Posts tagged Light fixture

Charming Outdoor Solar Lights

May 12th

Posted by admin in Outdoor Lighting Decor

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A garden solar lamp is an example of landscape...
Image via Wikipedia

Today solar lighting is becoming more popular than other types of conventional wired lighting sytems. However, it is becoming increasingly popular in the grim face of global warming and rising energy costs. More and more, people are turning to solar power home lighting systems (as well as other alternative energy sources like wind and biofuels) to supplement or entirely replace their consumption of oil. Even though outdoor lighting will beautify any residence, the cost to operate the lighting can be a substaintial amount. You will be able to save up to 15% of your annual energy costs by installing outdoor solar lights to replace your existing conventional wired lights.

Simple, Efficient Design

Outdoor solar outdoor lighting are designed to be beautiful but durable. Therefore, it tends to use a simple design to minimize the amount of parts that can potentially break, and because it is all inclusive, it is actually better able to withstand outdoor hazards like extreme weather much better than wired lighting. Because you’ll end up paying a little bit more for outdoor solar lights, you’ll get a much sturdier package. Solar lighting fixtures are often times made of metals, for example nickel, instead of the brittle plastics used by some of the less expensive lighting fixtures.

Atop the lighting fixture rests a solar panel, using photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The solar light will come on at night time after being charged by an internal battery during the daytime. This charge can last up to 12 hours. Solar lighting systems can be controlled manually by wall switches or automatically via timer or photo control. Solar lights are availble in smart designs such as Athenian, cathedral lanterns, and beveled glass, so you should have no trouble finding the light styles that your are looking for and will meet your needs.

Replacing all of your wired lighting fixtures with solar lights will enhance your landscape areas, fountains, pools, and patio living areas. There is a model to fulfill every need, and you can make your outdoor lighting power grid-independent for much less than you might think. Using solar lights you can redo your entire outdoor living space, since solar lights are very cost effective and only cost around 20 dollars. If you think the dollars you will save annually, plus the low intallation cost, solar lighting is a very wise and intelligent investment.

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The Value Of Outdoor Security Lighting

May 9th

Posted by admin in Outdoor Lighting Decor

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Wall-mounted light with shadows.
Image via Wikipedia

One of the hottest trends in home security today is adding an outdoor security lighting to the area outside of the home.  These lights are used to illuminate specific areas around the home to deter criminals from entering and taking away the dark areas that criminals can use to sneak up to the home unseen.  The outdoor security lighting can be used in a number of different areas around the outside of the home and the placement will depend on the architecture of the home and the layout of the yard.

While adding outdoor security lighting is a great way of adding more home protection, you will often seen this measure coupled with other safety options such as an alarm system, motion detectors, and even surveillance cameras.  In fact, some people will have outdoor security lighting installed in covert areas so potential intruders would have no idea it existed until too late.   Most often, these lighting systems are designed to illuminate broad areas so you get the most coverage for the money.

Using Outdoor Security Lighting

Many individuals choose to use a large outdoor security lighting that has the ability to light up large portions of the yard.  This means that the homeowner will not have to install outdoor security light fixtures in several different areas of the yard to receive the same amount of illumination.  The placement of the outdoor security light should be angled in a way so that the light falls over a wide area of the yard and is generally placed directly under the roof gutters or high on the walls angling down to provide light all the way to the ground.

Of course, if you prefer, you can also place outdoor lighting fixtures on the ground.  In this case, the illumination would be set to focus on a particular area, perhaps a dark corner or walkway, or a number of different areas.  The
great thing about using outdoor security lighting on ground level is that it can be easily hidden.  Usually, lighting is placed near a bush or tree, or even behind a lawn ornament.  With so many different styles and designs, you will simply need to look at all the options and then choosing according to need.

One consideration is that outdoor flood lighting installed on the ground is typically not as bright as lights placed high.  If you decide to go with the higher installation placement, you may find that you have to adjust the angle several times to find the one that will work best.  The installation of outdoor security lighting is simple, only requiring a light switch inside the home.  However, if you want the lighting system to turn on automatically, you could go with motion sensors or have the lights put on a timer.

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Tips for Buying The Right Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Apr 29th

Posted by admin in Outdoor Lighting Decor

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The Sussex Arts Club - Chandelier
Image by Dominic’s pics via Flickr

If you have no experience in choosing outdoor lighting fixtures, the entire process can be a little overwhelming. Although installing a new lighting system takes a little time and effort, it is well worth the investment.  However, you need to understand the type of lighting you need, even the right light bulbs to use.

We recommend that you begin by considering the type of lighting you want and need. As a result, you can focus on types of outdoor lighting fixtures that will work and not spend wasted time shopping for the wrong system.

Why You Need Lights

For starters, think about the way in which a new lighting system will be used.  For instance, if you are looking for a means of illuminating a gorgeous tree or other landscaping, then you need something that will produce a spotlight effect. Knowing the purpose of the fixture will make the process of buying so much more enjoyable.  After all, there are many different types of outdoor lighting fixtures to include LED and halogen so you need to have some idea of the purpose.

Now, depending on the architecture of the house and even its configuration should be a part of the choosing process. After all, chances are you have neighbors so you want to look at outdoor accent lighting fixtures that are going to meet your needs without causing trouble with those living around you.

Sensor Lighting Responds to Movement.

Part of the attraction to using outdoor lighting fixtures is that you can deter intruders from breaking into your property. A good way to deter intruders other unwanted visitors to your home is to install outdoor security  lighting fixtures that are connected to a motion sensor. Another option is to have your lights set to a timer, this is handy if you come home late at night or are going to be away. This will give your home a sense of being lived in and again will discourage your home being a target for burglars.

As a part of your decision making, you need to think about the brightness of outdoor lighting fixtures.  All you need to do is choose the right light bulbs and in the appropriate wattage.  Obviously, you want the illumination to enhance the appearance of the home, not blind people driving by. If you are unsure, you can check with the manufacturer for recommendations.

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