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If enhancing your outdoor space is something you’ve been considering, you may be aware of the endless possibilities when it comes to lighting.
So how do you ensure your exterior lighting meets all your requirements?
Firstly, we already know that you want your outdoor lighting to be breathtaking. However, there are other important considerations when selecting lighting for your outdoor entertainment areas, such as energy efficiency and safety.
Opting for energy-efficient outdoor lighting not only reduces your environmental impact, but it will also help save on your next electricity bill. Likewise, safety needs to be a key consideration when it comes to lighting installations and deciding the placement of your outdoor bulbs.
To help you select outdoor lighting that has the perfect balance of energy efficiency, safety and aesthetics, here are six top tips from an experienced electrician.
By starting to think about your outdoor lighting and planning early, you are setting yourself up for success. Begin by considering your desired lighting type, the location and how much lighting you need. Ask yourself: “Will this lighting arrangement be practical, safe, and aesthetically pleasing?”
Creating a clear plan in advance will help the electrician make expert recommendations based on your personal preferences. It also allows them to identify problems early on and suggest an alternative solution, avoiding disappointment down the track.
The electrician can build a roadmap based on your plans, creating a clear timeline of when you can expect each stage of the upgrade. The earlier you plan, the quicker the electrician can begin to put your plans into practice!
When it comes to outdoor lighting, less is more for several reasons. Not only will fewer lights save you money by using less electricity, but they will also help create the perfect ambience for your summer social gatherings. Opting for subtle lighting can complement your outdoor area, but doesn’t take away from the appeal of the rest of the space. As a general rule, go for an understatement rather than overstatement.
From a safety point of view, it is important to have enough lighting that you can see clearly in the dark, with hazardous areas such as stairs, narrow pathways, poolside and slippery slopes, lit brightly to avoid injury.
When it comes to landscape lighting, you simply can’t go past LED’s. LED lights use low amounts of electricity. By illuminating your outdoor space with LED’s, you are reducing your carbon footprint and conserving energy, which will also help you cut costs on your electricity bill.
In addition, LED lighting will last for years. They require little maintenance and can last for about 25 years, so it is essential to be selective and choose the perfect LED lights that you won’t get sick of!
As a bonus, with an entire range of visually appealing designs, LED lighting offers the flexibility to choose your unique style and create your outdoor oasis!
Placement of your lighting is critical for both safety and practical reasons. During the planning stage, an electrician will provide a practical point of view, guiding you through different placement options. When choosing the placement of exterior lighting, it is important to avoid any area that is exposed to water, such as swimming pools and fountains. The combination of water with electricity can be hazardous, leading to a risk of fixtures being buried underground.
If lights do need to be installed around a swimming pool, it is vital to bring this up early on with your electrician so they can organise water-resistant lighting.
Now it’s time to ensure your outdoor lighting appears nothing short of breathtaking. When it comes to creating aesthetically pleasing outdoor lighting, placement is everything. Start by planning out what you want your focal points to be. For example, do you have a garden you take extra pride in? Or new furniture you want a spotlight on? Just remember to keep the long-term in mind, as LED lighting can last for a decade at least!
Firstly, decide which areas of your outdoor space you want to light up. Then you can start to add just the right amount of attention to certain features of your home. For example, you may want to highlight your rustic decking or architectural frames. Installing bright lighting amongst the sitting area can offer a useful spotlight if you plan on having dinner parties, playing board games or hosting outdoor gatherings.
A helpful tip; look at your outdoor area from inside your home. This will help you visualise what you and your guests will see when you are from the inside looking out.
Firstly, working with electricity is dangerous if you are not adequately trained and qualified. Even though you may have a visual of exactly how you want your lighting to look, an electrician will apply the practical lens that will ensure your lighting upgrade ticks all the right boxes.
When it comes to lighting, there are so many considerations.
Plus, when it comes to outdoor lighting, you want the final outcome to be as spectacular as you imagined. To avoid the heartbreak of getting all the way through an installation, only having to start all over again, we recommend hiring a professional from the outset. An expert team, such as Watts Next Electrical, will listen to your expectations and apply our safety knowledge to ensure your lighting set-up is safe, pleasing and energy-efficient.
If you’re ready to make your outdoor lighting dreams a reality, get your landscape lighting professionally installed by Watts Next Electrical. Give me a call on 0416 796 614.
