Questions to Ask About Low Voltage Lighting
Low-voltage landscape lighting is becoming a popular trend in Florida. These systems run on 12 volts rather than 120-volt power lines, making them safer, less expensive, and easier to install than some other types of landscape lighting systems. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your outdoor space with landscape lighting, this can be an excellent option. Still, it’s important to put some thought into designing your low-voltage system. Here are a few important questions to ask before you get started.
1. What Color Bulbs Do I Want to Use?
While you may be tempted to dive right into your landscape lighting design and installation, it’s important to start with the basics. The color temperature of your lightbulbs can completely change the entire ambiance of the space. Two popular options include 2700k bulbs, which provide a soft, yellow glow, or 3000k bulbs, which create a crisp white light.
While this is simply a matter of personal preference, it is worth noting that the clean, opaque look of the 3000k bulbs has been trending in recent years.
2. What Material Do I Want My Fixtures to Be Made Of?
Choosing the wrong lighting fixtures is one of the top landscape lighting mistakes. If you choose to work with a professional landscape lighting company, your lighting designer will recommend the best types of fixtures for each setting. However, you’ll still need to decide on your preferred material type.
Popular options include aluminum, copper, and brass. Aluminum is a cost-effective option with a life span of approximately 10 years. Copper provides a unique, upscale look and has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Brass is a more expensive option but is solid, durable, and may last a lifetime.
3. How Much Will My Electric Bill Increase?
The increase in your energy usage will depend on the type of bulbs you choose and the number of lights you add. LED lights are extremely efficient and will provide the best return on your investment. Typically, you can expect your bill to increase by about $3 per year for each LED bulb you add. For halogen bulbs, this increases to about $19 per year per bulb. This is a small investment to make when compared to the potential increase in your home’s value and the many years you’ll be able to enjoy your new lighting.
4. What is the Lifespan of the System?
When you’re planning out your low-voltage system, you’ll want to have an idea of how long it will last. We’ve already covered the expected lifespan for a variety of fixture materials, but you also need to consider the lifespan of the transformer, bulbs, and wires.
As long as your wires are buried underground and not damaged by lawn equipment or other outside factors, they will typically last 20 years or longer. LED bulbs can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, and transformers can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
Based on this, you can expect an average lifespan of about 11.5 years. However, if you start with high-quality products, choose professional installation, and keep up with your landscape lighting repairs and maintenance, your system could last for as long as 20 years.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about installing a low-voltage landscape lighting system, the experts at Pleasant Lightscapes are here to help. We offer landscape lighting design and installation services for your entire outdoor space. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
