Outdoor lighting allows you to enhance the usability, aesthetics, and security of your home. Whether lighting up a patio, pool, or yard, outdoor lighting makes a significant difference for your property.
However, outdoor lighting fixtures can become outdated or worn out over time with repeated exposure to the elements. When replacing your home’s outdoor lighting, it’s important to have a plan in place.
Here’s your guide for replacing or upgrading your residential outdoor lighting for a successful project and stunning results.
Assess Your Current Lighting
Before replacing or upgrading your outdoor lighting, assess what you like and dislike about your current lighting. Things to consider include:
- Brightness and color temperature
- Location and placement
- Number and size of lights
- Places where light is missing
Assessing your current lighting will help you determine the type of outdoor lights you need,
such as pathway lights, floodlights, or accent lighting. Pay special attention to areas that need more illumination or those that could benefit from a different type of lighting.
Research Lighting Options
There are many different outdoor lighting fixtures available, so it’s important to research your options. Explore different lighting styles and types, such as LED, solar-powered, or low-voltage options.
Look for fixtures that match your home’s exterior design and complement its architecture. Additionally, consider energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED or solar, to minimize energy consumption and reduce long-term costs.
Consider Automation
Consider adding automation and control features to your outdoor lighting to enhance convenience and energy efficiency.
Timers, motion sensors, or smart home integrations that allow you to control lights remotely can reduce energy consumption and improve the performance of your lighting.
These features can help save energy by automatically turning off lights when not needed and provide added security by illuminating your property when detecting movement.
Set a Budget
Before planning your residential outdoor lighting project, determine how much you’re willing to spend. Your budget should include the cost of fixtures, installation, and any additional accessories or electrical work required. Setting a budget allows you to prioritize your needs and find lighting options that fit your price range.
Plan Your Lighting Layout
Determine where you want your new fixtures to be placed. Consider the purpose of each area and select lighting that illuminates it effectively. Pay attention to factors such as shadows, dark spots, and potential obstacles that could interfere with the lighting.
Also, think about where you need additional light for security or safety purposes, like near entrances, driveways, and stairways. Many home security systems require adequate lighting to work properly, so keep this in mind when planning your lighting arrangement.
Find the Right Professional
It’s best to hire a qualified residential electrician to ensure the safety and proper installation of your new outdoor lighting. An experienced electrician will install and test your new lighting fixtures and update wiring as necessary to ensure safety and proper function.
An electrician can also properly position and secure each fixture, ensuring they are level and protected from the elements to ensure the best performance and longevity for your new lights.
Maintain Your New Lighting
After your new lights are installed, don’t forget about maintenance. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your outdoor lighting in optimal condition.
Clean fixtures periodically, replace burnt-out bulbs promptly, and perform routine checks to identify any issues. Should you have any issues, contact your residential electrician to identify and fix the problem.
Start Your Outdoor Lighting Project Today
With careful planning and installation, your new outdoor lighting will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home. Start planning your outdoor lighting project with CoreTrade Electric today. Contact us at (703) 785-6414 to book a consultation, or reach us online to request a quote!
