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So, what all does outdoor light maintenance consist of, how hard can it be? We’re going to answer some questions on the subject for you: 

Outdoor light fixtures provide decorative ways to make your home safe and secure, and too often, they are forgotten, taken for granted. Like anything around and inside your outdoor lighting will need attention, care, and upkeep from time to time. This means you should establish an outdoor light maintenance routine or hire a professional lighting contractor. 

When your outdoor light fixtures are clean and in working order, they are more attractive. They are providing that safety and security lighting you desired. To get the best performance your outdoor fixtures can provide, bi-annual outdoor light maintenance that includes adjusting, bulb replacement, and cleaning is recommended. 

Fortunately, there isn’t special equipment or skills needed for outdoor light maintenance.  An extending ladder, clean rags, bucket of clear water, and replacement bulbs. Along with being alert and cautious with electrical sockets and wiring, it isn’t hard, but it can be time consuming, so plan a full day on a Saturday for your outdoor light maintenance project.

 Keep your eye on the prize that you’ll have clean, properly adjusted light fixtures when you’re done to enhance the beauty of your home with improve outdoor light quality. The following are basic steps that will guide you through your outdoor light maintenance: 

• Make sure all of the outdoor lights are turned off.
• Position and secure a ladder for the outdoor lighting that is out-of-reach.
• Remove any light globes, grills, or shields, some of these may require a screwdriver. 
• Remove the light bulbs from each fixture as you clean them and set it aside.
• Have two buckets filled with hot water and sudsy dish soap and one bucket of clean, clear water.
• Place the removed light globes, grills, or shields in one bucket.
• Wet a clean rag or  sponge  in the second bucket, wring it out and wash off, wipe down the light fixture part that couldn’t be removed, keeping the water out of the open socket. 
• Rinse the fixed lighting pieces and the removed pieces with the clean, clear water.
• Wipe down everything with clean, clear water and sit aside to finish air drying. 
• Apply the correct type of polish or wax to any metal parts if needed. 
• Replace burnt out light bulbs and gently wipe off with a damp rage all working light bulbs.  
• Reassemble the lighting fixtures, turn them on for testing,  and sit back to enjoy your outdoor light maintenance job. 

A Few Additional Tips for Outdoor Light Maintenance

• Check the lighting fixture manufacturer’s website for advice, hints, tips, and cleaning product specifications for outdoor light maintenance. 
• Any copper outdoor light maintenance should be one using a lemon cut in half and dipped in salt to scrub the copper lighting fixture. The acid will loosen the tarnish and the salt scrubs off the tarnish. Use a clean damp rag to remove the lemon and salt, the cover the fixture with copper polish. Let that sit for a minute or two, then wipe the polish off. 
• Remember, detergents can discolor bronze and copper lighting fixtures. They should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions or with a clean, damp cloth. Never submerge bronze or copper lighting fixtures in water. 

How often must the exterior light fixtures be cleaned?

Review the manufacturer’s suggestions in the manual with each lighting fixture is always best. An annual outdoor light maintenance routine is sufficient, but lighting experts recommend a bi-annual outdoor light maintenance routine, following the tips we listed above. 

Depending on the number and placement of your outdoor lighting, it may be easier to have the lighting contractor that installs the lights do the bi-annual outdoor light maintenance. Most lighting contractors will have maintenance programs that include burnt bulb replacement in between the maintenance appointments. 

How do I clean oxidized outdoor lights?

Outdoor lighting oxidization can be cleaned by mixing two teaspoons of baking soda with a squeeze of lemon juice, creating a paste. With a clean, soft cloth, spread the paste over the light fixture. If tough stains are on the fixture, sprinkle backing soda over the fixture and rub with clean, damp, soft cloth. Then wipe the paste and baking soda off with a clean, dry, soft rag.

If you have checked all of these and still can’t get your outdoor lighting on, time to call a professional lighting contractor.  There could be something in the wiring and that isn’t something you want to handle yourself unless you’re experienced with electricity. 

Your Outdoor Lighting Maintenance

Just like your HVAC system and the appliances in your home, you have made an investment. Keep that outdoor lighting investment in proper working order with a outdoor light maintenance agreement with the contractor that installed your lighting system. Getting the most you can from your investment for the beauty of your home and your own enjoyment. Call (817) 345-3696 today for outdoor lighting maintenance for your home.

