Upgrading your outdoor lighting is a great way to save money on energy costs and brighten the look and feel of a space. But for many homeowners, it can be a daunting task trying to navigate all the ins and outs of different types of lights and installation options. At North Star Outdoor Lighting, we see clients who have a lot of questions and with so many different upgrades and factors to consider, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start when it comes to your backyard and outdoor lighting needs.
Whether you are looking to finally upgrade to LED lighting, toying with the idea of utilizing solar or even trying to decide why you can’t just install it all yourself, here are some things to keep in mind if your outdoor lighting needs a refresh.
Are LED Lights Worth It?
LED lighting has become a very popular choice for homeowners, and for good reason – LED lights last longer and use less energy than older lighting options, and are safer and more environmentally sustainable. They have been shown to last ten times longer than halogen and consume 85% electricity, so switching to LED is often a great first step in transforming the lighting of your space. LED lights can save you both time and money – cutting down on the costs of new bulbs significantly and requiring less replacements than traditional lighting options.
LED lights can also be customized in different temperatures and hues, allowing homeowners to tailor their lighting to the design aesthetic of a space. Warmer light temperatures are great for setting a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and colors beyond whites to blues, reds or violets allow owners to evoke different moods.
Older lighting options are also commonly manufactured with dangerous and often toxic materials, making LED lighting a great upgrade not just for the planet but for the health of you and your family as well. We have long understood the need and desire for safer, greener lighting options, and engineer all our lights without mercury or other hazardous components. With legislation continuing to push for more environmentally friendly building and lighting materials, we offer our customers industry-leading sustainable lighting options that will last for years to come.
What About Solar Lighting?
Depending on your needs, solar power systems can be a great option for homeowners looking to save money and become energy independent. If your property is located in an area where consistent or reliable access to the electric grid is challenging, solar power is a very worthwhile investment. Even in places where energy access is easier to find, unshackling yourself from the utility company can make rising energy costs and blackouts no longer a concern.
While solar lighting often comes with a steeper up-front cost, in the long term, many find being energy independent completely worth it. The inclusion of robust federal tax credits also makes the upgrade enticing, as homeowners can save thousands each year on their tax bill on top of the benefits of controlling your energy consumption. Switching to solar lighting can make a huge difference in your lighting and energy needs, and working with a company like North Star Outdoor Lighting relieves the headache of installing and maintaining these complex systems.
Can’t I Just Install Lighting Myself?
With rising costs and inflation in the last few years, many homeowners are looking to cut costs any way they can. While DIY installation and big-box store lighting options may seem tempting, it is important for owners to realize all the factors that go into installing and maintaining outdoor lighting. While doing everything yourself might seem cheaper at least initially, in the long run there are some important considerations that make hiring a professional company worth it.
A lot goes into designing and lighting the perfect outdoor space, and even homeowners with lighting installation experience can run into trouble. While owners may have the perfect idea of how they want their space to look, bringing those design ideas from the drawing board to life can often become a headache for even the most experienced DIY-er. With so many factors to consider, it is easy to get sidetracked or cut corners. DIY projects are also notoriously hard to accurately budget for, and the costs of even routine upgrades can very quickly spiral out of control. One of the most common issues in outdoor lighting systems is faulty or improper wire connections, and even the smallest of connection issues can take down your entire lighting system.
While it can be tempting to try to do everything yourself, outdoor lighting systems are complex, and it is very easy for things to go wrong. Often, homeowners will find they have to spend as much hiring a professional to fix issues as it would have cost to install the lights professionally in the first place. Whether replacing older, less sustainable lighting options with LED or exploring solar options, hiring a professional can make all the difference. While the initial cost may give room for pause, in the long run working with a company like North Star Outdoor Lighting ensures your lights will be beautiful, efficient, and running perfectly for years to come.
Why Choose Us?
At North Star Outdoor Lighting, we have decades of experience working with residential and commercial lighting, and whether upgrading existing less-efficient lighting or designing a completely new space, we ensure that our lighting options can be enjoyed for years to come. Our emphasis on LED lighting in particular helps consumers to reduce costs and their environmental footprint, while not detracting from the beauty of a well-lit and designed space.
Whatever your lighting needs, be sure to contact us today for a free estimate. Our team of professionals makes upgrading or installing new lighting features a breeze.
