How to Extend the Life of Your Holiday Lights – A Pro’s Guide

If you’ve ever untangled a giant ball of lights, found out half your bulbs are dead, or had to replace strands every season, you’re not alone. Holiday lights take a beating, and most homeowners don’t realize that a little extra care can make them last for years.

Lucky for you, I’ve been installing holiday lights professionally for years, and I’m here to share the real tricks of the trade—the things that will keep your lights looking great, working perfectly, and saving you time and money.

1. Buy Quality Products – Cheap Lights Cost You More

Let’s be real—cheap holiday lights aren’t a bargain if you have to replace them every year.

✔ Look for commercial-grade lights that are built to last.
✔ Avoid bargain-bin lights—they often have thinner wires and fragile sockets.
✔ Choose LEDs over incandescents—they last longer and use less power.

💡 Pro Tip: At Exoclean, we use only premium, locally sourced holiday lighting materials. These lights last longer, shine brighter, and hold up against Suffolk County’s unpredictable winter weather.

To start planning your custom holiday lighting display, visit our Contact Page.

2. Create a Plan & Document Your Design

Want to replicate the perfect holiday lighting display next year? Make a plan before you take everything down!

✔ Take pictures before removing lights so you remember how everything looked.
✔ Draw a simple layout of your home and mark where each type of light was placed.
✔ Label your light strands by location (e.g., "Roofline - Warm White C9," "Tree Wrap - Mini Lights").
✔ Count how many strands you used so you don’t have to guess next year.

💡 Pro Tip: Professionals always work from a design plan to keep things looking clean, consistent, and well-placed—so why not do the same for your home?

3. Take Them Down Like You Care

Lights last way longer when they’re removed properly. Yanking them down and tossing them into a pile is how you end up replacing them every year.

✔ Unclip and roll lights as you remove them—don’t pull on the wire!
✔ Store strands neatly instead of throwing them in a bin.
✔ Avoid knots and tangles—you’ll thank yourself next year.

4. Store Your Lights Properly & Protect Them from Moisture

Look, bad storage and moisture damage are the two biggest reasons holiday lights fail before next season. You spend all that time putting up a beautiful display, only to find out next year that half the lights don’t work because they were stuffed in a box, tangled beyond recognition, or left in a damp garage.

If you want your lights to last, you need to store them the right way and protect them from moisture damage. Here’s how:

✔ Use reels, hangers, or cardboard to wrap lights neatly—this keeps them tangle-free and prevents wire stress.
✔ Label sections (roofline, trees, pathways) so you’re not guessing where everything goes next year.
✔ Store lights in a cardboard box, not plastic bins. Unlike plastic, cardboard allows moisture to evaporate, keeping your lights dry and preventing corrosion.
✔ Keep electrical connections off the ground. Use cord covers or elevate plugs to avoid water exposure.
✔ Let lights dry before storing. If they got hit by rain or snow, don’t just pack them away wet—that’s a one-way ticket to rust and dead bulbs.
✔ Check for rust on bulb bases. Corroded connections can kill an entire strand (or worse, become a fire hazard).

💡 Pro Tip: Toss silica gel packs (those little moisture-absorbing packets from shoe boxes) into your storage box. They help absorb any excess moisture and keep bulbs from corroding.

5. The Truth About Extension Cords

If you’re running every single light strand from one outlet, you’re begging for trouble.

✔ Plug into separate circuits whenever possible to avoid overload.
✔ Use outdoor-rated extension cords—indoor ones can crack and fail in cold weather.
✔ Never daisy-chain power strips. Seriously—just don’t.

6. Test Everything Before Next Season

The last thing you want to do is climb a ladder in 30-degree weather, only to find out half your lights don’t work.

✔ Plug in every strand before installation.
✔ Check for broken bulbs or flickering sections. A single bad bulb can kill an entire section.
✔ Replace fuses NOW, not when you’re freezing on your roof.

7. LED vs. Incandescent: The Hard Truth

There’s something nostalgic about the warm glow of incandescent holiday lights, but when it comes to longevity and efficiency, LEDs are the clear winner.

✔ They last longer. You’ll get five or more seasons out of LEDs, while incandescent bulbs may need replacing every year.
✔ They’re more energy-efficient. Less power means a lower electric bill, which is always a plus.
✔ They stay cool. No overheating, no melted plastic clips, and no fire hazards.

If you love the classic look of incandescent lights, you’re not alone! Just keep in mind they may need more frequent maintenance and replacements. But if you’re looking for a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance option, LEDs are the way to go.

8. Use the Right Clips for Each Part of Your Home

Holiday light clips might seem like a small detail, but using the right ones makes all the difference in keeping your display secure, straight, and easy to install year after year.

✔ Rooflines & Gutters: Use all-in-one light clips that securely grip both gutters and shingles for a clean, straight look.
✔ Railings, Posts, & Fences: Zip ties keep lights in place while making removal easy.
✔ Walkways & Driveways: Ground stakes keep pathway lights evenly spaced and secure.
✔ Tree Wrapping & Columns: Ditch the clips! Mini lights are the best choice for wrapping trees and columns, as they hold their shape naturally and create a seamless, professional look without the need for extra fasteners.

9. Know When to Call the Pros

Not everyone wants to spend hours climbing ladders, untangling lights, and troubleshooting electrical issues. That’s where professional installation makes a difference.

✔ We install lights straight, secure, and evenly spaced. No sagging, no mess.
✔ We use high-quality, weather-resistant materials that last season after season.
✔ We take everything down, store it, and maintain it so you don’t have to do a thing.

If you want hassle-free holiday lights, trust me—Exoclean has you covered. Visit our Contact Page to get on the schedule before the rush starts.

Conclusion

Holiday lights should be fun, not frustrating. Whether you’re installing them yourself or hiring professionals, following these tips will help keep your lights bright, functional, and hassle-free year after year.

Or, if you’d rather skip the stress altogether, let Exoclean take care of everything—from installation and design to takedown and storage.