• The Attraction – with proper installation and placement, outdoor lighting benefits include creating that pleasing ambiance on a deck, a front porch, and patios. The exterior of your home becomes appealing, adding to the curb appeal that can make the entire neighborhood envious. One of the biggest outdoor lighting benefits is the added touch of elegance.
• Safety and Security – One of the best outdoor lighting benefits you can expect is the safety and security it offers your home. Properly placed at each doorway and gateway, illuminate the darker pathways and walkways, making your trip from the garage to the house safer. A guard from abnormalities and potential intruders. One of the most important outdoor lighting benefits is making your guest’s arrivals and departures safer in evening hours.

Simply because winter has arrived doesn’t mean your home won’t have outdoor lighting benefits as it did during the summer. Yes, the spring and summer months are wonderful times to be outdoor. Lighting benefits keep the deck and pool area well-lit and safe, a party atmosphere, and ease for cooking and enjoying guests.

The biggest outdoor lighting benefits may be in the fall and winter months.  The days are shorter, meaning we not only need lighting in the evening when we get home, but we also leave our homes in the dark each morning. With proper outdoor lighting at each door, at the deck, or front porch, the trek to your vehicle is safer and adds great value to your home.

Where should outdoor lights be placed?

The light needed during the day is different than the light needed at night. The most important focus of course is proper lighting in the evening hours. Outdoor lighting benefit  principles to keep in mind as choosing what outdoor lighting benefits you want and needed so that you can choose the proper  brightness and size would be the emitted quantity, color, and intensity, and should include three layers:

• In Whole: The illumination provided for an entire room and space.
• The Mission: To light up a pathway.
• A Pronunciation: Drawing attention to a specific area or a particular object using floodlights or spotlights.

Within these layers, there are a  variety of bulbs that can provide several outdoor lighting benefits that are appropriate for outdoor lighting fixtures:

• Incandescent light bulbs to emit a pleasing light but are known for a short lifespan, yet use more electricity
• Halogen bulbs are like incandescent bulbs, making them more efficient and have a longer lifespan while consuming less energy
• Fluorescent lighting is available in a variety of colors and offers a longer lifespan while consuming less energy
• LED bulbs are the more expensive lighting but with the longer lifespan and using less energy, the ROI is higher.

What type of outdoor lighting is best?

It all depends on what your intended goal and desired outdoor lighting benefits you desire. Outdoor landscape lighting will transform a home by brightening the garden paths, the walkway through the yard and create a beautiful, warm, and welcoming oasis of light.

Seven types of outdoor lighting benefits with these fixtures:

1. Spotlights – set a focus on a specific area of your home’s exterior décor.
2. Flood Lights – set your beautiful garden and trees to stand out.
3. Up/Downlights – give your home’s exterior look with lights alternating up and down.
4. Step Lights – making your guest safer as they walk up and down the steps to the spa and swimming pool.
5. Garden Lights – give your handy gardening a glow
6. Bollard Lights – add a touch of elegance to the front of your home.
7. String Lights – across the outdoor kitchen and around the gazebo for a look of elegance.

How bright should outdoor lights be?

Again, this is a personal choice. Are you looking for a bright area in the backyard around the grill and swimming pool? Or are you looking for ambient and soft that makes your home safe?

How many Christmas lights should be on the front of the house?

How many lights you’ll need for holiday lighting will depend on the area and dimensions of what or where you’re trying to light. There are many lights out there that are sold by length so keep that in mind when you wish to decorate your home. 

What is the brightest LED Christmas lights?

The brightest and durable holiday lighting is Conical 5mm Wide-Angled LEDs, even professional holiday light installers use them for their displays. They are advantageous since they are snowproof and waterproof due to the LED being injected molded into the plastic cordage.  

Is it dangerous to leave Christmas lights on?

Holiday lighting can be left on overnight as they are designed to withstand outdoor weather and other outdoor conditions. The only danger you may see is having overheated lights with a dry Christmas tree which can run the risk of a fire. Stay alert with your lighting with a clear schedule of use.

What lights are safe to leave on all night?

LED holiday lighting is ideal to leave on for long periods of time due to their low power use and very low heat output. They are great to use as a background accent light or night light.

How can I turn on Christmas lights without electricity?

You may be able to plug holiday lighting into an AC to DC inverter, a simple way to convert your lights into running on battery power. The holiday lighting is plugged into the inverter which is powered by a 12-volt battery. 

What Christmas lights do professionals use?

