When the temperature gets lower, most light bulbs can’t handle the temperature drop. They may have trouble turning on. In some cases, they may even burst. That’s why when the cold season creeps by, you should make sure that you have the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather. They will not only illuminate your property’s perimeter, but they will also give you that added security. They are also helpful for the neighbors passing by your front yard.
The last thing you want to do in the dead of winter is to get out and change your light bulb. But, if you pick up the right stuff, the light bulbs you have will last you for a couple of years before replacements are needed. Thus, you will get the most out of these light bulbs, which saves you the effort and money.
For the extreme cold, you need a light bulb that does not emit heat. These types of bulbs do not burn out or burst. So, what are the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather? Read on for our recommendations.
Why Do You Need the Best Outdoor Light Bulbs for Cold Weather?
Some bulbs need a certain amount of heat to start. Hence, they warm themselves first before emitting their glow. In cases of frigid temperature, it may take them longer to warm up. Some may not even turn on anymore. That’s why you need the best light bulb for cold weather. In choosing your light bulb, pick out the light that does not require heat to start. LED and CFL are examples of these light bulbs. But which is better?
CFL works through mercury vapor. It warms up a little bit at a relatively lesser time than incandescent. On the other hand, an LED bulb transmits light immediately through a diode when electricity is present.
Among these two bulbs, the LED is safer and more energy efficient. CFL contains dangerous mercury levels that it unleashes into the air. Meanwhile, an LED light can keep its glow regardless of the cold during periods of frigid weather.
What to Look for in the Best Outdoor Light Bulbs for Cold Weather
Now, you might decide to start using an LED bulb on your patio. But with a wide selection of LED lights on the market, how do you pick out the best? Here are a few considerations:
- The brightness of the bulb
- The quality of light
- Energy consumption
- Estimated lifespan
Here are our top picks for the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather:
Bioluz GU10 LED Bulbs
Lumens determine the brightness of the light bulb. For your home’s exterior, 5 to 300 lumens will be enough. With its 350 lumens, this Bioluz GU10 LED bulb will already provide your patio with enough light throughout the cold season. This pack of 10 bulbs has an aluminum base that gives it a longer lifespan. You can use it for up to 25,000 hours longer! This soft white light also consumes 50 watts of energy. It emits 3000 Kelvin (K) of soft light that’s bright enough for your outdoor needs. The Bioluz GU10 Bulb will work with either a dimmable or non-dimmable switch making them versatile and functional.
Key Features:
- 50 watts
- 3000 K Halogen Appearance
- Dimmable
- Energy Saving
- For general purpose including outdoor use
Govee Dusk to Dawn Light Bulb
This 9-watt light bulb provides 800 lumens that are enough to illuminate your patio. It has a built-in smart photocell and sensor control that automatically turns itself on or off when it senses movement at night. So aside from providing your yard with a bright glow, they also provide you with security. This Govee light bulb can last for up to 30,000 hours of life. It can also withstand weather changes making this is one of the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather.
Key Features:
- 9-watt bulb
- 800 lumens
- 2700 Kelvin
- With sensor
- Easy to install
Great Eagle A19 LED Light Bulb
This 9-watt LED bulb has a 4000K cool white light quality. It can operate with ease even when the temperature gets down to a sub-zero. Great Eagle’s bulbs have passed the Underwriter Laboratories’ standards for safe and high-quality lamps. That’s why you can guarantee that you have the right and safe light for your patio.
Key Features:
- 9 watts
- 4000 K
- Cool White light
- Non-dimmable
- Great for all-purpose use
- Easy to use and universally fit any fixtures
PAR38 LED Flood Outdoor Light Bulb
For 900 lumens and 3000K of warm white glow, Par38 LED light will suffice the cold temperature. These products are also wet-rated to withstand wet surroundings. They will give that instant and natural light to your patio despite all the weather changes.
Moreover, they only consume 11 watts that will allow you to save about 87% of energy consumption. They are also flicker-free and glare-free non-dimmable light that goes easy to the eyes. Their estimated lifespan is 15,000 hours and will already last for a good 13 years! They also have UL certification to guarantee user safety.
Key Features:
- 11 watts
- 900 lumens
- 3000 K
- 15,000 hours average life span
Philips LED Non-Dimmable A19 Frosted Light Bulb
These non-dimmable light bulbs give out light equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent. For only 10 watts, they can provide 800 lumens of brightness. These frosted light bulbs are available in daylight, soft light, or cool white.
These bulbs will save you up to 80% of your energy consumption with their life expectancy at 10,950 hours. Philips is one of the world leaders in bulb distribution. Thus, you can guarantee the safety and high-quality performance of their products.
Key Features:
- 10 watts
- 800 lumens
- 2700 K
- 10,950 average life
- Non-dimmable
Bioluz LED Lights BR20 R20 Dimmable LED Light
This flicker-free light from Bioluz’s line of bulbs gives about 500 lumens of soft light at 3000K. It matches the same brightness as that of a 50-watt incandescent bulb, but for only 7 watts of consumption. Bioluz LED dimmable light bulbs can save up to 86% of energy consumption. You can switch this from 10 to 100 percent of brightness, depending on your choice. Its life span can last for up to 10 years when if used for three hours a day.
