Adding landscape lighting to your property offers a wide variety of benefits, including increased safety and curb appeal. The right lighting will also highlight water features, yard sculptures and more.
Your wired lighting system consists of a transformer, low-voltage electrical cables and light fixtures. The transformer converts 120-volt home electricity to the lower voltage needed for landscape lights. Click Here to learn more.
Creating a beautiful landscape lighting design takes into consideration several different factors, including brightness. You want your lights to be bright enough to illuminate the objects they are targeting, but not too bright as to oversaturate or wash out your subject. A lighting professional will work with you to determine the best luminance levels, referred to as lumen output (versus wattage which is more common with antiquated halogen bulbs).
The right luminosity helps achieve the desired aesthetic and effect. For example, you will likely need to use lower luminosity for softer, more romantic effects and higher luminosity for a dramatic or contemporary look. You will also need to consider the size of your subject, as some subjects are more difficult to light than others.
Using the proper luminance also helps you avoid excess energy consumption and reduces impact on the environment. LED fixtures with a lower-intensity output produce less heat and are more eco-friendly than traditional options. Installing motion sensors and timers ensures lights are activated only when needed and that they aren’t left on unnecessarily, further reducing energy consumption and impact.
Another way landscape lighting impacts the environment is by reducing crime, vandalism and other undesirable activities. Studies have shown that well-lit homes and yards are far less attractive to burglars and other nefarious criminals than those in the dark.
Professionally installed and maintained landscape lighting makes outdoor living spaces usable day and night, allowing you to get the most out of your property. This increased enjoyment also adds value to your home and is a great selling point when it comes time to move on.
Landscape lighting can also emphasize the architectural elements of your property, highlighting textured surfaces and bringing them to life. For instance, you might highlight a water feature like a fountain or pond to show off its shape and movement or you can highlight planter boxes, walls, flagpoles, trellises and other structures to draw the eye up and add depth to your design. You can even illuminate your stairs and deck railings for safety to avoid tripping or slipping on them in the dark.
Power Source
An effective landscape lighting design can be visually appealing and increase your property’s value. However, it can also strain your budget due to high electricity costs. Choosing energy-efficient options helps lower energy bills while reducing carbon footprints. Adding smart features like timers and motion sensors reduces unnecessary lighting and saves you money.
Illuminating pathways and architectural elements adds depth and dimension to your landscape, while highlighting trees, plantings, water features and flagpoles enhances the beauty of your home or business. Incorporating safety lighting into a system ensures you and your guests can safely navigate through outdoor spaces at night without fear of injury.
LED lights are more energy-efficient than traditional halogen bulbs, which can waste electricity and cause light pollution by shining into the night sky. They emit a warm, natural-looking glow and use less energy to produce the same amount of brightness, minimizing environmental impact. Be sure to check local regulations for lighting requirements such as permitted wattage limits and light pollution restrictions.
Depending on the location of your landscaping, you will need to determine how many lights can be run off your transformer power spec (watts). Calculating this number is simple by multiplying the total wattage of the lighting fixtures by their voltage amps – found on the label of the transformer box. If you are using a kit that has everything you need, this step is already done for you!
The right installation sets the stage for a successful lighting system, but maintenance is key to sustaining efficiency. Keeping up with routine tasks such as replacing burnt-out bulbs and troubleshooting common issues will keep your fixtures running well into the future.
The landscape lighting experts at Unique Lighting have years of experience designing and installing custom systems that make your property stand out. We can help you find the perfect solution to complement your property, improve security, enhance your curb appeal, and illuminate those areas where you love spending time – even after the sun goes down. Give us a call today to get started! Or, order a landscape lighting kit to get your project up and running quickly and easily. The kits include all the lights, power unit and wire you need to get started.
Durability
When a home is properly illuminated, the exterior architecture and landscaping are showcased. This adds value to the property while also making it safe and appealing. This is why the landscape lighting system is one of the most sought after options for homes and commercial properties.
The type of fixtures chosen and how they’re used play a crucial role in the durability of a landscape lighting system. For instance, LED bulbs are known for their long lifespan and energy efficiency. They’re also a good choice because they help keep outdoor spaces looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Additionally, choosing low voltage fixtures helps to prevent potential shock hazards.
It’s also important to consider how much a lighting system is going to cost over the course of its lifetime. By choosing a durable, energy-efficient system, homeowners can save money over time and reduce the stress of rising electricity costs. Additionally, using smart technology such as timers and motion sensors can optimize the usage of your landscape lights, further reducing energy consumption.
Durability is also important for landscape lighting because it’s often exposed to a lot of weather conditions. Wind, rain, and snow can cause damage to your outdoor lighting if it isn’t resilient enough. For this reason, you’ll want to choose fixtures that are made of materials like stainless steel or aluminum that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Moreover, you should look for fixtures with an IP rating that indicates how well they can resist dust and moisture.
In addition to durability, a great landscape lighting system should be easy to maintain. This means regularly inspecting and replacing burnt out bulbs, assessing wiring for signs of damage, and scheduling seasonal adjustments to maximize efficiency and performance throughout the year.
Another benefit of landscape lighting is that it provides a sense of flexibility and can be added to gradually as the budget or exterior space allows. This can make the entire process less stressful and overwhelming from a financial perspective, especially for homeowners who may be nervous about the initial investment. Additionally, the ability to adjust and move lights as needed can save on installation costs and increase the overall effectiveness of the lighting system.
Smart Capabilities
Unlike traditional lighting systems that use fossil fuels, LED landscape lights are powered by the sun for an eco-friendly, sustainable solution. Additionally, these fixtures can be programmed to turn on only when movement or a timer is detected, which reduces energy consumption and utility bills. The low-intensity of LED landscape lights also limits light pollution, promoting a more natural and inviting ambiance for your property.
Landscape lighting enhances your home’s architectural features and elevates your outdoor living spaces with innovative capabilities. In addition to illuminating walkways and ensuring safety, landscape lighting can highlight focal points like trees and water features while creating an appealing ambiance. These features add depth to your landscaping and bring a new level of visual interest after the sun goes down.
Before installing a landscape lighting system, it’s important to consider the specific purpose of your space and what you want your lighting scheme to achieve. For example, using spot lights to illuminate a tree is ideal for highlighting the shape and color of an interesting feature, while floodlights are best for illuminating pathways. Additionally, you’ll need to think about the angle of your lighting so it doesn’t create light pollution or oversaturate your garden.
Once you’ve established your landscape lighting goals, a professional will help you find the perfect solution for your needs and budget. Choosing high-quality LED bulbs and positioning fixtures properly will maximize energy efficiency, while making sure your lighting scheme meets local regulations and doesn’t interfere with wildlife or light pollution.
Investing in energy-efficient landscape lighting is a great way to make your home and garden more environmentally friendly without hefty renovation costs. The right installation sets the stage for sustainability, while regular maintenance and proper care will ensure optimal performance.
While DIY options are available for those with the time and skillset to tackle it, hiring professionals ensures your energy-efficient landscape lighting system is installed correctly and meets local regulations. They can also provide valuable guidance for maintenance and troubleshooting, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.