Using energy-efficient landscape lighting for your residential or commercial buildings will give you an aesthetic design and greater security. It will also reduce your energy bills because efficient lighting units consume less energy.
Are you looking to go green in your landscape lighting? Here are some tips for you.
There are several lighting fixtures out there. Choosing the right one can be a bit of a challenge. Just as landscapes differ, so, too, do lighting fixtures. Do thorough research before purchasing any fixture. You don’t want to waste money and time looking for replacements.
Do Thorough Research
One of the things you should consider is the fixture’s lighting rating. Make sure this rating corresponds with how you want to use the fixture. For example, if you have a wet and grassy landscape, you’ll need moisture-resistant lighting fixtures.
Make Use of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy is perhaps the most efficient way of lighting your landscape. You can install solar panels anywhere — on the roof or in your backyard. The panels have cells that convert solar energy into electrical energy. And, this energy is clean and renewable.
The only thing you’ll have to pay for is the initial installation cost. This means you will see a great reduction in your energy bills. The panels are easy to install and don’t require any complicated tools. They also require little to no maintenance.
Use Light-Emitting Diodes
Light-emitting diodes (LED) are very energy-efficient. They have semiconductors that enable them to produce light from electricity. Many homes and offices currently use LEDs to cut energy costs. The initial cost of installing LEDs is a bit high. However, the long-term benefits outweigh this cost.
In fact, LED bulbs use only about 20 percent of the energy that ordinary bulbs use. This means they can cut your energy costs by up to 80 percent. Of course, this will only be the case if you use them exclusively.
LED lights also come in different forms from which you can choose. For example, you may find some that look like decorative lanterns. Others, on the other hand, will have in-built motion sensors.
Motion Detection Lighting
Having your lights on at night can waste a lot of energy. It also may not be necessary. Consider installing lighting with motion detection capability.
This system will only turn on the lights when it senses movement nearby. It provides the best way to ward off any unwanted guests and keep your home and property safe.
Look for Energy Star Lighting
Energy Star lighting can save you a lot in terms of energy usage. These lighting fixtures automatically shut off in the morning. They also have motion sensors. They can also turn off when they detect strong winds or heavy rain. This way, they protect your lighting fixtures from any damage.
The main advantage of an Energy Start light fixture is that you can use it anywhere. You can use it on your deck or patio. You can also use it in your garden or on the street. In addition, putting one on a light pole will provide you with light wherever you need it.
Take Advantage of Height
When you put light bulbs high enough, you can provide light to a wider area. Protect your entire property by putting a few bulbs at a higher elevation than the rest. However, make sure they aren’t so high that the light cannot reach the ground.
When you put so many lights close to the ground, you have to use a lot of bulbs. This means you’ll have to pay higher energy bills. For aesthetic purposes, you can have a mix of bulbs at different heights. You can fix some closer to the ground and some high up. This will give your home a very appealing look, especially at night. Talk to your landscape designer and find out what the best mix would be.
Invest in Durable Lighting Fixtures
Having to replace your lighting fixtures often not only adds to your energy costs, but it’s also time-consuming. So, when you buy lighting fixtures, make sure you don’t buy any that are cheap or used. These might look appealing for now. However, in the long run, you will end up spending a lot of money to fix them. This is because the fixtures will soon begin to break down, and you will need to repair or replace them.
Your lighting system is an investment, and you need to have fixtures that can serve you for years. Buying durable lighting fixtures may seem expensive now, but you’ll reap the benefits in the future.
Use Low Wattage Bulbs for the Outdoors
You don’t need to put extra bright lights outdoors. In fact, very bright outdoor lights can lead to accidents. They can cause distractions and disruptions and even blind your neighbors. That aside, these lights also result in high energy bills because of the amount of energy they consume.
Experts recommend an outdoor light should have a rating of about 15 watts. This is enough to light your home and save you from high energy bills. This is especially true if you like to keep your outdoor lights on all night.
Wind-Powered Energy Source
If you are living in a windy region, you can have a wind-powered generator installed in your home. Wind energy is very clean and renewable. Even though the initial cost of installing a domestic wind-power generator is high, you’ll benefit in the long-run.
Final Thoughts
Going green in your lighting system means you use energy-saving and environmentally friendly sources. Outdoor lighting takes a big chunk out of your monthly energy bills. It can be worse if you leave your light on all night. That’s why you need a cost-effective lighting system.
It’s wise to spend more on your initial installation costs. You will benefit in the future. If you go for cheaper options that don’t last long, you’ll have to spend more money. The extra expenditures will come in the form of future replacements and repairs.
If you do not know about the various efficient lighting options available on the market, you can consult an expert. You can also talk to a landscaper and get advice on the best lighting system. These experts know what can give your home curb appeal.