Key Features:
- 7 watts
- 500 lumens
- 3000 K
- Dimmable
Vgogfly Sensor Lights Dusk to Dawn LED Light Bulbs
Sensor lights also count as the best outdoor light bulb for cold weather. Aside from being energy-efficient, they are also best at detecting motion. It works in two beneficial ways. For one, you don’t need to flip on your switch when you go out. Secondly, it will sense movement to alert you of unwelcome presence within your property. Hence, the name dusk to dawn. That’s why more homes are using these types of LED bulbs, and more manufacturers are incorporating this feature in their light bulbs.
Such is this Vgogfly Dusk to Dawn sensor light. It will automatically turn itself on during dusk and off again when dawn comes. Its plastic build will ensure that your lamp lasts longer without bursting.
Key Features:
- 7 watts
- 600 lumens
- 2700 K
- High-quality built-in sensor
- Easy to install
Aukora Dusk to Dawn Light Bulb
For a vast yard, this 1000 lumen Aukora Dusk to Dawn bulb will serve you better. It consumes only 12 watts of electricity and is equivalent to a 100-watt bulb. At an estimate, it may save you up to 90% of energy usage. Also, its lifespan extends up to 20,000 hours. If you turn this lamp on at three hours a day, it will take you 20 years before replacing its service.
Imagine the number of years it will save you, not to mention how much in financial savings it will give you! It is also a smart-sensor light bulb that will light up your outdoor spaces even if you are not at home. Aukora is unarguably one of the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather too!
Key Features:
- 12 watts
- 1000 lumens
- 6500 K
- 20,000 hours estimated life
- With built-in smart sensor
Corn Light Bulb Corn Lamp
Need something even brighter for your vast span of property? With 4000 lumens, this daylight bulb will illuminate your warehouse, barn, garden, or patio even through the cold weather.
This 40-watt light bulb will save you 90% of your energy consumption that a 280-watt incandescent would cost.
Key Features:
- 40 watts
- 4000 Lumens
- 6500 K
- Non-dimmable
- Energy-Saving
Banord 51FT Outdoor Shatterproof LED String Lights
Have festivities around the corner, but also have a fear of cold weather looming? You don’t need to worry about this if you have the Banord Shatterproof LED String Lights. Unlike other string lights with a glass bulb, this 51 feet 17-bulb ensemble consists of plastic bulbs.
It can survive extreme weather conditions without bursting so you can have your string lights anytime you need them. These lights are also dimmable so that you can adjust its brightness for that romantic feel. It is ideal for use in events, or as decoration on your patio.
Key Features:
- 1-watt x 17 bulbs
- 2700 K
- Dimmable
- Easy to install
- Weather-proof
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Light Bulb for Cold Weather
Remember these guidelines when choosing your light bulb. It will save you by knowing what works with what. You will also know if the temperature is right for your outdoor use.
The Brightness of the Bulb
Lumens determine the amount of light that the bulb emits, which means that the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. For a walkway, you should aim for around 100-200 lumens. Sensor lights range from 700-1300 lumens. But for your patio, 50 to 300 are enough. It also depends on the space of your yard. So, if you want to illuminate a wide span, pick up the brighter bulbs.
The Quality of Light
The temperature of your outdoor lighting also determines the bulb’s quality of light. A light’s temperatures can also add drama and design to your space. They will highlight your building and provide a beautiful ambiance and glow. There are three kinds of light temperatures: soft white, cool white, or daylight. Kelvin (K) measures the temperature of these bulbs.
- Soft White (2700-3000K)
Soft white light bulbs produce a yellowish or warm white light. These are the best temperature of light to provide that cozy feeling for your indoor needs.
- Cool White (4000-4500K)
Cool white or bright lights have a color temperature that is slightly whiter than soft White. They offer a subtle blue light that mimics the effect of moonlight. It is the best outdoor light bulb for cold weather to accentuate your patio.
- Daylight (5000-6500K)
If you want to add warmer color to your patio, daylight or blue light are the best. The blue light gives an effect similar to noontime. Accordingly, these temperature ranges do not draw too much attention to your yard. Thus, they will promote a greater sense of security.
Energy Consumption
Most LED lamps are energy efficient. They consume less electricity than standard CFL or incandescent bulbs. They also emit the same amount of light, but with less electricity usage. That’s why they are the best when it comes to energy-saving LED lighting options.
The wattage determines the energy-efficiency of a light bulb. If it has a lower wattage, then it is more energy-saving. Also, dimmable LED bulbs are becoming popular for the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather. Dimmable lights turn on and off on a cycle. However, you will need a dimmer switch for this. A small investment may go a long way for the amount you can save on dimmable light bulbs.
The Lifespan of the Bulb
The bulb’s lifespan can go on for long years. Voltage, ambient temperature, and the number of times you turn on the light in a day all affect the longevity of your bulbs. An average LED light bulb has a lifespan of 25,000 up to 50,000 hours. They also tend to live longer lives than other types of lighting because they are less sensitive to vibrations and low temperatures. Hence, they make the best outdoor light bulbs for cold weather.