The holiday lighting that professionals use is commercial LED light strings with co-axial connectors due to their exceptional durability. 

How can I put Christmas lights up without an outlet?

If you don’t have an outlet nearby for your holiday lighting you may simply get a lawn stake with an extension cord and run it from any outlet inside the house or from your porch lights. There are also options nowadays that runs on battery or USB lights where you can recharge them or detach them at the end so that you may be able to charge them inside. 

How long do battery operated LED Christmas lights last?

Microdrop LED holiday lighting that’s constructed on a thin uncoated wire can last over 100 hours with a new set of 2 AA batteries. They may also run on 2 round C-style batterie. Standard LED battery light sets with thicker insulation and LED lenses will be able to last around 18-24 hours with a set of 3 AA batteries. 

Get Set Up Professionally With Your Holiday Lighting 

If you’d like professional assistance with setting up your holiday lighting get in touch with your local outdoor lighting company. Holiday lighting can come in many different options with different displays that will best fit with your property’s specifications. What’s more, there will be different types of accommodations you can choose from when it comes to how you’d like your lighting displayed or powered. End the year with a vibrant display of holiday lighting and stand out in your neighborhood, commercial district, or other location. Install your holiday lighting today.

If you’re interested in holiday lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX rely on Majestic Outdoor Lighting for a great display, call us at (817) 345-3696 today!

Adding a water feature to your garden landscaping can greatly enhance it. Putting in lighting can change from an ordinary garden to extraordinary. If you are looking to make your garden extraordinary with arbor and water feature lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX, reach out to the experts at Majestic Outdoor Lighting. You can find out more about what we can do for you by calling (817) 345-3696.

What do I need for a water feature?

From fountains to streams to pools or ponds, water features can greatly enhance almost any type of landscaping. Before you get started adding a water feature, however, you’re going to have to put a great deal of thought and planning into it. You’re going to have to consider such things as your water supply, as well as where to place water feature lighting to get the best aesthetic effect and what type of lighting you’re going to use. As far as water supply goes, unless you are building from scratch, many off-the-shelf water features are self-contained, so you won’t need a separate water source. 

You will, however, need an electrical source for the lighting as well as to power pumps and other mechanisms if your water feature moves water in any way. You’re also going to have to consider maintenance and cleaning. The water and containers will get slimy and the sump will have to be cleaned. If the feature is under or near plants you’ll also have to clear out leaves. And, of course, you’ll have to keep in mind safety, especially when children are around.

Water feature lighting ideas

When adding a water feature, lighting will greatly enhance it. While some off-the-shelf water features will have built-in lighting, anything custom-made will require lighting to be added. If you want to light up a water feature, here are some ideas and tips about how to do so:

• Keep your purpose in mind. What’s the light being used for? Go out in your garden at night with a flashlight and experiment with the lighting, casting the flashlight at various angles and from various areas in the garden.
• Consider all the angles. Set up lighting in areas where the garden is most viewed.
• Determine whether the lighting should be in or out of the water.
• Carefully place your fixtures so they will best highlight your features. Use lighting above and below features for the best illumination.
• Keep the lights maintained. Both underwater and above ground lighting need to be well maintained. Inspect and clean the lighting twice yearly, preferably in the spring and fall.

Do LED lights penetrate water?

Some of the best lights for water feature lighting are LED lights. LED lighting penetrates water very well—it’s why people prefer LED spotlights when fishing at night. These lights are also some of the most energy-efficient available, and when placed in a water feature, they will not change the water temperature. You’ll also get about 100,000 hours of use as compared to standard lighting like halogen lamps that will give you 10,000 to 20,000 of use.

LED water feature bubble lighting

One water feature that’s growing in popularity is LED bubble lighting. This is primarily an indoor feature, however, that usually consists of water-filled panels that bubble and are lit with various colored LED lights.

How do you light a waterfall?

Waterfalls can be very aesthetically attractive water features. They are visually pleasing and the sound of falling water can be soothing and block outside noises. When lighting a waterfall, you’ll want to use at least one light per waterfall or stream. For best effect, place the lights behind the waterfall or just underneath it. A wider waterfall might require two or more lights. You want to capture the whole waterfall in light. Use both puck lights and spotlights for lighting. The puck lights fit flat on the ground and are best for illuminating water from underneath the falls. Spotlights are good for highlighting rippling water or lighting up boulders or aquatic plants.

How do you illuminate a fountain?

