- Using LEDs to light a landscape has become a viable and attractive option for many home and business owners. The technology has become more affordable in recent years, and like general landscape lighting, affords the opportunity to make a property safer by providing key nighttime lighting, as well as deterring would-be criminals. LEDs specifically offer some key advantages, however, in that they are particularly bright and yet energy-efficient, are flexible enough to be used in a number of ways, and can achieve highly varying brightness levels depending on what a landscape area calls for.
- LED stands for "light emitting diode." These diodes differ from traditional (also known as incandescent) lights in that they do not require heat in order to produce light. LEDs instead rely on a chemical compound that, when introduced to electricity, experiences a reaction that results in the production of light. Due to the nature of the reaction, less overall electricity is needed to provide the light, and LEDs are thus energy- and cost-efficient. Less energy is used, and LEDs also have a longer life span, typically devoid of some of the maintenance necessary in other lighting options. The two main assortments of LED lights are bulbs and strips. Strips have LEDs secured within a bar, with all aspects of the device within that apparatus. LED bulbs are individual units that are securely mounted on a circuit board.
- LED lights can be successfully incorporated into a landscape in a variety of ways. Specifically, LED strips are effective for lighting long paths, stairs or pools, thanks to their lengthy design. Throw down a long strip, and a large amount of real estate can be covered and properly lit. Mounted LED fixtures that are strategically placed can illuminate a specific spot on a lawn. LEDs can also be installed directly into other devices, such as lanterns, for enhanced lighting, Also, thanks to their immense flexibility, LEDs can be brighter or softer depending on your security needs or the mood that needs to be set. Voltages and amps for the LED are highly configurable. In terms of a landscape job, this means that non-intrusive, low-light bulbs can be used for illuminating footpaths and sidewalks, while brighter lights can be housed just outside the home, or on a stoop. Additionally, lights of wildly different colors can be used to spice up a landscape and further enhance a desired mood.
Comments
cambruzzi said
on 3/25/2009 Great article. I found some great LED landscape lights at www.lightyournight.com