Get matched with top holiday decorators in Hettinger, ND

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. 

If you need to visually inspect your Christmas lights to determine which are good and which need replacement, there are a few things to look for. First, look for discoloration, such as a dark spot or two on the inside of the glass. The spot is an indication of a burnt filament. Also, look for missing filaments, cracked bulb glass, and broken sockets.

You can choose to hang Christmas lights on either gutters or shingles—either option is fine. If you have gutter covers, shingles may be your only option. But, all-in-one clips are designed for both applications.

An affordable Christmas light bulb testing and replacement tool can make the job easier. But you can most likely make all necessary repairs yourself using common toolbox items if you’d rather avoid purchasing another gadget.