When you are illuminating a fountain, for water feature lighting, you want to use submersible uplights. These types of lights will highlight the feature as well as diffuse the light. You’ll want to use bright lighting, and you can also use colored lighting. The positioning of the lights is key for the best effects. Test different angles using a flashlight to find the best positions for your lights.

Parking lot lighting design

If you are planning to have parking lot lighting installed at your business, you’ll have to keep two main elements in mind when designing the lighting layout: the minimum light level and a uniformity ratio. You will also want to consult with your local city planner to find out what ordinances require and allow as you work out your design. Moreover, you’ll want to check OSHA guidelines and with your insurance company. Both of these resources will provide you with information that can help protect you from litigation. 

If you are inexperienced with design, consult with professionals like those at Majestic Outdoor Lighting to help you understand what you will need to adequately light your parking area. Also, check with businesses similar to yours and see what they did and how their ideas might benefit your plan. When selecting luminaires, make sure they are Energy Star or Design Lights Consortium (DLC) approved. Electric utilities often provide incentives and rebates for using approved lighting.

As you work on your design, you may want to use a parking lot lighting layout tool. Several calculators and other tools are available online that can help you with various aspects of the layout. You can figure out such things as the right light levels for your space or the type of lighting you’ll need. They can help you save time as well as money, and teach you how to save on energy expenses while getting adequate lighting. Some of these tools are used by professionals to assist with design efforts.

How many lumens do I need for a parking lot?

There are going to be many variables at work when deciding on the amount of light output for your parking lot lighting. You’ll have to determine what your goals with the lighting are. How bright do you want the lighting? Do you want the option to dim the lighting? What specific type of lighting are you using? Many people now choose LED lighting because it offers so many advantages over other lighting types, including longevity. As far as how many lumens you’ll need, when it comes to LED lighting you’ll want at least 20,000 lumens per each light head at a height of about 15-20 feet per pole. If you want really bright lighting, you can set the lighting about 30 feet up at 30,000-40,000 lumens.

How do you install parking lot lights?

Installing parking lot lighting can be a complicated process. As with any sort of design project, you’re going to start with some serious planning. Planning will include figuring out how much light you’ll need, what kind of lighting, how high up it should be. After you plan your design you’ll want to follow this process:

• Have underground wires or conduits installed for each light pole. All local ordinances should be followed. 
• Foundations for the light poles are added next. The foundations could be concrete piers or even large posts.
• Light poles are mounted to the foundation.
• The conduits or wiring are connected to cables that go to the power source inside the building.

How tall is a parking lot light?

Generally, most parking lot light poles run between 12 to 20 feet. Some, however, are as tall as 35 feet. The lighting output, measured in lumens, should determine the height of the poles in parking lot lighting. Also, the higher the poles are, the fewer you will need to light the parking area. 

What is good wattage for outdoor lights?

In general, the best wattage for outdoor lighting will vary, depending on what the lighting is being used for. Anything 80 watts or lower is often the best. Lighting that’s 40 watts or lower is good, for instance, for areas like driveways or garden paths.

How many lumens does a driveway light need?

Lighting a private drive requires much less light than parking lot lighting. While parking lots need lights of about 20,000 lumens or more, a small drive just needs anywhere between 1,600 and 2,200 lumens to be adequately lighted. A larger drive needs at most 2,400 lumens.

Do you need a pump for a misting system?

Unlike the low-pressure system, most patio misters need a pump to operate to any measure that would be considered effective. This is due to regular misters having a different design when it comes to dispersing water droplets. They need more pressure, which a pressure pump easily provides when feeding water into the system. While visibly there may not be much difference between the regular and the low pressure, the patio misting provided by the former is far more spread out with finer droplets released from the device. 

By and large, the brunt of the price for most patio misters comes in the water pressure pump. After that, patio misting uses relatively little water compared to other water-related systems in the normal household. To put it in another way, a patio mister uses significantly less water than your air conditioner a large margin.

Do misters keep mosquitoes away?

For Texans and southerners in general across the United States, bugs like mosquitoes are a problem. However, when a property owner installs patio misting insects steer clear of the misted area. The reason is due to that insects have more trouble flying in mist than they do in dry air. When their wings are weighed down by the water droplets, insects then sink to the ground and have to move in the open until their wings dry. Patio misting in that sense is also effective against insects like wasps, house flies, yellow jackets, and more. Instead of using toxic methods to get rid of pests that come after you when you relax outside, patio misting offers a method of keeping everything healthy by making an area that annoying insects actively avoid.

