If you’re in the market for outdoor lighting this year, it’s going to make such a difference in your surroundings! The first step, of course, is to decide what type of lights you’re using. LED lighting is thought to be the best option by many professionals. But there are other options available, so we’re going to do a quick run-through of the pros and cons of each.
It may help you decide which lighting source will be the best one for you and your family.
LED lighting
An array of twinkling colored lights, dazzling white lights, or lights that give you both options with the press of a remote button—the possibilities are literally endless with today’s LED lighting options. If you want to jump on the bandwagon with the “latest and greatest” technology in LED lighting, you need to check out smart bulbs. These cloud-connected bulbs have built-in radios that sync with your home network. This allows you to say phrases such as, “Alexa, turn on the pool lights.” And, voila! The pool is instantly illuminated!
Outdoor smart lights that are exposed to the elements need to be weather-rated bulbs. Features vary depending on the manufacturer. Generic smart bulbs can be controlled remotely or programmed to turn on at specific times each day. Generic bulbs are less expensive, costing approximately $15 each. Colored bulbs or those that connect directly to your home network via Wi-Fi are more expensive.
Smart fixtures can be purchased for mounting on the side of your home. They have styles to be used for path lighting too. This option gets a bit pricey, but it’s all about budgeting, right? Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Once your lighting is installed, LED lighting is certainly the least expensive to operate. For example, LED bulbs are 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs also have a considerably longer life span than other types of bulbs and, therefore, are less costly in the long run.
Halogen lighting
Halogen bulbs are less energy efficient than LED bulbs. They burn brighter though and that makes them ideal for floodlights or security lighting.
Incandescent lighting
As far as bulbs go, incandescent lighting is by far the cheapest option. However, these types of bulbs are definitely the least energy efficient. What you save up front is going to be eaten up in energy consumption. Moreover, incandescent bulbs need to be protected from rain.
Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) lighting
These bulbs remain popular for certain types of landscape lighting. They are long-lasting and energy efficient. But some people think their odd shape makes them unsuitable for fixtures in which the bulbs are visible. There’s also a slight delay before they illuminate once they are switched on. Some actually take a full minute before they reach full brightness. Moreover, CFL bulbs contain mercury which can be hazardous should the bulb break. That’s an important thing to keep in mind if you have children. Accidents happen!
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting
HID lights are most commonly found in vehicle headlights. However, they’re also an option for outdoor lighting because they’re extremely bright and, therefore, illuminate a larger area than LED or incandescent lights can. They’re popular for spotlights or floodlights that shoot large swaths of light to illuminate a specific area.
Other illuminating factors
It’s important to note that bulbs vary greatly in brightness. Brightness is measured in lumens and outdoor bulbs have a very broad range. For instance, decorative flame bulbs are generally about 150 lumens while some floodlights have 1,600 lumens. As a rule of thumb, 600 lumens provides enough light for visibility without causing you to squint from the glare. This is the ideal brightness for porches, say, or out on the lanai.
Speaking of brightness, soft white lights are the best option to create a cozy outdoor environment. Bright white bulbs are best used for security purposes.
Overall, LED and CFL bulbs are the most energy efficient and have the longest lifespan. CFL bulbs only need to be replaced every six to ten years. LED bulbs, on the other hand, have a lifespan of up to 25 years!
There’s no doubt that outdoor lighting is going to have a positive impact on family gatherings. Lighting up the night, whether colorfully or not, allows you to spend more time outdoors. And, we Floridians do love the outdoors! You have to admit, too, that there is just something about our sub-tropical nights that begs for us to be outside enjoying them.
Bugs won’t become a nuisance either if your outdoor area is screened in. If it’s not, you might want to consider it. The backyard bug-free life is pretty amazing. Moreover, there are other benefits too, such as an added element of privacy, a measure of UV protection, and yard debris staying in the yard where it belongs!
Creating an environment that appeals to you and your family is going to enhance the time you spend together. Overall, that’s what life is all about, right? Spending every minute we can with the ones we love.
Summer is on the way. Let’s enjoy it!