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Modern outdoor light fixtures are waterproof and weather resistant, and, provided they’re installed correctly and by a professional, the fixture and wiring can last for 20 to 30 years or more. The lifespan will depend largely on the quality of the fixture. The lifespan of the bulb will depend on the type of light you install:

• CFL bulb (for sustained use): 15,000 hours

• Halogen bulb (mostly for security): 2,000 hours

• HID bulbs (for security): 12,000 hours

• Incandescent bulb: 1,000 hours

• LED bulb: 50,000 hours

The average cost to install outdoor or landscape lighting is around $4,000, with most projects ranging from $2,000 to $6,000. The total cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the number of fixtures, design complexity, and the type and quality of the lights used, such as wall sconces, pathway lights, or lamp posts. Other factors that influence the price are the square footage of the area being lit, the amount of electrical work needed, any required excavation or trenching, and local permitting costs. For specific types, you might pay around $100 for pathway or string lighting and up to $700 for lamp post lighting.

No, you should not leave LED Christmas lights up all year. While the LED lights themselves are very durable, their wiring and casings can be as vulnerable as any Christmas lights. They’re subject to drying out, experiencing cold or sun damage that causes them to crack, and even damage caused by gnawing pests. (The same is true of incandescents.) If you want your lights to last the years that they’re rated for, bring them inside after Christmas is over. 

While wet-rated and damp-rated lighting is designed to handle contact with moisture, there’s a difference between the two. Wet-rated lighting is safety-rated to be placed in areas with direct exposure to water, including your shower. Fixtures classed as wet-rated are made with waterproof seals to protect the filament and other electrical components from water and moisture. 

Damp-rated fixtures can be used in places with some moisture contact, but not direct exposure. They don’t have the same waterproof seals used in wet-rated fixtures. Damp-rated lighting can be used on your bathroom ceiling or along a wall outside of your shower.