Enjoy Your Backyard All Summer Long
As residential homeowners, we all want to make the most of our outdoor living spaces. While a well-manicured lawn and comfortable patio furniture are important elements of an inviting backyard, proper lighting is also important. Good backyard lighting can not only enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also increase its functionality by allowing you to use it during evenings and nights.
Other benefits of improved outdoor lighting include:
- Better safety
- Extended use of your spaces
- Increased curb appeal
- Increased home value to potential buyers
Keep reading for four easy steps to improve your landscape lighting so you can enjoy your backyard this summer.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Lighting Situation
Assessing your current lighting situation is essential to improving your backyard lighting. You can create a more functional and visually appealing outdoor space by identifying areas that could benefit from additional lighting.
Here are some of the most common areas where people need improved lighting in their backyards:
- Walkways
- Patios and decks
- Stairs and ramps
- Pool and hot tub areas
- Trees and landscaping
By assessing these common areas of your backyard, you can identify any dark spots or areas that need additional lighting. Once you have determined which areas of your backyard need lighting improvements, you can proceed to selecting the right type of lighting fixtures and installing them properly.
Step 2: Determine Your Lighting Needs for Each Area
Once youandrsquo;ve identified areas that need additional lighting, determine your lighting needs. Consider the purpose of the lighting, such as safety, security, or aesthetics. Think about the type of activities you would like to do in your yard and how lighting can enhance those experiences.
For example, your walkways are one of the most important areas to light in your backyard. Illuminating your walkways can enhance the safety and security of your property by preventing accidents and deterring intruders. Path lighting or recessed lighting placed every few feet along the path is a great option for illuminating walkways without overpowering the space.
Patios and decks are often the focal points of outdoor entertaining and proper lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pendant lights, string lights and sconces are popular options for illuminating patios and decks, creating a cozy ambiance that encourages guests to stay and relax.
Work with the electricians at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar to assess your current lighting situation and your needs. We can provide you with your options and help you choose the lighting options that best suit your goals for your backyard.
Step 3: Select the Right Type of Lighting
As mentioned above, there are several types of lighting from which to choose depending on what area you are working and your overall goals for your yard. These options include path lighting, accent lighting and floodlights.
Path lighting is a great option for illuminating walkways and creating a safe and inviting atmosphere that is functional, yet subtle. Similarly, accent lighting can highlight specific features of your yard, such as trees or statues. Floodlights are ideal for covering a large area with bright light, making them great for security purposes.
At Valley, we think that one of the most exciting parts of an outdoor lighting project is choosing the individual fixtures you will use. There are hundreds of options and we can help you find the lighting solutions that are within your budget and help you achieve the look and atmosphere you want for your yard.
Step 4: Install the Lighting Fixtures
Once youandrsquo;ve selected the right type of lighting, itandrsquo;s time to install the fixtures. While some lighting fixtures can be easily installed by homeowners (such as individual, solar-powered path lights), others may require the expertise of a professional electrician (including any that require hardwiring into your electrical system or those in areas with water and moisture - like your pool area).
Make sure to follow the manufacturerandrsquo;s instructions carefully and always prioritize safety when installing lighting fixtures. We also encourage you to work with our skilled master electrician to ensure that safety ordinances and codes are followed exactly.
2023 Outdoor Lighting Trends
The world of outdoor lighting is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every year. Here are some current outdoor lighting trends that homeowners should consider.
- LED Lighting: LED lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its energy efficiency and long-lasting lifespan. LED lights use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 100,000 hours, making them a cost-effective and sustainable lighting option.
- Path Lighting: Path lighting is a great way to create a safe and inviting atmosphere in your backyard. Path lighting can be installed along walkways, driveways and other high-traffic areas, providing ample illumination while enhancing your outdoor space's overall atmosphere.
- Smart Lighting Systems: Smart lighting systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing homeowners to control their outdoor lighting through mobile devices. These systems provide greater flexibility and convenience, allowing you to adjust your lighting from anywhere at any time.
- Decorative Lighting: Decorative lighting is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Decorative lighting can be used to highlight specific features of your yard, such as trees or statues and can also add a touch of elegance to your patio or deck.
Are you ready to illuminate your backyard? At Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, our team of experts can provide professional guidance and installation services, ensuring that your backyard lighting is safe, effective and visually stunning.