Can Outdoor Landscape Lighting Be Energy-Efficient?
Landscape lighting around your driveway, garden, and patio can significantly improve the aesthetics of your home. However, considering the soaring electric prices, homeowners are quite reluctant to install these fixtures. They seek energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting that saves energy bills and also promotes sustainability.
If you are wondering whether such fixtures exist and what their benefits are, keep on reading!
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Can Outdoor Landscape Lighting Be Energy-Efficient?
Yes, outdoor landscape lighting can be energy-efficient, especially if you opt for LED bulbs, which are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Reports suggest that LEDs, especially energy-star LED bulbs, consume 75% less energy than other fixtures. Hence, you can save hundreds and even thousands of bucks on your energy bills and use that amount to maximize your savings.
Energy-efficient Outdoor Landscape Lighting Tips
Currently, the average price of electricity in the US is around 16.54 cents per kWh, which is huge. However, to ensure you don't end up with high energy bills, here are a few must-follow energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting tips:
Use Timers and Motion Sensors
One of the best energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting tips is to use timers and motion sensors. These technologies automatically turn light on and off, lowering overall energy waste.
For instance, motion sensors activate the lights only when someone is nearby. If there's no motion or presence of anyone for a certain period, sensors turn the lights off so they aren't running unnecessarily.
Other than that, timer switches work by allowing you to set a specific time for the bulbs to be on and off like illuminating the garden at night or turning the living room lights off at dawn. Both options are incredible for reducing light pollution, saving money, and enhancing overall convenience.
Incorporate LED Fixtures
As mentioned earlier, LED bulbs are way more energy efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs. They tend to last for years and also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs, such as spotlights, step lights, and more.
Opt for Solar Lighting
The most effective solution to both high energy bills and increasing environmental pollution is solar lighting. You should install solar light fixtures outdoors, whether in your garden or driveway, so they store sunlight during the day and brighten up your landscape at night.
The best part? Since solar lights totally rely on the sun's energy, there are no greenhouse gases. That's why they are gaining immense popularity, and their market in the US and Canada is expected to hit a massive $12.3 billion by 2033.
Get Smart Lighting Control Systems
Another tip for energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting is to get your hands on some smart lighting control systems. They easily integrate with mobile apps and voice assistants, allowing you to set specific schedules remotely for your lights to turn on and off.
For instance, if you are going to reach home by 7:00 PM and don't want to be welcomed by a dark home, you can set your landscape lights to automatically turn on a few minutes before your arrival.
You can also adjust the brightness of all lighting fixtures using these control systems to create the perfect ambiance. For instance, if you want something warm, you may dim the lights for a softer glow.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Landscape Lighting
Low energy bills are one of the most popular reasons people opt for energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting; however, they also offer some other benefits, such as:
Enhanced Lifespan
Traditional landscape lighting fixtures have a very limited lifespan, especially if you opt for incandescent bulbs. They last for only 1,000 hours and require frequent replacement.
However, this isn't the case with energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting like LED bulbs.
They last 50,000 to 100,000 hours without any performance issues, saving you money on maintenance and replacements.
Better Aesthetics
Well, the primary reason many homeowners install landscape lighting is to improve their property's aesthetics.
One of the benefits of using energy-efficient LED lights for outdoor settings is that they are available in any size, shape, and design.
You can easily find the one that best matches your home's architecture and creates unique lighting effects that are sure to impress visitors and enhance overall aesthetics.
Environmental Friendliness
Global warming is increasing in the US, impacting humans, wildlife, and aquatic systems. As per EPA, since 1901, the average surface temperature in the contiguous 48 states has increased at an average rate of 0.17°F per decade.
Unfortunately, the electricity produced using fossil fuels is among the many reasons behind this worsening situation. So, another way energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting benefits you is by reducing your carbon footprint.
For instance, solar-powered landscape lighting totally relies on clean, renewable sun energy. You don't have to worry about greenhouse gases accumulating in the environment.
FAQs
How do you choose energy-efficient landscape lighting?
To choose energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting, assess your needs and consider light output and long-term cost savings. Look for options with LED bulbs and motion sensors to minimize energy waste.
Are there any rebates or incentives for installing energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting?
Yes, in many regions, the government offers homeowners grants, rebates, and tax credits as a reward for installing energy-efficient lighting. For instance, the Rеsіdеntіаl Enеrgу Effісіеnсу Tаx Crеdіt allows you to claim a credit of up to 10% for the cost of qualified energy-efficient upgrades like lighting.
Does switching to energy-efficient outdoor lights impact energy bills?
Yes, switching to energy-efficient outdoor lights reduces your energy bills, as lighting accounts for 15% of your home's electricity use.
Conclusion
Investing in energy-efficient outdoor landscape lighting can improve your home aesthetics and lower your electricity expenses. If you are struggling to find reliable yet pleasant-looking lighting for your landscape, look no further than Gardenreet!
We have unique brass lights featuring LED bulbs and solar lights that rely solely on natural sunlight. Our products are long-lasting and sure to uplift the overall ambiance of your place.