Below are additional questions to consider that will help your landscape lighting professional design a system that is right for you.
- What areas do you want to light?
- What lighting techniques have you seen that you really like?
- Do you have power where you need it?
- Do you want LED?
What areas do you want to light?
If you have decided that you want landscape lighting you probably have an idea about which areas you want to light. But if you haven’t really thought about it, now is the time. Is it your entire landscape or just the front entrance? Are you interested in lighting your home or just that dark pathway leading to your front entrance steps? This information will help your lighting designer meet your goals.
What lighting techniques have you seen that you really like?
There are a number of different lighting techniques that could really make your landscape look special. But if you have seen a particular effect that you know you like, let your lighting designer know so that he or she can consider incorporating it into your lighting plan.Regardless of what the lighting designer thinks, this is your project and you should get what you want. As they say in business, “The customer is always right!” You don’t have to know the technical name of the effect. Any knowledgeable lighting designer should be able to identify and replicate the effect you have in mind.
Do you have power where you need it?
In general, low-voltage lighting systems need a transformer to convert 120 volts in your typical household outlet to low voltage (voltage up to 15 volts is considered low-voltage). These transformers need to be plugged into a regular outlet somewhere near the lighting fixtures. The actual distance is based on the size of the wire and the total wattage of the lamps connected to that wire. Lighting designers prefer not to use the outlet outside of the front door because those outlets are usually reserved for holiday lighting. Also, they prefer to hide the transformer from view when possible and that can’t be done if it is connected directly outside of you front door. Keep in mind that the National Electrical Code requires that the outlet have an “in-use” weather-tight cover. This protects the connection from the elements. A GFI outlet is also recommended to avoid shocks.
Do You Want LED?
This used to be a major question, but now, since LED technology has caught up to incandescent in terms light color and beam control usage of LED lamps are now the standard. The initial purchase price of an LED lighting system is still higher than that of incandescent, but the reduced power consumption over time will allow you to recoup your investment eventually. LEDs are currently about 79% more efficient than incandescent lighting. You also have the added benefit of having an environmentally friendly system that reduces your personal carbon footprint.