From Fall Adjustments to Holiday Prep, Here's How to Keep Your Home Beautiful and Safe Year-Round
As the days grow shorter and the salty breeze picks up around Virginia Beach, it’s clear — seasonal change is in the air. That means it's time for a little TLC for your outdoor lighting setup. Whether you're adjusting for earlier sunsets, prepping for hurricane season, or planning a dazzling holiday display, smart lighting maintenance can make all the difference.
In this guide, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Virginia Beach breaks down the top seasonal outdoor lighting tips to help you keep your home secure, stunning, and storm-ready through the fall and into winter.
Adjusting for Earlier Fall Sunsets
Let’s face it: the long, sunny evenings of summer don’t last forever. As we transition into fall, the sun starts dipping below the horizon much earlier, which can leave your home looking a little darker than usual if your lights aren’t set up properly.
Here’s how to keep your evenings bright:
Update your lighting timers: If your outdoor lighting is on a timer, be sure to adjust it for the earlier sunset. Better yet, consider upgrading to smart lighting controls that adjust automatically based on sunrise/sunset times.
Check your light coverage: With longer periods of darkness, areas like walkways, driveways, entryways, and patios might need extra illumination. Adding or repositioning fixtures to avoid dark zones.
Clean your fixtures: Fall is a great time to clear away cobwebs, dirt, and debris that have built up over the summer. Cleaning lenses help maximize brightness.
Pro Tip: Ask about our free lighting adjustment service that comes with most of our annual maintenance plans.
Hurricane & Inclement Weather Prep
Living in Virginia Beach, we know hurricane season is no joke. Outdoor lighting can be impacted by high winds, flying debris, and flooding. Getting ahead of potential issues helps minimize damage and ensures your system is back up and running quickly after the storm.
Storm-Ready Lighting Checklist:
Inspect for drainage issues: Standing water and electricity don’t mix. Make sure water isn’t pooling around electrical connections or fixtures.
Install surge protection: Sudden power outages or lightning strikes can fry your lighting system. Surge protectors help defend your investment.
Know your control box: We locate your transformer or control panel and ensure it's elevated and protected from flooding.
Did you know? Outdoor Lighting Perspectives offers storm damage inspections and repair services — just give us a call after the weather clears.
Holiday Lighting: Get Ahead of the Schedule
We all know how quickly the holidays sneak up—and how chaotic they can be. Why not get a jump on your outdoor holiday lighting now while the weather’s still mild?
Why early planning pays off:
Better scheduling: Our holiday lighting installation calendar fills up fast. Booking early means you get your preferred date.
Custom design options: Whether you want classic white lights or a festive RGB color display, early planning gives you more flexibility and creativity.
Stress-free holidays: Let us handle the setup, takedown, and storage. That means more time sipping cocoa and less time on a ladder.
Bonus: Our holiday lighting packages include full design, installation, maintenance, and post-holiday takedown. One less thing on your to-do list!
Seasonal Maintenance: Don’t Skip It
Just like your HVAC system or gutters, your outdoor lighting needs a little seasonal love to stay in tip-top shape.
Here’s a quick maintenance checklist:
Replace burnt-out bulbs: Switch to energy-efficient LEDs if you haven’t already. They last longer and use less power.
Trim overgrown foliage: Make sure shrubs and trees haven’t grown over your fixtures, blocking light or creating fire hazards.
Test the system: Check for flickering lights, exposed wires, or any signs of wear and tear. Catching issues early prevents costly repairs later.
Check color temperature: Warmer tones (2700K–3000K) create a cozy fall vibe, while cooler tones may feel too harsh in shorter daylight conditions.
Energy Efficiency in the Cooler Months
Colder weather can cause your system to work harder — especially if you're adding extra lighting for holidays or early nightfall.
Energy-saving tips for fall and winter:
LED upgrades: LEDs use up to 80% less energy and perform better in colder temps.
Smart scheduling: Set your system to turn on and off at optimal times—no more all-night lighting unless it’s really needed.
Motion sensors: Great for driveways, side yards, and entry points. Keeps things lit only when needed and adds an extra layer of security.
Why Seasonal Lighting Care Matters in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is unique — we've got salty air, sandy soil, high humidity, and some intense seasonal shifts. That combo makes proactive lighting care even more essential.
Whether you're near the Oceanfront, tucked into Great Neck, or out in Pungo, your outdoor lighting system faces a lot. Staying ahead of seasonal changes means:
Better curb appeal
Increased home security
Longer-lasting lighting system
Safer pathways and gathering areas
Looking for expert help? Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Virginia Beach offers free consultations, custom designs, and ongoing maintenance plans that keep your lighting system flawless all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need to change my lighting for fall?
A: Yes! As daylight hours shrink, your existing timer settings and fixture placements may not be as effective. Adjusting them helps maintain visibility, safety, and ambiance.
Q: Is holiday lighting safe to leave up all winter?
A: It can be, especially if it’s professionally installed. Our lights are rated for outdoor use and are securely mounted—but we also offer takedown services after the season ends.
Q: What if I lose power during a storm?
A: We recommend installing surge protection for your transformer. After a storm, contact us for a system checkup to ensure everything is safe and functional.
Want Help With Your Outdoor Lighting?
There’s no doubt about it — seasonal shifts in Virginia Beach call for a smart lighting strategy. From adjusting for earlier sunsets to prepping for hurricanes and planning holiday magic, a little forethought goes a long way.
The team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Virginia Beach is here to help with everything from maintenance and upgrades to custom holiday displays. So go ahead, light up your fall and winter in style — and let’s make sure your home shines bright no matter what the season brings.
Schedule your complimentary design consultation today or call us at (757) 201-9042.