Dark outdoor spaces around your property create an unsafe environment for your family and neighbors. At Southwest Florida Electric Inc., we have a team of certified electricians that will light up your property while keeping it beautiful in the process.
We’re a family-owned, locally-operated electrical contractor that’s served Fort Myers, FL, residents for over a decade with highly-rated service at competitive prices.
If you’re ready to take your outdoor lighting to the next level, like upgrading with motion sensor lighting in Fort Myers, call us today to schedule an appointment.
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Tips to Improve Your Outdoor Lighting
Beefing up your outdoor lights makes your home more attractive and safe. With the right outdoor lighting scheme, you can highlight specific areas on your property and deter burglars by illuminating hiding spaces.
Many homeowners would do well to upgrade their lighting systems, and here are a few places to start.
Entrance Lighting
The main entrance to your home should be well lit so that it looks welcoming and helps you identify visitors more quickly. Keeping the front entrance lit also makes it appear as if people are home and awake, discouraging would-be thieves.
One way to boost your entry lighting is to add wall lanterns on each side of the front door. These provide warmth and add security and curb appeal.
Also, if you have a porch or overhang, consider adding recessed lighting or fixtures close to the ceiling.
Garage Lighting
To increase safety and security, consider adding single fixtures outside the garage to improve security, especially if your garage is in a heavily shadowed area. Installing lights that operate with motion sensors is an excellent way to deter thieves and conserve energy.
Porch & Patio Lighting
Try adding low voltage mini-lights under stairs or benches to create a warm, inviting space for guests or a romantic evening. When installing lights around the patio and porch area, go for a more subdued look to raise the ambiance.
Choose the Right Size
One mistake many people make when adding lighting systems to their home’s exterior is choosing fixtures that are too small. If you don’t have an exact measurement of the area you wish to illuminate, it’s best to get a larger fixture than you think you’ll need to do the job.
If you’re still in doubt about how to improve your exterior lighting, call us for a consultation.
Landscape Lighting Ideas
When most people think about outdoor lighting, they think about utility. And while outdoor lighting systems are primarily to brighten an area, they can also be decorative.
Here are a few ideas to improve your home’s exterior appearance while making it brighter.
Highlights
Highlighting is a technique in which you place spotlights at the base of an outdoor feature you want to draw attention to. If you vary the light’s distance and angle, you can achieve different effects and intensity.
Silhouettes
Another idea to add illumination and beauty to your landscape is to create silhouettes. This technique is achieved by putting a landscape spotlight behind the structure you want to feature and aiming it at a wall to create an illuminated backdrop.
Wall Washing
Wall washing makes a calming, even glow that spreads across a wall or facade. Put the light fixture a few feet away from the structure and tilt it at an angle to get the best effect.
Accent Lights
Accent lights are perfect for drawing attention to a specific feature such as vegetation or a sculpture.
As you can see, there are many ways that upgrading your outdoor lighting can enhance your home’s beauty and security. Call us to schedule an appointment to find out how our lighting solutions can do this for you.
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“We hired Southwest Florida Electric Inc. to install low-voltage landscape lighting at our home, and Bert Ebsary was an absolute pro from start to finish.
Our project included six light locations: two path/down lights in the corners on the left side of our walkway, two path/down lights on the right side of the entry, a spotlight behind some large bushes to highlight our sun feature, and an up light in the center island for our tree.
Bert took the time to properly evaluate the best options for our install and offered several alternative pricing plans so we could choose what worked for us. He made the paperwork easy and scheduled the install promptly once the fixtures were delivered. On install day, he went right to work with minimal disruption to our home and yard. Before leaving, he walked us through how to operate the system and how to replace the bulbs.
The lighting looks fantastic, and we couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend Bert and Southwest Florida Electric for any landscape lighting project!”
— Jean M., via Google
Types of Outdoor Lighting Solutions
Outdoor lighting solutions come in various types, each designed to address specific needs and enhance the functionality of outdoor spaces. Common options include pathway lighting, floodlights, and accent lights, all of which contribute to safety and aesthetic appeal.
Pathway lighting is ideal for illuminating walkways and driveways, thereby improving safety during nighttime. Floodlights can provide broad coverage for security purposes, while accent lights help highlight features such as trees, architecture, or garden decor, creating a visually engaging landscape.
Benefits of Professional Outdoor Lighting Installation
Investing in professional outdoor lighting installation ensures optimal placement and functionality, providing both safety and style to your property. Expert electricians consider factors like fixture type, brightness, and coverage to enhance visual appeal and security effectively.
Moreover, professional installation can save homeowners time and hassle. Certified electricians are equipped with the knowledge to navigate local codes and regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of electrical issues that can arise from DIY projects.
Energy-Efficient Outdoor Lighting Options
Energy-efficient outdoor lighting options, such as LED fixtures, have gained popularity due to their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. These fixtures consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while offering longer lifespans and reduced maintenance costs.
By switching to solar lights or LED systems, homeowners can lower their energy bills and lessen their environmental impact. Many modern energy-efficient models also come with smart technology, enabling tailored lighting schedules and automated controls for additional energy savings.
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