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LED Outdoor Lighting – Is it The Best Choice?

August 10th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Why you should think about LED outdoor lighting!

If you are thinking about lighting the exterior of your house or property you should be aware that good lighting systems can be equipped with different light that all have different purposes. One of the first things you should know when building the layout of your outdoor lighting is what kind of light s do you want on your property?
There are three choices available on the market at this moment:

-    Incandescent Bulbs
-    Halogen Bulbs
-    Outdoor LED lighting

Incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs clearly are very popular on the market at this moment, but they are mostly used for interior lighting while LED outdoor lighting is probably the best choice considering the many advantages. The following article will enumerate the various advantages of LED outdoor lighting and what makes these little devices so great.

LED Saves Energy

One of the advantages to LED outdoor lighting is that LEDs require a relatively small amount of wattage to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent or halogen bulb.  Because of this, LEDs are low-energy solutions for lights that may be on for more than a few hours each night.  What this means is that those who are interested in using less electricity for environmental reasons, LED outdoor lighting will be the solution you’re looking for.  And for the rest of us, LED outdoor lighting translates to lower energy bills.

LED Runs Cooler

Another distinct advantage to LED outdoor lighting is that while other kinds of bulbs produce heat energy as well as light energy, LED outdoor lighting only produces light, which means bulbs remain cool to the touch.  This makes it safer to put lights in reach of little hands, for households with children.  It also means that these lights are ideal for applications such as landscape lighting, where placing light bulbs that run hot near plants could spell disaster.

LED is More durable

One of the very strong aspects of LED outdoor lighting is that these types of lights are far more durable than both incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs. The particularity of theses light bulbs is that when they will start to go, they will slowly start to dim giving you the chance to rectify the problem before you lose your outdoor lighting. If we do a fast comparison with incandescent light bulb who suddenly break when they burn out, or halogen bulbs that tends to blink in a very irritating manner, you will clearly see that LED outdoor lighting is the way to go.

While mentioning the longevity of LED outdoor lighting, it is good to note that because LEDs are manufactured as one solid piece, with no glass or filaments to break, these lights are resistant to shock, vibration, and impact, which makes them hardier than the average lightbulb.  So, for a low-energy, low-head, and long-lasting lighting on the outside of your house, turn to LED outdoor lighting.

Outdoor Low Voltage Lighting – Practical and Easy

August 1st, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you would like to add outdoor lighting to your property, you must first think about the layout of your lighting. What is the purpose of your outdoor lighting? Do you intend to use it to provide good lighting for your property or do you want to use it to add subdue lighting that is used for appearance and effect? If you are looking for good and bright lighting you will need to have a 120 volt system but if you are planning to create outdoor lighting for effect only you should consider an outdoor low voltage lighting system.

If you are looking to install a low voltage lighting system there a re a few things you should be aware of. First that system usually operates on 12 Volts. You will also need a transformer to convert the 120 volts of your house to the 12 Volts required for the outdoor low voltage lighting system. There are two possible ways to hook the lights to the transformer, straight line and loop. You must keep in mind that the numbers of lights attached to the outdoor low voltage lighting system and the distance the lights are from the transformer can affect the brightness at which the lights glow.

In most installations of outdoor low voltage lighting systems, six to 10 lights may be possible and the closer together they are located, the less voltage drop you will experience. Additionally, the furthest light from the transformer will experience the most voltage drop. Some loss can be compensated by the size of the wire used, such as eight gauge or even 10 gauge, but remember there is only 12 Volts running through the lines and if more lights are going to be installed than the transformer can handle, additional transformers may be needed.

Dangers Minimized With Low Voltage Systems

Some of the advantages of outdoor low voltage lighting system is that they pose little danger to children or wildlife that may happen to touch the wires. The wires also can be placed in conduit if desired or buried in a shallow trench, unlike 120-Volt systems which require conduit and depending on local building code may have to be buried below the frost line.

To install the lights in a straight line, as the name implies, each light is connected to the wire, one after the other, supplying power to all of the lights, but if you check with a voltmeter, you will see the last light or two will show a drop in power. In a loop connection, one wire connects to the first light, then the same wire connects to the each successive light with the final light also connected to the other terminal. It is important to follow the outdoor low voltage lighting wiring diagrams as they operate on direct current and must be hooked to the correct terminal to avoid damage.

Residential Outdoor Lighting – Improve your House

July 25th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are thinking about improving your house by doing some outdoor decorating you should really look into your residential outdoor lighting. The choice lighting fixtures is just enormous and can make a nice addition to your house. First you will need to make the choice of which type of outdoor lighting fixtures you want, fixtures like:

- Spot Light
- Flood lights
- Area lights
- Pathway markers
- Etc…

Tips for your outdoor lighting

If you are planning to add residential lighting to your house you should always be prepared before buying any fixtures. Here’s a small tips for you: Try to walk the yard both in day light and at night, this should help you establish a plan for your residential outdoor lighting. Walking around your property at night will enable you to spot the dark area where you might want to add lighting. Consider your residential outdoor lighting both for the look and the security it can provide.

Consider combining different types of lights such as using downward soft lights on walkways and possibly an small flood or spot light pointing upwards into a tree to create a unique look to the residential outdoor lighting. Placing small lights behind a row of shrubs or bushes near the house to eliminate potential hiding places as well as providing a line of light to mark the home’s design.

Put The Lighting Design On Paper

Make a sketch of the yard on paper, including all landscape features such as planters, sidewalks and stairs. Knowing the type and number of residential outdoor lighting fixtures needed will help when the fixtures are purchased and planning on where they will be installed will aid in developing a wiring diagram.

