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The 5 Best Benefits of LED Landscape Lights

Large modern home with exterior LED landscape lighting.

Upgrading your existing landscape lighting system offers the chance to save money over the long run by using less energy while providing more effective and efficient lighting.

If you do not yet have landscape lights, a new LED lighting system is much less expensive than you might imagine. When you’ve already invested in your backyard landscape, proper lights can greatly expand the use and enjoyment of your property.

Investing in high-quality outdoor lighting can really make you love your landscape in the winter - it looks gorgeous and festive when snow-covered, and brightens up your property during the months where it gets dark before dinner. Here are the main benefits of installing LED landscape lights at your home:

1. Lower Electric Bills

Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the latest in lighting technology. They use less energy than incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Depending on the type of bulbs you are replacing, LED lights use as little as one-eighth of the electricity of other light sources.

Over the course of a year, a homeowner who used incandescent bulbs will notice significant electric bill savings once they’ve upgraded their system. In time, an LED upgrade can pay for itself.

2. Less Heat Than Halogen

Halogen lights were once recommended for their energy efficiency. The heat they produce is a big drawback, though- the bulbs quickly become too hot to handle, and many species of plants suffer from the extra heat if the lights are too close.

In addition, halogen bulbs can be easily damaged. LED light bulbs, which are more efficient than halogen, do not generate excess heat, and they are much sturdier- meaning you’ll install once and enjoy for years-not having to worry about replacing bulbs.

3. LED Light Quality

While some customers were critical of light quality when LED was first introduced, manufacturers have made significant improvements. Most LED lights now produce a clear, warm, white light. The colour is pleasing and works nicely to highlight plant foliage, brick, stone materials and wood.

There are a variety of LED fixture types and systems, and they can be hidden or design-oriented, used as low pathway lights, step lights, railing lights for decks or uplights to accent interesting trees, sculpture or architectural features.

4. Low Voltage and Long Life Span

LED lighting is adaptable to different electrical systems and power sources. Due to their low energy consumption, they are compatible with 12-volt and 9-volt LED landscape lighting systems. The voltage is so low, that a licenced electrician is not required to do the electrical work.

At the same time, LED bulbs have an extremely long lifespan. Some bulbs are rated at 40,000 hours. In addition to the lower power bills, you will save money by not having to replace burned out lights. New lighting systems can often be controlled remotely from a tablet or smartphone, and are highly programmable.

5. LED Lights are Good for the Environment

The current emphasis on “green” products and sustainable design is beneficial to all of us. Energy conservation is worth striving for, both individually and as a society.

Though it may seem like a small step, using less energy with your outdoor lights is good for the environment. Long-lasting materials, such as LED lights, reduce waste and energy use associated with manufacturing and transportation.

Whether you are upgrading your existing lights or considering a new outdoor lighting system, LED lights are the best choice. You will have a versatile and good looking light system that saves you money, uses very little energy and is easy to maintain and operate.