Many homeowners enjoy lighting their yards to highlight fountains, ponds, shrubbery, and flower gardens. They also use lights to illuminate structures like gazebos, patios, statues and other garden elements.
Orlando Lighting is available in a variety of styles and sizes. Some types are more versatile than others.
When choosing your landscape lighting, look for bulbs rated for outdoor use. Some lights have plastic “while-in-use” covers that snap over the electrical cable running to the transformer.
When you install landscape lighting, there are several safety measures that need to be taken into account. First, all fixtures must be well-placed to avoid glare that can blind people and create an ugly effect. Then, lighting needs to be placed in a way that illuminates the area that’s needed and not overpowering other features on the property, such as trees or stone walls. Finally, steps and other tripping hazards must be illuminated to prevent accidents.
When choosing lighting fixtures, make sure they have the proper IP rating for outdoor use. This is important because the number indicates how waterproof and dust-proof the fixture is. Ideally, landscape lighting should have an IP rating of at least six.
Landscape lights that are powered by 12-volt electricity require a transformer to convert standard 120-volt house current to the lower voltage. The transformer also allows homeowners to daisy-chain the lights together without worrying about electric shock. Low-voltage lights also are safe for a homeowner to install themselves, assuming they follow certain precautions.
These precautions include mounting the transformer close to an outdoor GFCI outlet, stripping the wires before connecting them, and making sure the wiring is not exposed to moisture or direct sunlight where it could melt or burn. Then, the homeowner can safely connect the lights and run them through the yard to their destination.
Another safety measure involves keeping the landscape lighting system off during daylight hours. This will help conserve energy while still providing a beautiful illumination. It will also keep the lights from becoming damaged by heat or moisture.
Then, when it’s time to turn the landscape lights back on, homeowners should make sure they wear protective equipment. This includes safety glasses or goggles, as well as sturdy work shoes or boots. A hard hat is also important because a fall from a ladder or tree can cause a head injury.
In addition, homeowners should keep in mind the safety of guests and other visitors to their homes. Well-lit walkways make it easier for visitors to find their way around the home and avoid tripping or falling. In addition, lighting a driveway can increase safety by preventing car accidents. Finally, illuminating the address of a home can help emergency responders locate it more easily in an emergency situation.
Landscape lighting isn’t just about illumination – it’s also about atmosphere. It sets a welcoming ambiance for evening gatherings, enhances safety along walkways, and accentuates the beauty of homes and landscaping after dark. This is a field where artistry is more important than hardware or product specifications, and where many contractors excel.
Lighting techniques like up-lighting (focusing light on the top of a plant or architecture) and down-lighting (directing light to ground level or a hardscape feature) help to highlight unique elements that add character to the property. Cross-lighting, where lights are placed on both sides of a structure to create an interesting shadow effect, is another method that helps show off non-uniform shapes in a way that’s pleasing to the eye.
It’s tempting to “light up everything” in a yard, but too much lighting can wash out the natural beauty of a property, and it may actually be less inviting to friends and family. Instead, landscape lighting should highlight standout features to make them truly shine – the majestic palm tree, that cool arched entryway, or that creative brickwork.
Eye-catching landscape lighting can be found in a variety of fixtures, but decorative area lights are one of the most popular options. These tall, unique luminaires have canopies on top to reflect light downward and illuminate gardens, shrubbery or other landscape features. They’re available in a range of colors and finishes, from shiny copper or plated-metal to green, black or brown.
The newest landscape lighting designs are even more impressive with the addition of remote control capabilities. These systems allow homeowners to operate their lights with a smartphone app, eliminating the need to walk back and forth across the yard or remember complicated sequences of switches. Some apps are even capable of color-changing the landscape lighting for fun themes.
When it comes to landscape lighting, a professional approach is recommended. Putting in a system requires more than just laying cable and installing the transformer. The installer will also lay out the wiring and test the circuits after installation to ensure that they are working properly. a company that takes the extra step of performing a 22-point quality inspection at the end of each lighting installation. This checklist ensures that the company’s high standards are maintained throughout the process and that each client is satisfied with their new exterior lighting system.
Landscape lighting enhances your property’s visual appeal by highlighting architectural features, trees, and other elements of your yard. It can make your home look stunning at night and add a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will attract potential buyers. It can also improve your property’s safety and security. Well-lit walkways and entrances will make it more difficult for burglars to hide and sneak up on you or your guests, and they will provide a safe environment for children and pets.
A properly installed and designed landscape lighting system can increase your home’s value by up to 15% or more. This is an excellent return on investment, especially considering that landscape lighting is relatively affordable when compared to other home improvement projects.
However, it is important to note that not all landscape lights are created equal. It is best to opt for professional installation to ensure that the lighting will be placed in the right areas and that it will highlight your property’s best features. Additionally, it is a good idea to choose LED lighting, as this type of lighting uses less energy and will last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
When choosing a lighting company, be sure to ask about their experience and the quality of their work. You should also look for a company that offers a variety of lighting options, including solar and battery-operated lights that do not require any wiring. While these are less expensive than hardwired lights, they may not provide as much light and may not be suitable for all types of properties.
A well-designed landscape can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal and make it stand out in the competitive Raleigh real estate market. It can also enhance your backyard’s safety and security, which are essential selling points for any property. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s value and create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space. By investing in a high-quality landscape lighting system, you can enjoy all the benefits of your property’s unique design and setting for years to come. And with a little regular maintenance, your landscape lighting will continue to add value and charm to your property even after you decide to sell.
Having a well-laid-out landscape lighting plan will help you decide what kind of fixtures and bulbs to use, ensuring that the illumination matches your needs. You’ll also be able to incorporate elements like motion sensors and energy-efficient LED lights into the plan to keep your costs low.
LEDs not only save you money on your electricity bills, but they also keep summer insects away by emitting a type of light that doesn’t attract them. They use up to 80% less energy than halogen bulbs, making them a smart choice for your landscape lighting.
When you’re selecting fixtures for your landscape lighting, make sure they are rated for outdoor use. Using indoor-rated fixtures outdoors can damage the finish and cause the fixture to malfunction. Look for fixtures that include the word “low voltage” on their packaging, as this will indicate they are compatible with your landscape lighting system.
To minimize your utility bill, be sure to turn off your landscape lighting at night or when you aren’t using the area. You should also set your lights on timers or install a daylight sensor to ensure they are only turned on when necessary.
Another way to reduce your energy usage is to install dimmers on some or all of your landscape lighting fixtures. This will give you the ability to adjust their intensity and lower your energy consumption without the hassle of having to manually turn them on or off.
If you’re planning a landscape lighting installation project, be sure to work with a licensed professional. Their experience and knowledge will be invaluable in creating a safe and effective lighting plan. Moreover, they will ensure that your new lighting meets local code requirements and safety guidelines. This will provide you with peace of mind that your landscape lighting is functioning properly and safely after the sun goes down. today to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve . We offer a variety of landscaping services, including hardscape design and installation, water feature maintenance, and tree trimming. We’ll help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that will be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come!