Integrating LEDs Into Your Exterior Lighting Plan
When the sun goes down, a well-lit house is a welcoming home. Exterior lighting sets the scene for security and serenity when it comes to your residential landscaping. Integrating LED bulbs and fixtures into your exterior lighting plan can enhance your outside illumination, save energy, and reduce your utility bill at the same time.
LEDs are fast becoming the standard lamp of choice in the lighting industry. Many of today’s environmentally friendly LED bulbs and fixtures offer a wide array of benefits including:
- Up to 85% energy savings
- A longer bulb life expectancy
- A warm, pleasing color with no flicker or illumination delay
- No toxic mercury additives
- Many are perfectly suitable for outdoor conditions, providing the necessary durability and reliability
With that in mind, here are a couple ways to integrate LED lighting into your landscaping today.
Safety & Security
For both your family and visitors, it’s important to make sure all pathways, sidewalks, and entrances are clearly marked and well lit. Falls are no fun for anyone, especially as the weather turns colder and ice and snow become ever-present enemies. Consider all exterior spaces including stairs, garden paths, side doors, garage doors, and backyard decks and patios. Make sure your lighting plan sets your home up for safety 24 hours a day!
Additionally, considering when and how your outdoor lighting turns on is a big help with security. Many LED light fixtures allow for the integration of motion sensors. For example, when someone enters your property, the lights turn on to both assist them and alert you. Timers can also help with exterior lighting; programming porch lights to turn on and off at certain times of the day is always an option. This lets everyone know the house is occupied and someone is present.
Outdoor Features
Lighting keeps people safe and secure, but it can be fun, too! Identify any striking features in your outdoor area and incorporate them into your lighting scheme. A cool tree, tranquil pond, sculpture, vined wall, or interesting deck would all be great candidates for subtle uplighting using LEDs. Feature lighting helps you direct people’s attention, showcasing your best outdoor spaces day and night.
Less Can Be More
Keep in mind, less is usually more when it comes to exterior lighting. Keep people safe and your property secure, but don’t light up your yard like it’s the Fourth of July! When everything is highlighted, nothing stands out. Take on a minimalist approach and decide in advance what you’re trying to showcase and determine how you plan to use specific outdoor areas. Focus on those features first, then expand your plan as needed.
EarthTronics Can Light Your Outdoor Space with LED EarthBulbs and Fixtures
We maintain an inventory of LED EarthBulbs and fixtures that are based on functionality and quality. With a focus on the environmental stewardship and energy conversation, we’re dedicated to developing innovative products that make a difference, both indoors and out.
Here are a couple specific products that would integrate well into any outdoor lighting plan.
Floodlights: The EarthTronics LED Floodlight provides security and general area illumination directed where required. A removable back cover provides easy installation and the long 50,000-hour floodlight is backed by a 5-year warranty. Available in 10, 30, 50, and 80 watts, these floodlights provide great exterior security lighting and are IP65 rated for wet applications. They have a durable, high-quality, die-cast aluminum housing with a textured architectural bronze powder finish and tempered glass lens that maintain a contemporary appearance for many years.
PAR20, PAR30 and PAR 38 EarthBulbs: The EarthBulb floodlights maximize the visual experience in high color clarity applications. Combining optimal color with smooth dimming technology, these bulbs are an ideal replacement for 50, 75, and 120 watt incandescent and halogen floodlights. The lamps’ durable, lightweight plastic design has an integral cooling system that reduces stress on fixture components for longer performance life. They are great for use in outdoor flood lighting, recessed lighting, track lighting, and display lighting applications.
And don’t forget, colored LED bulbs around the holidays are always fun!
The experts at EarthTronics are always available to discuss new ideas and inspirations, making sure you are using the perfect LED bulb for your next exterior or interior project. Contact us today to get started.
