Types of Landscape Lighting Pros and Cons

Types of Landscape Lighting � Pros and Cons

You’ve decided it’s time to accentuate the beauty of your home and garden with landscape lighting, but where do you start? Not only do you have to think about design, but investigating the different types of lighting can be overwhelming. Let’s look at the various advantages and disadvantages of the different types of outdoor lighting:

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Solar Landscape Lighting

Solar landscape lighting is the most popular type of outdoor lighting by do-it-yourselfers, but typically avoided by professionals. It’s relatively inexpensive, doesn’t add to your hydro bill and is available at your local garden store. They are often on stakes so it’s easy for homeowners to imbed them in your garden or along a pathway for a little mood-lighting. However, they don’t have a very bright light output, even after the sunniest of days, so they don’t actually provide any true illumination, just more of a little glow. And, of course they don’t work in shaded areas of your yard. They are typically not as durable as other lighting fixtures, and most don’t last a season, especially if you’ve had some harsher weather, or if you’ve hit it one too many times with the grass trimmer.

Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting

Low Voltage landscape lighting is quite popular because it’s easy on the pocket book but still provides lots of light.  Low voltage uses 12-18 volts, whereas household voltage is 120. A transformer pack plugs into an outlet and reduces the voltage, meaning you’re using less energy. Low voltage fixtures use low wattage (20-50 watts) halogen bulbs, which still produce a bright white light, but these can be tricky to find in most home stores since they often sell low wattage bulbs of 7-20 watts. Also, you can use more low wattage fixtures (upwards of 10) and light a larger space with the same amount of energy that 2 or 3 100 watt household voltage fixtures would produce.  As well, the bulbs, as well as their low voltage fixtures, are relatively inexpensive, and because they just plug into the power pack, an electrician isn’t needed if you want to move or replace fixtures, and there’s less risk of electric shock.

LED Landscape Lighting

LED lights have flooded the market over the last number of years and are popular because they have a really long life and are extremely energy efficient. Their long life is due to not having a filament like traditional bulbs, which burns out. Instead, LED lights can last for thousands of hours. While they can be rated for use in low or high voltage fixtures, the big disadvantage for LED outdoor lights is that they aren’t able to light up a wide area. LED lights have a narrow beam of light, making them great for Christmas lights or flashlights, but technology hasn’t enabled manufacturers to create a cost effective way for lighting larger areas. Also, current LED lighting tends to have a blueish hue to it, creating a “cool” lighting effect, whereas light that runs more orange or red provides warm light.

The best way to help you decide which type of landscape lighting is best is to talk to the professionals at Landscape Lighting Ottawa and they’ll help light the way.

The advantages of LED outdoor security lights include energy efficiency, durability, and versatility in terms of usage.

However, the disadvantages of LED outdoor security lights also entail high upfront costs, and temperature sensitivity, and may not be universally compatible with existing lighting systems.

To learn more about their pros and cons, consider reading the article below.

Why is LED security lighting important?

LED security lighting is important for home and property owners in terms of safety and security.

These LED outdoor security lights provide illumination to areas that need added visibility, such as residential and commercial settings.

Moreover, LED security lights are also popular choices among homeowners due to their energy-saving features.

Pros of LED Security Lamps

Energy Efficiency

LED security lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less power compared to traditional lighting sources such as incandescent or halogen bulbs. 

This can result in lower electricity bills and as well as reduce the impact on the environment.

Longevity

LED outdoor security lights are popularly known to have longer lifespans than traditional bulbs we know.

In most cases, they can last up to 25 times longer. 

Goto Optilux to know more.

For quality-oriented buyers, this means not having to replace your lighting fixture frequently.

Durability

LED lights are solid-state lighting devices that are more resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts compared to traditional bulbs. 

They are also less prone to damage from frequent switching on and off.

Customization Options

LED security lights come with various customizable features such as motion sensors, timers, and dimmers, allowing users to tailor the lighting settings to their specific needs. 

This flexibility enhances security and energy efficiency by optimizing lighting control.

Cons of LED Security Lamps

Initial Cost

LED security lights typically have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional lighting options. 

While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings in energy costs and maintenance expenses often outweigh the initial expenditure.

Temperature Sensitivity

LED performance can be affected by temperature extremes, especially in outdoor environments. 

Extreme heat or cold can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of LED bulbs, requiring additional thermal management measures for optimal performance.

Light Pollution

LED security lights, if not properly shielded or directed, can contribute to light pollution by emitting excessive brightness and glare. 

This can disrupt natural ecosystems, interfere with wildlife behavior, and cause discomfort for nearby residents.

Compatibility Issues

Some LED security lights may have compatibility issues with existing fixtures or electrical systems, requiring additional adjustments or upgrades for proper installation. 

It’s essential to ensure compatibility before purchasing LED lighting solutions.

Color Rendering

While LED lights offer excellent energy efficiency and longevity, some may have limitations in color rendering compared to traditional lighting sources. 

This can affect the quality of light and color perception in certain applications, such as outdoor security lighting.

Key Takeaway

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of LED outdoor security lights is important, especially for homeowners.

This will help in making informed decisions before buying.

Additionally, it’s also important to consider the LED security light manufacturer or brand to ensure that your needs meet their current offer.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Outdoor Lights. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.