How To Control Electricity Cost For Your Outdoor Lights

A while back, I had installed a gorgeous pair of outdoor lights to look after my vegetable patch at night. 

But the electric bill left me dumbfounded because the lights had consumed so much energy that I had to pay double the money. Now, taking down the lights wasn't an option as my garden is close to my heart, so I had to look for efficient lighting solutions. 

Like most people in need, I searched the internet and came across several techniques for landscaping. In fact, I realized there were numerous ways for me to use outdoor lights and improve the ambiance of my home. 

Since then, I've experimented with quite a few outdoor lighting techniques and spent many romantic evenings with my husband. I've also entertained guests, and to top it all, my vegetables have grown beautifully. 

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and today I'll help you choose cost-effective outdoor lights.

Controlling Electricity Costs

Firstly, let's start by discussing outdoor lighting options before moving on to why you should use them. Besides being affordable, the lights must also be suitable for other purposes.

Whether it’s for accent lighting or security, I believe that the following techniques will provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for brightening your home. So, without further ado, let's begin. 

Dimmers And CFLs 

Rather than using regular light bulbs, I found that using dimmers with CFLs helps manage the output of outdoor lights better. Compared to incandescent lamps, there's no drop in performance when you dim CFLs, ensuring that any standard dimmer is suitable for the purpose. 

On the other hand, if you're looking for something fancy, I suggest trying dimming ballasts and bulb holders. There is also something known as fluorescent dimmers, providing more energy saving than your regular fluorescent bulbs. But users who are picky about the décor of their garden or lawn may not find these useful. 

Ultimately, it all boils down to what kind of performance you're looking to get and how much money you want to save. There's no point in having a bag full of savings if your lights are not up to the standard. I learned that it's important to strike a balance. 

Now, how will you achieve this balance? For starters, ensure that the CFL can work with a dimmer switch. If not, choose some other unit because forceful dimming will cut short its longevity. Also, try to conduct regular maintenance and change the light bulbs and ballasts, rather than replacing them entirely. 

Dimmers With LEDs 

Just like CFLs, it's also possible to use dimmers with LEDs, which is usually the route most people take. LEDs are all the rage right now, and it's only natural that fully equipped LED dimmers will become more common as the demand increases. 

Until then, you should check whether the LED is compatible with a dimmer. This is a critical aspect since different LEDs work with different components. Besides, if you already have an existing dimmer switch, it's possible to alter it according to the lights you're using. Therefore, it proves cost-effective in more ways than one.  

Motion Sensors 

Another important component that helps manage electricity consumption is the motion sensor. It comes in handy for security purposes and eliminates the need to keep the lights switched on throughout the night. These sensors turn the lights on when movement is detected and switch them off after a few minutes. 

Furthermore, motion sensors are usually used in dark areas or for utility lighting. They prove reliable and save you the trouble of having to operate the lights manually. In my experience, I've seen that a major contribution to higher electricity consumption comes from people who forget to switch off the lights. This problem goes away when you use a sensor. 

In some cases, people have also found that using a combination of a photocell sensor and motion sensor with floodlights further reduces costs. This is a much better combination than using high-intensity discharge security lights mounted to a pole. Therefore, you can work with HID lights longer and use them at full capacity for better results. 

It's important to note that only using a motion sensor may not work well in some cases. That's why I'll be talking about the photosensors next, highlighting their usefulness. 

Photocell Sensor 

Photocell sensors are similar to regular motion sensors with an added advantage that allows  you to use them with HID lights. They switch off the lights during the day, but more crucially, the device is sensitive to ambient lighting. Hence, you can use them for various outdoor purposes and lighting needs. 

Not surprisingly, night lights, LEDs, and other lighting solutions often employ light sensors for the best results. 

Timer Controls 

For people wanting more control over outdoor lights, a timer control is best suited to their needs. It allows you to switch the lights on/off at specific times during the day, making it suitable for different situations. 

But how exactly does a timer control function? Well, there are two basic types of timers - manual timers and in-wall programmable timers. The manual timer works with an electric outlet, allowing you to control different objects like lamps and string lights. 

Meanwhile, in-wall timers are digital devices, allowing users to manage both indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures. However, programmable timers often require additional components when used for outdoor purposes. This is because as the season changes, the length of the day varies; as such, you’ll need to reset the timer. 

So, what are these components? Once again, I’ll suggest using a photocell sensor if you intend to use the lights for aesthetic purposes. The combination of a timer and light sensor will allow you to turn the lights on in the evening for landscaping and later switch them off at a specific time.  

Furthermore, I should mention that timers also work with CFLs and LEDs, highlighting their incredible versatility. They don't cause interruptions in the circuit and prove particularly useful if you have a manual timer operated via a pin. 