While pato misting feels great, they can damage wooden structures and paint when not properly installed. However, this can be easily avoided by suitable placement where the moisture will not build up on the wooden or painted surface. Also seek out openings in wooden structures that would be an entry point for moisture among other threats like pests. These spots should be covered to prevent rot from occurring inside the wood and make it structurally inept. Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for the buildup of mildew or mold. When caught early, both can easily be cleaned with a small amount of soap and water.

Do LED Lights Really Save Money?

It cannot be stressed how energy efficient LED lighting is compared to the traditional options. Comparatively, a ten watt LED bulb can give the same amount of output as a sixty watt incandescent light bulb. To be sure, the benefits of LED lighting also overtake the disadvantages by a wide margin. While having a higher upfront cost, the bulbs make the cost back up by having an average cost of twelve cents for every kilowatt used per hour. To put it in another way, it will only cost you thirty dollars by the time it runs for twenty-five thousand hours. Additional advantages also include:

• Household lighting efficiency 
• Low maintenance 
• Environmentally friendly
• Lack of produced heat
• Minimal power consumption
• Brighter
• Long lifespan

LED lighting tends to beat out any competition thanks to their amazingly long lifespan that can go up to a hundred thousand hours, generally lasting for years of regular use without having to be changed. Many customers also sing the praise of the lights with their multiple options in color and shape. Often producing a softer form of light than what comes out traditionally from other kinds of light. While there are various types of LED bulbs across various industries, it is easy to find just the one you need for a longer lasting and more efficient light source.

Why are LED Lights so Bright?

There are various misconceptions and myths surrounding LED lighting that often steer away those that would enjoy the benefits they can provide. The truth is, any person that stares at a light bulb or a source of light will be a victim to some sort of health malady. The reason is that many people often do not realize that LED lighting is far brighter at the same wattage than traditional lighting. The problem then persists when there is no method to dim the installed light bulbs. Now, the most common myths that have to do with that and plague this modern form of lighting tend to be as such:

• Are LED lights safe for human eyes?
• Do LED lights give people headaches?
• Can LED lights work in the cold?

Many have risen up to answer these questions without any sort of knowledge to back up their claims affirming that gives LED lights a negative connotation. However, these questions can be easily answered with only a minor amount of knowledge on the subject. All lights, as mentioned, can have a negative effect on a person’s eyes if a person has to spend a significant amount of time with the source in their view. LED lights are in fact safe for a person’s eyes in normal circumstances just like any other type of light. On the accusation of LED lights giving a person headaches, there is a bit of an explanation behind that. When a regular light turns off and on quickly, it only goes down to thirty percent light output before reverting back to full output. LED lighting shuts off completely and all the way back on, causing an interruption to the light source reaching your eyes. When there are interruptions to the light reaching the eyes, that can give you a headache and should be investigated when there are flickering lightbulbs. The problem is more than likely never occur because of the lightbulb. When installed in cold climates, modern LED lighting turns on effectively just as it does in warm settings.

Where should outdoor lights be placed?

Outdoor lights can essentially be placed wherever you want them to be placed yet some logistics should be considered. First, you’ll want to decide what areas or objects you wish to be lit and then you can search for the lighting techniques that typically people choose as most successful. Garden lighting for flower beds, for example, may have different recommendations than those for say a patio. Depending on the effect that you desire to give you’ll also choose the appropriate features, accessories, the right power supply, and bulbs. 

How many lumens does a garden light need?

Garden lighting can have a range of 12-1300 lumens depending on where they are placed. Path and step lighting are typically best at 100 lumens while flood and motion sensor lights best recommended at 700 lumens. General landscape lighting can be around 50-300 lumens (based on preference,) wall lights from 50-185 lumens and underwater lights from 200-400 lumens.

How do you use garden solar lights?

If you’re installing solar lights for your garden lighting keep placement in mind as they will need ample exposure to sunlight during the day in order to charge up on energy to work well into the night. As far as installation, simple steps to follow are to first install foundation stakes for the lights to go into the ground, then attach the light posts and position the remote solar panels.

How do I light my garden?

