Q and A on Outdoor LightingQuestion. There were some break-ins in my neighborhood this past year, so I want to install some outdoor security lighting which can also be used when entertaining. What are my options and which outdoor light fixtures are energy efficient? Answer. Installing outdoor lighting is one method of reducing the risk of nighttime break-ins, but it should be planned with a variety issues in mind. Most outdoor lighting consumes a lot of electricity, contributes to global warming, and creates problems for nocturnal wild life. Also, in many major cities outdoor lighting contributes to vast amounts of light pollution making it difficult to enjoy a starry night. More information about light pollution and it's effects can be found at IDA What Makes a Good Energy and Enviromentally Efficient Outdoor Light?The keys to energy and environmentally efficient outdoor lighting are selecting the proper type of bulb, light fixture design and shortest on-time period. Using just two 150-watt floodlights at night can increase your electric bills by up to $100.00 per year. With fixed floodlights, would-be thieves can often figure a way to get around them.
 In areas where you will not need the lighting for entertaining, install motion-sensing light fixtures or add-on motion-sensing switches. This greatly reduces the amount of on-time, increases the bulb life and reduces light pollution. Since the light is not on when the intruder arrives, he does not know to avoid it until it switches on from his movement. This generally scares him away.For areas where you want the outdoor lighting for both security and entertaining, select fixtures which direct the lighting downward in the specific areas needed. This minimizes light pollution in the night sky and may allow you to use lower wattage bulbs to save electricity. Add-on shields are available for existing floodlights you have already have.
 As you would indoors, use fluorescent tubes and CFL'S (compact fluorescent lights) outdoors. These are four times more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. The light quality is now available in similar color rendition.Some CFL's may not perform properly in temperatures under 32 degrees. If you find this to be a problem, use halogen bulbs or LEDs. Halogen bulbs are not as efficient as CFL's or LED's, but they are 15 percent more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs and last twice as long. Halogen bulbs produce a very white light which is excellent when entertaining and it may enhance the appearance of your landscaping.
 Although they are substantially more expensive to install, LPS (low pressure sodium) outdoor lighting fixtures are very efficient. They use less than 15 percent as much electricity as incandescent bulbs. The only drawback is that they take time to heat up and come to full brightness and the light is a no chromatic yellow. The newest most expensive outdoor lighting uses LED's. These LED's use much less energy and last up to 50,000 hours. They main problems are low light levels and cost.
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 Article created on Oct 31 by colby
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