Outdoor lighting has evolved to provide an endless array of choices for the homeowner. Some of the most common uses of outdoor lighting are in the backyard patio/lawn area. Outdoor lighting is often used to light up foliage, trees, and simply to enjoy the outdoor space at night.
Along with the array of choices available, such as solar light fixtures, and outdoor wall sconces, economical lights can be picked up for a few dollars each at your local hardware store. These lights are easy to install, and can be programmed to go on and off when you need them. Solar lights are relatively inexpensive as well, and do not have to be wired in. Their power cells will charge during the day, and provide ample light for several hours at night
To enjoy your outdoor space with the least negative impact on the environment, here are a couple of tips for purchasing yard lights:
-Program your lights to stay on only during the time when you use them. Leaving lights on all night is wasteful, expensive, and unnecessary.
-Use an outdoor light fixture with a switch. Having several single fixtures in the areas you need them most is more energy efficient, and they can be turned off when not in use.
-Light only the areas you need. For safety reasons you may want to light up walkways and dark areas, but consider that leaving the lights on when you go to bed is going to cost you money.
-Instead of installing lights at all your plants and trees, pick one or two for a focal point. This is still effective garden lighting as the light will spill over to other spots as well.
-Don’t light up the night sky: There are night sky certified lights available. Why not choose one and enjoy being able to see the stars? Your garden lights will be much more enjoyable and much less wasteful if you follow these tips.
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