to set it up:

Turn off the power to the landscape lights
Remove the old light bulb from the socket
Install the new light bulb into the socket
Screw it in until it is hand-tight
Turn on the power to the landscape lights, and you should have bright, shining lights again.

Tips for Replacing Landscape Light Bulbs

When replacing landscape light bulbs, keep the following tips in mind:

Turn off the power and allow 5-10 minutes for the lights to cool before removing the bulbs. This helps to prevent burns.
Avoid touching the glass of the light bulb with your bare hands. The oils in your hand can shorten the light bulb’s lifespan as they etch into the glass and cause weak spots.
Use plastic or thin cotton gloves when handling light bulbs. Rubber and latex gloves have petroleum-based oils that can also shorten the lifespan of light bulbs.
Wipe the light bulbs with a soft, dry cloth before screwing them into the socket. This helps remove any dust or debris that could prevent the light from shining through.
Be careful not to over-tighten the light bulb when screwing it into the socket. This can damage the socket or the light bulb itself.

For older landscape lights, it’s a good idea to keep a few replacement bulbs on hand so you can quickly replace them when they burn out. While LED landscape lights are more expensive, they have a longer lifespan, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often.

3. Install Additional Light Fixtures

If you have a large landscaping area, you may need to add additional light fixtures to achieve the desired brightness. Evenly spaced landscape lights create a cohesive look and help to achieve the desired level of brightness.

You may also want to consider using different light fixtures to add interest and depth to your landscaping. When adding additional light fixtures, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Choose the right type of light fixture for your needs. There are a variety of landscape lights available, so be sure to choose the right style for your needs. Floodlights, well lights, and path lights are all popular options.
Consider the wattage of the light bulbs. Higher wattage light bulbs will provide more light than lower wattage bulbs. However, they also use more energy, so be sure to choose the right balance for your needs.
Be sure to space the light fixtures properly. This helps ensure the light is evenly distributed and there are no dark spots in your landscaping.

4. Upgrade to LED Lights

LED (light-emitting diode) landscape lights are a newer technology that is quickly becoming the new standard. LED lights are 90% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan (source).

Inside each LED light is a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current passes through it. This makes them more durable and resistant to breakage than traditional light bulbs.

Unlike incandescent lights that “burn out,” LEDs experience “lumen depreciation,” which means the light output gradually dims over time.

Even with this gradual dimming, LED lights last an average of 50,000 hours which is about 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs (source).

LED landscape lights are available in various colors, so you can easily find the perfect shade to compliment your landscaping.

They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the ideal light fixture for your needs. If you’re looking to upgrade your landscape lighting, be sure to consider LED lights.

Advantages of LED Landscape Lights

There are several advantages to using LED landscape lights, including:

Energy-efficient: LEDs use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Long lifespan: LEDs last an average of 50,000 hours, which is 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Durable: LEDs are more resistant to breakage than traditional light bulbs. While they typically don’t burn out, they experience “lumen depreciation,” which means the light output gradually dims over time.
Available in various colors: You can easily find an LED landscape light to match any color scheme.

5. Inspect the Wires for Damage

Over time, the wires that connect your landscape lights can become damaged. This is usually due to exposure to the elements or animal activity.

Damaged wires can cause your landscape lights to flicker or completely malfunction. It can also create short circuits, which can be a fire hazard.

For your landscape lights to work properly, enough current must be able to flow through the wires to reach the light bulbs. If the current is interrupted, your landscape lights will not work correctly. To avoid this, inspect the wires for damage and repair (or replace) them as needed.

You can also consider using wire covers to protect the cables from animal damage.

Loose connections on the wires can also interfere with current flow and make your landscape lights flicker or dim. These loose connections are caused by corrosion, dirt, and normal wear and tear.

To fix loose connections, inspect the wires and clean or tighten them as needed. You can also use wire connectors to secure the cables and prevent them from getting loose.

Be sure to turn off the power to your landscape lights before inspecting or repairing the wires, as doing so will help prevent electrocution.

6. Ensure the Landscape Lighting Timer Is Working Correctly

If your landscape lights are on a timer, be sure to check that it is working properly. A faulty timer can make your landscape lights dim or flicker. It can also prevent them from lighting your landscape altogether.

To check if the timer is working correctly, try resetting it by pressing the Restart, Reset, or R button. Set it for the desired time and see if the lights come on as scheduled. If they don’t, the timer may be faulty and need repair or replacement.

Causes of a Faulty Timer

There are several reasons why your landscape lighting timer may be faulty, including:

Dirty or corroded battery contacts: Over time, the battery contacts can become dirty or corroded. This prevents the timer from receiving power and can cause it to malfunction. Use a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts. Gently scrub the contacts until they are clean.
Power surges: When massive spikes in electricity occur, they can damage the timer and cause it to malfunction. Like any other electronic device, it’s always a good idea to plug your timer into a surge protector. This will help protect it from power surges and prolong its lifespan (source).
Wear and tear: Over time, the timer can wear out from everyday use. The wires and contacts can become loose or corroded. The display may also become faded or difficult to read. Periodic inspection and maintenance can help extend the life of your timer, but you may need to replace it eventually.
Low batteries: If the batteries in the timer are low, they may not have enough power to function correctly. Try replacing the batteries with new ones regularly for optimal performance.

7. Hire a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above and your landscape lights are still dim or flickering, it may be time to hire a professional. A professional electrician will be able to troubleshoot the problem and find a solution. They have the skills and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem properly.

Additionally, professional electricians can help you choose the right type of landscape lighting for your needs.

While hiring a professional can be expensive, it’s worth it if you can’t figure out what’s making your landscape lights dim or flicker. Not only will they be able to fix the problem, but they can also help you prevent it from happening again.

However, before hiring a professional, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure you hire the right person for the job.

Check their credentials: A professional electrician should have the proper credentials, including a valid license. They should also have a portfolio of previous work and carry the necessary insurance.
Do your research: Read online reviews from sites like Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List. This will help you find a reputable electrician with a good track record in your area. Referrals from friends or family are also an excellent start.
Compare quotes: Once you’ve found a few electricians you’re interested in, be sure to compare their quotes. This will help you find the best price for the job.
Get it in writing: Be sure to get a written estimate from the electrician before they begin work. This helps you avoid any surprises later on and protects you in case a dispute arises.

Final Thoughts

Dim landscape lights can be a nuisance and ruin your home’s nighttime aesthetics. If you’re having trouble with dim or flickering landscape lights, try cleaning the bulbs to remove any dirt or debris.

Replace any burned-out bulbs and check the timer to ensure it’s working properly.

You can also add additional landscape lighting to brighten up your yard or upgrade to LED bulbs. If the problem persists, hire a professional electrician to help you diagnose and fix the problem. Check their credentials and get a written estimate before they begin work.

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Why Are Your Landscape Lights Blinking? 7 Fixes