Adding outdoor lighting is a good way to keep your family safe and improve your home’s security. You don’t need to worry about loved ones tripping at night or someone thinking your home is empty. While the lights will add to your energy bills, there are a few simple ways to cut down on the cost.
1. Add a Timer
Using a timer is one way to save on your costs. You can set the timer, telling it when to turn the lights on and off. Some timers are small and simple because they plug into an outlet and have a spot to plug in the lights. A knob on the front tells the timer when to turn the lights off. Newer devices are more complex and can adjust the lights several times a day or multiple times a week.
2. Choose Motion-Activated Lighting
Motion-activated lighting also helps you save and acts as a good alternative to a timer. These lights are perfect for the front of your home, the garage, and anywhere else people might walk. If you worry about robbers, you can even add the lights to hidden areas around your home like the corner of your yard. The lights only come on when they detect some type of motion, which prevents them from running 24/7 and impacting your energy bills.
3. Go With Solar Fixtures
Solar lighting fixtures come in so many styles that you can easily find ones to match your home’s design. Unlike other lights that need a power source, they absorb power when the sun is out and turn the light into energy that allows the lights to run when it’s dark. While small fixtures work great along a walkway or driveway, consider bigger ones for your backyard. They provide enough light to cover an entire outdoor party.
4. Choose LED Bulbs
No matter what type of outdoor lighting you pick, you’ll find different types of bulbs to use. While standard incandescent bulbs cost less upfront, they cost more to use. An easy way to slash your energy usage is with LED bulbs. They don’t get as hot as incandescent bulbs and can save you a lot as you use them. Another thing to keep in mind is that LED bulbs won’t burn out as quickly as standard bulbs do, meaning you don’t need to replace them as often or spend as much on new bulbs.
Using LED bulbs is just one way to save on outdoor lighting. You can also opt for motion-activated lights, solar fixtures, or lights that run on a timer. Get help picking new lighting for your home in Waldorf, MD that works with your budget when you call the Circuit Doctors about landscape lighting today.
