As the days grow shorter and the sun sets earlier, the importance of reliable exterior lighting around your home becomes increasingly evident. The San Luis Obispo electricians from Electricraft, Inc., know that outdoor lighting is a safety necessity and can enhance the aesthetics of your property.
This report explores the many benefits of exterior lighting and offers tips on what to install or upgrade to achieve both safety and aesthetics.
Safety first
- Enhanced security: One of the primary reasons to invest in exterior lighting is to boost security. Well-lit areas deter potential intruders, making your home less appealing as a target. Motion-activated lights can surprise and scare off trespassers, while continuous illumination minimizes hiding spots.
- Preventing accidents: Properly illuminated pathways, driveways, and entryways reduce the risk of accidents, such as trips and falls. It’s especially crucial during the dark winter months when icy surfaces can be hazardous.
- Safer navigation: Exterior lighting helps family members and guests safely navigate around your property after dark. Whether it’s finding the front door, the mailbox, or the garbage bins, having adequate lighting ensures everyone can move about confidently.
- Curb appeal: Well-placed lighting can highlight your home’s architectural features, landscaping, and overall beauty. It adds a welcoming touch and enhances curb appeal, which is especially important if you’re looking to sell your property.
Rely on the San Luis Obispo electricians to professionally install new exterior lighting or upgrade existing lighting.
Choosing the right lighting fixtures
There are many different types and styles of outdoor lighting fixtures:
- Pathway lights line walkways and driveways with low-level pathway lights. These fixtures create a well-defined path, making it easy for everyone to find their way while adding a subtle, elegant touch to your landscaping.
- Floodlights help provide maximum security. Consider installing motion-activated floodlights around your property. These powerful lights are perfect for illuminating large areas and can startle potential intruders.
- Wall-mounted sconces on either side of your front door or garage not only provide essential lighting but also add a touch of sophistication to your home’s exterior. Choose fixtures that complement your home’s architectural style.
- Hanging pendant lights above your porch or outdoor seating area can create a warm and inviting ambiance. Choose designs that match your outdoor decor and provide adequate illumination.
- If you have a deck or patio, consider recessed lighting, string lights, or lanterns to make these outdoor spaces more functional and visually appealing.
- Illuminate your garden beds, trees, and shrubs with low-voltage garden lights. These fixtures not only enhance the beauty of your landscaping but also contribute to the overall safety of your property.
Tips for a well-lit exterior
The San Luis Obispo electricians also recommend the following considerations so you get the best performance from exterior lighting:
- Consider LED bulbs for your outdoor fixtures. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit a warm, inviting glow.
- Divide your exterior lighting into different zones or circuits. This allows you to control different areas independently, adjusting the lighting according to your needs.
- Install timers or smart controls to automate your exterior lighting. This ensures your property is well-lit, even when you’re not at home, enhancing security.
- Keep your lighting fixtures clean and in good working condition. Replace bulbs promptly, and inspect wiring to avoid hazards.
- Be mindful of light pollution. Use fixtures that direct light downward and shield it from spreading into the night sky, preserving the beauty of the stars.
In conclusion, exterior lighting is not just a practical necessity but also an opportunity to enhance the beauty and safety of your home.
Electricraft, Inc. has been serving the residential and business electrical needs of the Central Coast since 1984. A local, family-owned company, the focus at Electricraft, Inc. is to provide superior quality service, repair and construction ensuring complete satisfaction to our customers for the long term.
Electricraft, Inc. assures professional, on-time, quality service at a fair price. We say what we mean and mean what we say. Electricraft is available on a 24-hour, 7 day a week emergency basis to provide immediate service and repair of any electrical component or system.
