Running a lighting company for over two decades as a landscape lighting contractor near Raleigh, I’ve seen many older fixtures struggle through tough winters. Just last week, we installed a new low-voltage landscape lighting system in Raleigh, replacing a setup from the early 2000s.
The homeowner kept asking, “Why does everything break when it gets cold?” Winter here might not look like the mountains, but the freeze-and-thaw cycle can cause older lights to malfunction quickly.
In this post, I’ll explain why older landscape lights struggle to illuminate during winter and why modern systems handle the cold so much better.
Why Do Older Fixtures Have Trouble When It Gets Cold?
Raleigh winters swing from warm afternoons to freezing nights, and older fixtures don’t handle those jumps well.
What Happens to the Wiring?
Older low-voltage wiring tends to get stiff when cold weather hits. As the ground shifts during freeze-thaw cycles, these wires can crack or loosen, resulting in power issues. Brittle wires may freeze and break, stopping electricity from flowing properly.
Connections can also come loose as the soil moves, while weak or worn seals allow water to seep into connectors, sometimes leading to shorts or other electrical problems.
Why Do Old Bulbs Struggle?
Many older landscape lighting systems still rely on halogen bulbs, which don’t handle cold weather well. The cold can cause halogen filaments to snap sooner, and their high heat output makes them heat up and cool down quickly, increasing the chance of breakage.
Older bulbs also draw more power than modern LEDs, which makes them more likely to fail during winter. That’s one reason our new installs with LED lighting rarely lose brightness, even on the coldest nights.
How Does Moisture Affect Older Landscape Lighting?
With Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Morrisville, Knightdale, Zebulon, and Fuquay-Varina all getting wet winters, moisture is always part of the story.
Can Water Ruin Old Fixtures?
Yes, moisture can cause serious problems for older fixtures. Over time, seals and gaskets lose their grip, allowing winter water to seep inside. This can lead to fogged lenses that dim the lighting and metal parts that corrode more quickly, reducing the lifespan and performance of your system.
Does Cold Weather Impact the Transformer?
The transformer is the heart of your lighting system, and older ones don’t love winter.
Can a Transformer Lose Power When It’s Cold?
Yes, older units drop output when freezing temps hit. We just replaced one in Raleigh that had been losing volts every night.
Old tech: Older models can’t keep power steady.
Weak housing: Cold cracks the casing.
Loose terminals: Freeze-thaw makes screws shift.
Are Older Lighting Designs Built for Today’s Outdoor Spaces?
Many older lighting systems weren’t created with today’s outdoor living spaces in mind.
Do Old Fixtures Give Enough Light?
Not usually. Today’s lighting design offers better depth and dimension for outdoor lighting.
Dim coverage: Older fixtures don’t spread illumination well.
Limited angles: Older heads don’t aim where you want.
No smart lighting solutions: Newer lighting plan tools didn’t exist back then.
What About Safety and Security During Winter?
I hear this a lot: “My pathway lights stopped working once it snowed.” That puts both comfort and safety at risk.
Can Older Fixtures Lower Safety?
Yes, older fixtures can impact safety during winter. Pathway lights may dim quickly in the cold, and flickering can occur due to aging or damaged wiring. This creates dark spots around walkways and entrances, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of trips or falls.
Why Do Today’s Fixtures Work Better in Winter?
Our newer custom lighting setups handle Raleigh winters far better.
What Makes Newer Fixtures Stronger?
Newer fixtures are built to handle winter conditions much better, thanks to improvements across the board. Stronger housings reduce the chance of cracks or breaks, while reliable LED bulbs keep glowing steadily even in freezing temperatures.
Smart controls also help manage lighting more effectively during long winter nights, ensuring consistent performance and better overall reliability.
Can New Lighting Help Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Yes, new Raleigh outdoor lighting gives your home a warmer, safer, more inviting atmosphere during the winter months.
Why Do New Installs Work So Well?
New lighting installations are designed by professionals who focus on your specific property and lighting needs. Every feature is planned to make your outdoor space both functional and beautiful.
Custom Outdoor Design
Unlike older systems that follow a template, modern installations are customized to fit your home perfectly.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting draws attention to architectural features, like columns, facades, or patios. Properly placed accent lights can turn ordinary spaces into striking focal points, enhancing both curb appeal and nighttime enjoyment.
Uplighting Options
Uplighting adds depth and ambiance to your outdoor living areas. By casting light upward on trees, shrubs, or textured walls, it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while improving visibility and safety during the long winter nights.
Winter Performance
Beyond aesthetics, these modern features also perform reliably in cold weather. From LED bulbs that stay bright in freezing temps to strong housings and smart controls, your system continues to provide consistent illumination throughout Raleigh winters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Lighting
Can winter damage my old lighting system?
Yes. Cold, moisture, and soil shifts can weaken wiring and fixtures. Newer low-voltage landscape lighting handles this much better.
Do LED fixtures work better in cold weather?
Yes. LEDs stay bright and steady even during freezing nights. They also last longer than old halogen bulbs.
Can new lighting help me enhance safety around my home?
Yes. Better brightness and placement reduce dark areas around walkways and doorways. Winter nights feel safer with strong exterior lighting.
Keep Your Lights Strong Through Raleigh Winters
Older fixtures struggle more each winter, but does your outdoor space really have to go dark once the leaves fall? With modern lighting designs, smarter placement of uplights and downlights—especially around bare branches—can keep pathways visible, highlights balanced, and your landscape looking inviting all winter long in Raleigh.
If you’re ready for a lighting plan that fits your home, your landscape, and your style, contact us at Water Works Unlimited at (919) 570-7808. Our landscape lighting experts can help you transform your outdoor space with custom lighting solutions tailored to you.
