3 Tips to Maintain Outdoor Lighting Energy Efficiency During Winter

The end of daylight savings time means we’ll experience earlier sunsets and later sunrises. For all Northwest Florida property owners, whether they are commercial, investment, or residential property owners, the quality and reliability of your landscape lighting matters most during the winter months.

When evaluating your landscape lighting needs and goals there are two important goals:

• increasing the safety and security on and around your property
• choosing landscape lighting which enhances the architectural style of your home or highlights the outdoor features of your property

Safety and Security Considerations for Landscape Lighting

When focusing on better safety and security for your property, lighting should help deter predators as well as minimize the threat of burglary, theft, or trespassing. Also, well-placed lighting along staircases, walkways, and other high traffic areas ensures everyone coming and going remains safe after dark.

Pay Attention to Safety Ratings & Recommendations

The National Electric Code works in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association to ensure the lighting you choose is safely installed and best-suited for its intended purposes. For example, if you want to illuminate a pathway to your door which has grass next to the walkway, the lighting you choose must be safe to use in wet areas. Make sure the lighting you choose is rated properly prior to installation.

Be Mindful of Energy Consumption

All of your outdoor lightings are consuming energy that will impact your electricity bill. Here are some effective and efficient ways to deal with this issue to minimize the added expense during the winter months.

Choose fixtures that will work with energy-efficient light bulbs.

LED light bulbs use the least amount of electricity and don’t get as hot as conventional incandescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are also more efficient, and they are less expensive than LED lights.

Automate as much of your outdoor lighting as possible.

For dark and hidden places or anywhere else where you are concerned about safety, consider installing lights that are triggered by motion sensors. The light will only go on when movement triggers it.

For path lighting, you can also minimize power consumption using timers to control when the lights turn on and off. For example, turn the lights on just as darkness arrives, and set the system to turn off when all activity coming from or going to your door finish for the night.

Let the Landscape Lighting Professionals Help You Make Your Property Safer

Winter affects more than just your landscape. With fewer daylight hours, making sure your property is safe, secure, and easy to navigate should be a top priority. Don’t take chances on the safety of your family, friends, or household visitors. Our team of experienced landscape lighting installation experts will help you select the best and most efficient lighting to ensure the safety of your family and your property.

Ready to discuss your residential landscape lighting needs? You can reach our Panama City Beach office at (850) 236-1959 or our Santa Rosa Beach office at (850) 267-0010. Or, you can fill out our handy online form to schedule a free consultation. And be sure to download our free Landscape Planning Guide below. Get yourself some inspiration!