Your Raleigh, NC yard is an extension of your home. When the weather is nice outside, you can use your yard and patio for parties and family gatherings. Different areas of your yard can be used for different purposes as well, including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, or fire pit with seating. Having the proper lighting in these areas will determine if they are practical and usable. Let’s take a look at the basics of upgrading your outdoor lighting to make the most of your yard.
Light Fixtures
The exterior of your home likely has several light fixtures installed on it. You probably have some sconces outside your doorways at a minimum. However, some homeowners choose to expand their lighting, placing fixtures on each side of their garage door, placing an overhead light on the porch, and installing spotlights on sheds and roof peaks. Lighting is a great way to increase the visibility in your yard at night, improving safety. Extra lighting can also deter criminals from coming onto your property.
Make sure that you choose light fixtures that match the existing aesthetics of your home. If you have chrome doorknobs and fixtures, stick with light fixtures that are made from the same material. This creates a cohesive look. You can opt for a simple, basic design, but something more elaborate and detailed can really transform your yard.
Using String Lights
String lights are a great way to affordably transform your property. You can frame your deck or patio with string lights using just a few hooks installed onto your siding or gutters. String lights come in different styles. Clear Edison-style bulbs are popular and create a modern look. You can opt for a rounded style of bulbs for something more traditional. Just make sure that you bring your string lights inside for protection if inclement weather is forecast. You also need to bring your lights inside during the winter when you won’t be using them.
Consider using string lights with small bulbs within the branches of trees and large bushes. You may want to use white lights rather than the colored ones you use during the holidays. You will be surprised at how much your yard will be illuminated when you use these string lights. They work extremely well on trees that border your walkways or patio. Do be sure to install the cords properly so they don’t run across your yard. If this is a more permanent installation, bury the cords underground. Make sure to use cords and lights that are rated for outdoor use.
LED Versus Incandescent
Incandescent bulbs are traditional lights that produce a warm-colored light. Unfortunately, they cost a bit more to run than their newer LED counterparts. However, some people choose the more expensive option to get the ambience that they want in their yard. LED lights will cost more initially, but they last a long time and require minimal energy to run. On average, LED lights will run for approximately 50,000 to 100,000 hours total.
It’s important to note that incandescent bulbs can become warm to the touch, whereas LED bulbs don’t usually pose this risk. If you’re using these lights in an outdoor area where you will have a lot of people passing by them or sitting nearby, LED lights may be the safer option.
Light Up Patio Umbrellas
There are patio umbrellas that come equipped with lights underneath their overhang. This provides a great amount of lighting above your tables once the sun goes down. Some of these umbrellas are even solar-powered, reducing the need for bulky and dangerous cords. Remember to bring these umbrellas indoors during strong winds or rain. This will protect their quality and any electrical components they may contain.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lights can be installed under the eaves of your home and on the underside of your landscaping boxes and borders. This illuminates these areas for safety and ambience. It’s also a great way to increase the value of your landscaping and yard.
Solar Lighting
Solar lights are becoming more popular in yards across the Raleigh area. After the initial investment in these lights, they will run without making you have to pay extra on your electricity bill. You can find solar lights that hang from your home. If you want to use some, a small solar plate should be installed on your roof or somewhere in your yard that receives ample sunlight.
You can also purchase solar landscape lights that are inserted into the ground using stakes. You can use these lights to frame the area of your yard where you gather in the evenings. You can also use them in your landscaping design, really improving the curb appeal of your home.
There are solar spotlights that are also inserted into the ground using a stake. However, you can position the lights so they point upward into your trees for a sophisticated look. You can also use these lights to illuminate the front exterior of your home, patio, or sidewalks and walkways.
Considering Brightness
Make sure that you don’t overdo it with your lighting choices. You want to stick with a lower level of light that creates a warm and comfortable effect. Too much bright, white light can be harsh on the eyes. It can also be a nuisance for your neighbors who live nearby. Make sure you don’t have any of your lights pointed into their yards. Most townships have light ordinances that prevent you from disturbing other homeowners with your light fixtures.
Routine Inspections
Have our team inspect your outdoor lighting at least once a year. We will look for frayed wires and other signs of damage that could be dangerous. We want to ensure that you avoid the risk of electrical shock as well as the hazard of a fire starting on your property.
Make sure that the lighting you have chosen for the exterior of your home doesn’t exceed the amount of power draw that your breaker panel can handle. Don’t place too many lights on one circuit. This is when solar lighting becomes a great option. You won’t need to use any electricity when you’re harnessing the power of the sun.
We can help you with breaker panel expansion or surge protection if you would like to maintain the safest possible lighting setup in your yard. If you like the concept of solar lighting, panels can be installed on the exterior of your home to help run your exterior lighting and other areas of your home.
Dawson's Electric & Air is available to help you choose the perfect lighting for your yard in Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and
surrounding areas of North Carolina. We also take care of other electrical tasks, such as routine inspections, emergency repairs, surge protection, and home generator installation.
Contact Dawson's Electric & Air today to schedule an appointment with our team or find out more about how we can light up your yard and your life.