Some communities have codes concerning the installation of residential outdoor lighting fixtures so checking with local officials is a must to avoid any conflict. If the electric lines are to be buried be sure to check the location of any utility lines such as existing buried wires, gas lines and plumbing lines. Most communities have a number to call to have a representative point out any buried utilities, and the service is usually free.

If you are looking to achieve great results with your residential outdoor lighting you should try soft lights, they usually create great lighting. Of course they may be some area where you will need more lighting for security purposes. For your soft light you might consider using a 12V transformer but for the brighter areas you will need 120 volt. Just be aware that the wiring requirement are different for both of them.

Outdoor Solar Landscape Lighting Figurines

July 17th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Those who would like to add life to their yard, like to having a dog statue or a lion statue beside their front walk, should really make some research and look at all the outdoor solar landscape lighting figurines available today. There are a very wide range of models available, from cartoon characters to more distinguishing features, they have the power to turn your landscape into a showplace of fun or fantasy, and on top of that they only require the power of the sun.

This actually on of the main advantages about using outdoor solar lighting figurines, they don’t cost anything to operate. They use special batteries that are charged by the sun during the day and they can last all evening. Some people prefer to use photo cells as they can be turned on and off to save the power in the batteries. The only disadvantage about this is that they need to be installed in a location where they will receive the most light during the day.

Many of the outdoor solar landscape lighting figurines may be considered whimsical while others can fit nicely into other landscape features. For example, if there is a pond on the property, outdoor solar landscape lighting figurines in the shape of a turtle can be set on the edge to look as though it is set for s dip in the water. As they are powered by solar power, there is no need to run electric wiring to them and will present virtually no danger to pets that may think they are real, or to children who mistake them for toys.

Animal Figurines Are the First Choice

While some people prefer small figurines like gnomes and angel-shaped outdoor solar lighting figurines, the most popular are without doubt animal figurines. This is especially true for people who own a pet; they very often add a lighting statue similar to their pet in the yard. This is like statement of how the owner feels about their pet.

Frogs lying on a lily pad taking a nap or a squirrel holding an acorn are just a couple of the fun type outdoor solar landscape lighting figurines available. A resting angel or twin boys holding bowls of light as well as cute little girls holding lights can add a special touch to your yard.

Hummingbirds perched on a lighted birdbath or a snail with a lighted snail can also add dimension to the landscaping. Whatever the owner’s interest or favorite pet, there are outdoor solar landscape lighting figurines to accent the yard decoration as well as provide wit and whimsy of the homeowner.

Tips for your Outdoor Deck Lighting

July 5th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Did you know that your outdoor deck lighting needs to be specialized?

If you like to be outside during summer then you will probably agree with me that one of the best ways to relax after a hard day at work is to simply sit outside and enjoy the cool evening. If you like doing this as much as I do then I suggest you consider transforming the outside of your home and add a private deck. That’s if you don’t have one already. Having a private deck with the proper outdoor lighting fixtures and the proper outdoor furniture can completely change the mood.

Click here and Save up to 50% off retail prices at HomeCenter.com for your outdoor deck lighting fixtures.

Change the Ambience but Respect Your Neighbours

Having specialized outdoor deck lighting will set the perfect ambiance. You can choose to have lighting in the form of mounted lights on deck railings or flush lights mounted on the decks and more. There is actually a lot of outdoor deck lighting fixtures you can use, you just need to make sure that your outdoor deck lighting does not intrude on your neighbour’s garden, that could spoil your privacy and your relation with the affected neighbour.

There are a number of low voltage fixtures to choose from, which you can get a contractor to construct for you, or you may like to assemble one yourself. If you decide to go with a DIY project, you may need to get hold of design manuals and select the best materials required for the layout as well as for the milieu you hang out with. In some cases, the deck is nothing more than an attachment to the house itself, and in such a case, all that is required is to complement the outdoor deck lighting with the interior of the house.

You can also let your imagination run wild when choosing a stand-alone structure that is ideal for partying, since most decks should be ideal for entertaining as well as for relaxing. Proper outdoor deck lighting is more important today because the stressed out lives people lead requires a consequent greater need for relaxation and unwinding. You should also not have any difficulty in finding many ornamental as well as practical outdoor deck lighting options to choose from.

Whether you have a large or a small budget there is outdoor deck lighting available for all types of budget. Just make sure you have a clear idea of what you want and what is the ambiance you’re looking for and you should have no problem finding what you want. By knowing exactly what you want you will find great satisfaction in expending your living space for the summer evening. With the proper outdoor deck lighting you will find relaxation in the evening and safety during the night.

Click here and Save up to 50% off retail prices at HomeCenter.com for your outdoor deck lighting fixtures.

Looking for Kichler outdoor deck lighting?

June 28th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you are looking for Kichler outdoor deck lighting fixtures or accessories, I would suggest visiting the Home Center website, the have a huge variety of outdoor lighting fixtures at very competitive prices.

fixtures Like:

- Accent Light
- Deck Lights
- Flood Lights
- Lanterns
- Outdoor Ceiling Lights
- And more

They have a good selection of Kichler outdoor deck lighting fixtures for you to choose from. On top of that they offer an additional %10 on order over $750.

Why do your shopping outside driving from store to store when you can find what you want from the comfort of your home.

They have supplied all my outdoor lighting needs very fast and at a very good price.

Visit home center to find out for yourself.

Save up to 50% off retail prices at HomeCenter.com

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