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Outdoor Lighting Information
Improve the exterior of your house with outdoor lighting
A good outdoor lighting system can increase the safety and security of your home, make your house more beautiful, and make you want to spend time outside. But with so many choices, putting a plan together can be difficult. You also need to be knowledgeable of the ecological impact of landscape lighting. We can help you find the perfect fixtures for this or any room in your house.
A Safe Outdoor Experience
Lights outside your home can deter burglars and ensure safety during your own recreational activities, keeping you from tripping over unseen obstacles. Path lights or post mounts can keep you on the walkway while also enhancing shrubs and flowers. Well lit driveways can keep arriving or departing visitors "on course".
Sizing Outdoor Lanterns
Bigger outdoor lights aren't always better. Use these guidelines for wall lanterns next to your doors.
- 1 Lantern: The lantern should be 1/3rd the height of the door, with the center of the bulb 66" above the threshold of the door.
- 2 Lanterns: The lanterns should be 1/4th the height of the door, with the center of the bulbs 66" above the threshold of the door.
In all cases, the lantern should appear to be about half the size of the door from 50' away.
Tip: If you are in doubt between two different sizes, consider the larger size.
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Dark Sky and Energy Star Options
Outdoor lights can project light upwards when it shouldn't. This is known as light pollution. It hinders astronomers and nocturnal creatures such as bats. The solution to this problem is a light fixture engineered to Dark Sky specifications. These fixtures are made to minimize or eliminate light that "leaks" upward, restoring the darkness for those who need it, while still providing light downward for you.
Also note that that the average home can be responsible for twice as much greenhouse gas emissions than a car. Energy Star lights can save you money. You can save over $10 a year in energy costs for each light fixture that you replace with Energy Star Lighting.
Of course, you can get lights that are both Dark Sky and Energy Star Compliant.
Tip: Buying lights from the same collection can create a unified look for your house.
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