Solar Lights 

Having discussed the different components you can use with outdoor lights, I thought it would be best to suggest a full-fledged lighting solution. So, to cut down on electricity consumption, you can install solar lights since they don’t require much maintenance and prove useful for several purposes.  

You can use solar-powered lights, such as freestanding lamp posts or security lights, in various spots around the property. But the main advantage is that they use renewable energy from the sun, thereby making them super-reliable. The solar panels absorb sunlight throughout the day, storing energy to operate the lights at night. 

These lights work from dusk to dawn and also employ some of the techniques I've mentioned earlier, like motion sensors. However, the most important factor for choosing solar lights is location because the panels need exposure to maximum sunlight. In some cases, your geographic location will play a key role in determining whether or not they are a feasible option. 

Now let's discuss the benefits of using solar lights. Surely money isn't the only factor that has made them popular. For starters, the sensor and timer ensure that the lights are automatically switched off during the day and turn on at night. And you can also set specific hours of operation if needed. 

Secondly, solar lights prove useful for accent lighting, landscaping, decorating, and illuminating large expanses, making them highly convenient and versatile. From businesses to homeowners, everyone can benefit from using them.

Benefits Of Efficient Lighting 

At this point, let's address an important question. Why should you choose efficient lighting solutions, and how is reduced electricity consumption going to benefit you? For large multinational corporations, money is hardly a factor, so why should they choose cost-effective lights?

I gave it a thought and came up with the following points that make a pretty compelling argument. Apart from the monetary benefits, energy efficiency amounts to reduced carbon emissions, making these lights eco-friendly. Moreover, solar LEDs last 25 times longer than regular incandescent lights, thereby proving extremely effective. 

Also, have you heard of light pollution? In layman's terms, it refers to the uncontrolled use of lights, leading to excessive energy loss. Hence, energy-efficient lighting provides more control to regulate the hours of operation. Depending on your preference, you may opt for automatic or manual solutions, both of which deliver fantastic results. 

Plus, when installing lights, you have to look at public safety to leave a positive mark on society. I learned at church that to look after one's neighbor is to serve the Lord. So, I make sure that the perimeter of my property is well-lit, making it safer for people walking home at night. 

In fact, I believe that the authorities should use these lights in car parks and other public spots for more reliability. Finally, energy-efficient lighting helps you accent and highlight your property giving it a complete makeover. 

There are numerous ways for you to experiment with these lights, which I'll discuss in the following section.

Attractive Lighting

Lowering electricity consumption doesn't mean you have to opt for boring lighting solutions. You can still try out colorful lights and innovative techniques for accent lighting without having to spend extra. So, what are some of these options? 

A common product used by people is color-changing lights, allowing you to set the mood in different settings. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a family gathering, the varied colors help improve the ambiance of your surroundings. 

You won't have to spend money on renovating your garden or lawn because these lights help change the atmosphere, delivering a classy look. Other than that, you may use specific lights for vividly illuminating the patio or deck. 

These lights can be hung from the ceiling, placed on tables, and hidden in scones. Meanwhile, intricate patterns and shapes on the exterior cast a stunning shadow on the ground for an impressive appearance.  

It's also convenient to use spotlights for improving the ambiance of your home by lighting up trees, pathways, or the swimming pool. Plus, spotlights come in different colors and are an integral part of any home décor.

LED Signs 

Instead of making big changes, you can start small and replace an ordinary signpost with energy-efficient lights. While stores used neon lights in the past, people have found that LED signs offer more illumination, a longer runtime, and less maintenance. 

I must mention that the initial cost of installing an outdoor sign is high, but considering the advantages, you get substantial return on investment.

Daylight Harvesting 

Another technique that has led to a lot of interest from people is daylight harvesting. It uses the concept of a sensor, which is slightly different from the usual motion detecting or photo sensor. This device allows you to set a target to keep electricity consumption under control. 

Moreover, the sensor dims and turns off the lights, while monitoring the environmental conditions. When the natural light dims, the sensor switches on the lights after adjusting the brightness level.

Studies have shown that natural light leads to increased productivity among people, and this sensor is ideal in that regard. It delivers sufficient lighting by maintaining a balance with regular daylight.

Integrated Lighting Control Panels 

One final method for managing outdoor lights is by using an integrated control panel. The panel consists of a set of light fixtures that are controlled by a signal. You can also program the panels with a remote or use the factory settings to brighten most spots.

Conclusion

Those were all the outdoor lighting techniques I wanted to discuss, and hopefully, you found the guide interesting. 

Whether it’s landscaping, gardening, security, or any other purpose, there's no need to spend extra money when it comes to outdoor lights. And by referring to my guide, you’ll definitely be able to control energy costs for your lights.

Till next time. Bye, take care!