Should You Go With Permanent Outdoor Lighting?

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The placement of outdoor lights may seem like a no-brainer. Human technology has been improving at an alarming rate, so it is easy to assume that everything will be right in your backyard — as long as you have enough money.

The decision to use permanent outdoor lighting will require you to weigh the pros and cons. If you are looking to put up permanent outdoor lighting, here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Lighting System

When you are thinking about upgrading your outdoor lighting system, there are some things you should know. Here are some tips for finding your home’s best outdoor lighting system: 

1. Choose Your Needs

The first step to choosing the right outdoor lighting system is determining what you want it to do. Is it going to be used at night or during the day? Will it illuminate an area that needs more light? Is it going to be used for security purposes?

If you are installing an outdoor light to illuminate a pathway or driveway, then it’s important to understand what you are trying to achieve by choosing this type of light. 

For example, suppose you have a busy family with children who spend hours outside playing daily. In that case, an LED floodlight may be more appropriate than a traditional incandescent bulb hanging from a lamp post.

2. Evaluate Your Budget

The second step is ensuring you have enough money saved to pay for the project. You want to ensure that there are no unexpected costs that could come with this project, so make sure there’s plenty of extra money in your budget before you start digging into your pocketbook.

You may get some financing for your purchase if you want to make a larger investment in your new lighting system. If not, look at what other homeowners spend on their outdoor lighting systems and how much they are willing to spend.

3. Research Costs and Options

Next, research costs and options to see what system will work best for you and how much it will cost on average throughout your project period or, in some cases, once completed. 

Exhaust all of your options before purchasing. For instance, you may not afford all the features you want in an outdoor lighting system, but don’t let cost prevent you from getting what you need. 

Simple upgrades to your existing lights can do wonders for your budget. You can use permanent outdoor lighting services in Downers Grove to install LED lights on a budget. 

For example, adding motion-activated lights or a solar-powered system will save money and convenience when it’s dark outside.

4. Space

How much space do you have? If you have more than one area to illuminate, look for a system that can cover multiple areas. 

For example, if you want to light up your backyard and front porch at night, consider getting a spotlight that can move from one location to another or a large chandelier with a motion sensor so it doesn’t come on when nobody’s home.

5. Color Temperature

The color of light emitted by an object is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). A lower temperature means the light is bluer, making it easier for people with sensitive eyes or those who suffer from migraines or other headaches associated with bright lights. 

It also makes colors appear more natural. Look for lights with color temperatures between 2200K and 5000K.

6. Light Quality

The final step in choosing the best outdoor lighting system is to consider its quality — how bright it will be and how long it will last. Spotlights provide more intense light than floodlights, which can cast shadows on paths or lawns and have shorter battery life than floodlights.

Floodlights provide more consistent illumination than spotlights, but they require more maintenance due to their large size. In addition, they do not project as far into the distance as spotlights, so they may be better suited for close-up applications such as pathways or patios.

In Summary

Outdoor lighting can be a tricky thing to do right, especially when you try to incorporate all the features outdoor lighting enthusiasts want. However, following the above tips can make choosing outdoor lighting easier. Use these tips to your advantage when shopping around for outdoor lighting.

Now that you have the information you need to make an educated decision, the ball is in your court.

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