When adding outdoor landscape lighting to enhance the beauty of your home, you'll also enjoy increased security. However, many homeowners in the U.S.A have common misconceptions that prevent them from installing outdoor lighting.
There are many myths about outdoor lighting installation. These can be cleared by taking a look at the top five myths and doubts surrounding outdoor lighting.
Top 5 Common Misconceptions About Outdoor Landscape Lighting:
1. Outdoor Lightings Work Less Efficiently in Winters
Reality: Outdoor lighting systems, including LED, are efficient in cold climates.
This is a commonly held misconception but it’s untrue. In fact, in many climates, outdoor landscape lighting works better during the winter months than during the summer months. The outdoor landscape lighting works just fine in a cooler environment as they are semiconductors.
For your outdoor lights to work well they need to be securely mounted. If you fail to properly install them, your lights will be less efficient and have a shorter lifespan. Some lights are meant to be strategically placed to enhance the appearance of a property's best features. Landscape lighting is something that every homeowner should learn about, especially since it greatly improves the appearance of your home and provides a better overall sense of security and safety.
Do Outdoor Lighting work less efficiently in winters?
Why this is a misconception? There has been no conclusive evidence to show that outdoor lighting can work less effectively in the winter. If it is a matter of a few days or weeks, then outdoor lighting might start working a little less efficiently but then, it might recover in the subsequent months. For outdoor lighting to provide better lighting during the colder seasons, it has to be installed correctly so that it can produce enough light to brighten the area around the installation.
2. The More the Lights, the Better
Reality: It’s more convenient to have basic outdoor landscape lighting.
One of the best things about outdoor lighting systems is that you can control the brightness of the lights. But too much brightness is bad for the environment and your neighbours, too. Professional landscapers can help you install lights that are customizable and sensor-controlled.
Additionally, as the light level of your backyard decreases, you'll also notice that the features of your backyard become more prominent. For example, if the lights aren't bright enough, you won't be able to see your outdoor dining area or patio furniture. If they're too bright, you might not be able to read your books on your patio. If you want to enhance the natural beauty of your backyard, consider having some low-light landscape lighting installed.
You can also use low-light landscape lighting to make your backyard more visible at night. As you begin thinking about how to illuminate your backyard, it's important to remember that you should be considering both safety and aesthetics. Otherwise, you could trip on a raised area or rock. The right outdoor lighting system is a must for any yard. The best way to make sure that you choose the right outdoor lighting system for your backyard is to get professional help. In addition to getting professional help, it’s also important to do your research.
3. Outdoor Lightings are Expensive & There are Hidden Costs
Reality: Outdoor lighting is affordable if you hire a professional and dependable lighting company for your outdoor lighting installation.
Estimating a budget for outdoor lighting installations is important, especially if you want to get the most out of the project. There are many types of lighting options for your home; from LED lights, and string lights to step lights and many others.
- How many lamps does your house have?
- Which types of lighting best fit the aesthetics of your home?
- Based on the lighting that you have chosen, what kind of wiring do you need?
Making sure you have a clear understanding of your landscaping needs will allow you to avoid any unnecessary expenses, while giving you the opportunity to think about what you really need to be done. A professional landscaping company has professionals to offer excellent outdoor lighting ideas and can recommend which one will work best for your landscape.
In addition, you should also check if the outdoor lighting companies you're considering use quality components to ensure that you will not face any difficulties in maintaining them for a long time. The cost of using quality components is usually higher than those of low quality ones but the end results will definitely be worth it. Or If you’re planning to install the lights yourself, ask your landscape contractor for the best methods of wiring. The following suggestions can help you avoid problems with electric wiring.
- Know how to use electricity
- Be knowledgeable about your landscape
- Ask your neighbours to keep away from electrical wiring
- If possible, have an electrician install the lights
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for outdoor lighting installation
4. DIY Lightings are Cheaper than Professional Installation
Reality: DIY outdoor landscape installations may save you money upfront, but they may also increase your costs in the future, increasing your cost in the long run.
Outdoor lighting requires expertise, precision, and special tools. If you DIY, you’ll often end up with poor fitment that will need to be corrected. Reinstallation is not a rare occurrence after DIY. There are several ways to improve your outdoor lighting experience. Getting the advice of an outdoor lighting professional is one way to increase the benefits of your outdoor lighting.
Your landscaping project is a very important part of your home improvement budget, so you want to make sure you are getting a qualified professional to do the job. They also have specialized equipment and the knowledge to produce lasting results and complete the job in a timely manner. Some landscaping professionals can install and maintain lighting for you. This includes making sure your lighting is working properly and replacing lights when they burn out. They are trained to use the right bulbs, sockets, and electrical connections for your home and landscape.
DIY lightings are cheaper than the professional installation. It is much cheaper to get the DIY professional to install your lighting than to hire a landscaper to do it for you. It is also less expensive for you to hire a landscaper to install your lighting. DIY is just not worth the risk for most people unless they have.
5. Outdoor Landscape Lighting have a Limited Lifespan
Reality: Your fixture material influences the lifespan of your landscape lighting installation.
If you use cheap, low-quality materials, the lifespan will dramatically shorten. Make sure to pick a material that will improve the lifespan of your fixture. Cast brass, copper, and aluminium are easily available, durable, and they'll last a lifetime.
Contemporary lighting systems like LEDs are also known to last for years. Low voltage lights are a more environmentally friendly alternative than incandescent bulbs.
The energy efficiency of LEDs is much higher than traditional light bulbs. They can be operated from power outlets or battery cells. The best outdoor landscape lighting fixtures are made of stainless steel or powder coated aluminium. Both metals are durable, easy to maintain and they won't fade in the sunlight. You can even use wood fixtures if you're willing to spend some money. Make sure to treat it with an exterior paint or stain that will protect the wood.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, outdoor lighting is a great way to enhance your home’s landscape design and to create a safe and welcoming environment for your guests and family members. A variety of lighting fixtures can be used to complement any home’s outdoor space, and each fixture can be controlled by a switch or remote.
The fixtures can be mounted on the house or deck itself, or they can be placed on posts or stumps. The fixtures can be wired to turn on automatically or they can be controlled by a timer that turns the lights on at night and off during the day. A lighted path or pathway can be a very effective safety measure and can provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.