Garden Lighting Design Guide

There are many ways that you can improve upon the design of your garden yet here are some tips that may make for a great result. Keep the fact that natural light will always be present and will come from above. Therefore, the bulk of your lighting should come the same direction overhead, the higher the better. You can use low wattage flood lights for most of this with bulbs no bigger than 100 watts, you might also consider low-voltage lighting as well. Garden spotlights should be used sparingly and to highlight interesting features or landscape details. When highlighting large flower beds or other planting areas it’s better to use a number of smaller lights in order to create a series of softly overlapping pools of light rather than a single large unit. For any light fixtures follow the manufacturer specifications to see what the max wattage should be used but keep in mind smaller bulbs are often adequate. Solid objects rather than thin, skeleton-like structures should be illuminated so avoid bare trees, open trellises, and similar areas. Make full use of light-colored or reflective surfaces in your lighting scheme to extend the source of illumination by reflection and diffusing rays over a wide area. Consider adding accessories to your garden lighting like interesting lamp shades or playing with color hues. For economical endeavors, there are many garden lighting kits out there that can sell a pack of light stakes or fixtures which can make for a more convenient process of design. To seek more of an impact for your garden lighting consider reaching out to a professional for design tips. Ultimately, any way that you provide lighting to your landscape will create an illuminating effect that’s pleasing to the eye to all who look upon it.

If You’d Like Garden Lighting Design Help Contact A Professional

These are just a few ways that you may implement design elements for your garden lighting. The options are all flexible in accordance with your design preferences and can make for an attractive outcome no matter what you choose to go with. If you’d like the assistance of a professional with your garden lighting endeavors, reach out to your local outdoor lighting company for guidance. Garden lighting at night can create a magical effect in highlighting the landscape and is a fun way to enjoy the wonder of your garden with ambiance. Get your project underway soon!

If you’re interested in garden lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX call (817) 345-3696 with Majestic Outdoor Lighting! 

One popular misconception about burglary is that it happens at night. Research suggests as many as 40% of break-ins occur during the day when people tend to be away from their homes and lights may not be home. While many break-ins occur during the day, they still happen at night, too. When burglaries occur at night, it’s usually in homes that are dark and quiet and are unoccupied or appear unoccupied.

Security lights may give would-be thieves the impression that you are home, even if you’re not, which may deter them from breaking into what might be an occupied home. Lighting also gives criminals fewer hiding places if they are lurking about. Also, lighting used in conjunction with cameras can help identify criminals, if a break-in should unfortunately occur. 

Security lights are also valuable to help you stay safe at night around your home. You’ll be able to see your surroundings in the dark or find your keys so you can get inside your home safely in case of potential danger.

While security lights may not deter every criminal, you’re often better off with them than without them. They serve as added protection in your overall security plan. If you’d like the added protection of security lighting in Fort Worth and Dallas, TX, get help from the lighting professionals at Majestic Outdoor Lighting. Find out more about how we can help by calling (817) 345-3696.

What security lighting do I need

If you are considering installing outdoor security lights, your primary concern is that you install lighting that is bright and covers a wide area. You also want to make sure the lights are operating correctly and come on when they are triggered. The lights should also be able to survive in all kinds of weather, and should be rated either WP for weatherproof or WR for weather resistant.

You’ll also want to make sure you have the right light fixtures to suit your needs. You may need high-mounted floodlights, for instance to illuminate your porch or side of your home, or low lights along sidewalks to illuminate pathways. You’ll also want to consider whether you want timed lights or motion sensitive lighting, and whether your lighting is manually controlled or automatic.

No matter how weatherproofed your outdoor lights are, when the temperatures drop, and your heater doesn’t work, you won’t be weatherproofed. Heater repair and heater parts replacement will be necessary to keep you warm.

Where to install outdoor security lighting

Where you have your outdoor security lights installed will vary with their purpose and function. You may want to place low lights along paths and sidewalks to illuminate walkways, but most security lights will be placed above ground. You may wonder, How high should security lights be? It’s usually best to mount your lights six to 10 feet off the ground. They should be positioned strategically so they cover the widest amount of surface area. If they are motion-sensitive lights, they should be positioned so the movement will be tracked and the light will be triggered.

Some of the best areas to place the lights are areas where the light covers walks up to your front doors and back doors, and up the driveway. Additional lights can be placed to cover all the approaches to your house like gates or in the darker areas of your yard. You may also want to put lights over decks and near stairways and pools.

What are the types of security lighting?

There are several types of outdoor security lights, and what you choose will depend on your needs and situation. Outlined below are the types of lights available.

• Timed lights: Lights you can adjust to come on and stay on all during the night or at select times during the day.
• Motion-activated lights: These lights have sensors that turn on the lights when motion is detected. These lights can be adjusted to just go off when humans trigger them.
• Floodlights: These are bright lights used to illuminate large areas such as patios and drives.
• High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights: Often used for commercial security, these lights can be used at homes to light up large areas.
• Exterior soffit lights: These lights sit on the soffit overhang and often have extra lighting for your porch.
• Outdoor coach lights: These lights are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, but provide adequate lighting for driveways and walkways.

What is the brightest outdoor light?

Outdoor lights come in varying brightnesses. Some of the brightest lights used for outdoor lighting are LED floodlights. Floodlights are often strong enough to light up a whole yard. LED lights not only shine brightly, they use less energy than other types of lights. High Intensity Discharge lights are also very bright, but are generally used for commercial lighting. 

What are the best outdoor security lights?

There are many highly rated outdoor security lights on the market today. The top five that find their way on many lists include:

• LITOM Motion Sensor Light
• Ring Floodlight Camera
• SANSI Motion Sensor Outdoor Light
• Hyperikon LED Outdoor Flood Light
• Heath Zenith Light

Should I leave porch light on all night?

While it’s not necessary, leaving your porch light on all night may benefit your safety. It can alert potential criminals that the home may be occupied. At the same time, if you turn it off regularly when you go to bed, this, too, may alert someone that you’re at home as well. Turning the light off suggests the home is in use. It also serves as a spotlight over the front door which will help you see someone approaching the house. Leaving your light on is also good for the safety of those coming home late at night. That person can safely get to the door and unlock it.

Landscape Lighting Maintenance Tips

Landscape lighting maintenance and repair doesn’t have to feel like a major hassle. It can actually be a fairly easy process. We recommend you take a look around your property about once a week. Along with that, investing in maintenance plans will provide untold benefits. So what do you need to do to maintain your landscaping? 

• Tree Trimming: A great way to maintain your overall landscaping is to participate in regular tree trimming. This will keep your property looking clean and maintained. It will also protect your lighting fixtures from damage. 
• Clean Fixtures and Lenses: Take the time to clean all aspects of the lighting fixtures. This includes the plastic and metal components as well as the lenses. You can wipe everything down yourself or hire professional cleaning services. 
• Clear Debris: If there has been a storm or high-winds, make sure to go through and remove any and all debris from around the fixtures. Doing so can help to improve illumination while making it easier to perform other cleaning tasks later on. 
• Replace Bulbs: With some fixtures, you’ll be able to quickly replace burnt out or broken bulbs. Make sure to do this as soon as you notice one is out. You’ll see greater illumination as well as prevent any damage to your fixture or property. 
• Check Exposed Wiring: Even professionally installed lights can experience trauma exposing the wiring. Animals knock into things or drivers disturb the area. Either way, taking the time to check for this will protect you lights, property, and loved ones. 

Maintaining your landscape will give your home the finished appearance you are looking for. When you’re taking a look at your landscape, don’t neglect the other areas of your home. Schedule shingle roof repair in Arlington, TX if you notice gaps or holes in your roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you replace low voltage landscape lights?
  • If the bulbs are placed in fixtures, then you’ll just need to replace the bulb itself. However, if the fixture itself needs to be replaced, you’ll need to rely on a contractor for help. 
• How much does landscape lighting cost? 
  • Once everything is said and done, meaning the correct wiring and transformer are in place, homeowners should expect to pay around $3,000 for completed landscape lighting. Any additional features or extras will cost more. 
• How do you clean landscape light lenses? 
  • To do this yourself, you’ll need to remove the lense from the fixture. Wiping it down with a cloth and warm, soapy water may get the job done. If there is more grime on there, you may need to upgrade to a steel-wool scrubber to remove all traces of dirt and oxidation.
• How do you landscape a lighting design?
  • It all starts with an idea. You can walk around your property and take pictures of the areas you’d like lights. If you work with a contractor, they’ll likely help to sketch out some ideas, just so you can have a visualization of what you’re looking for. Once that’s done, you’ll start placing and wiring what you want in. 
• What are the best outdoor lights?
  • The best outdoor lights are really whatever makes you happy. There are so many brands and options on the market it can be hard to narrow your focus. Many homeowners like the look and aesthetic of string lights while others prefer the appearance and functionality of LED lighting.