How Many Lumens Is Too Many Lumens?

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Outdoor Lighting: How Many Lumens Do I Need?

Lumens are a measure of the intensity of light. As such, the higher a lamp’s lumen rating, the brighter it will appear. The number of lumens you require for outdoor lighting will, therefore, depend on the kind of light you want.

Now that we’ve learned what lumens are, here is our professional lumens recommendation for a variety of outdoor lights.

  • Path lighting – 100 to 200 lumens
  • Step lights – 12 to 100 lumens
  • Floodlights – 700 to 1300 lumens
  • Pond and pool lights – 200 to 400 lumens
  • Motion sensor lights – 300 to 700 lumens
  • Landscape lights – 50 to 300 lumens (50 lumens is excellent for small shrubbery or gardens)
  • Hardscape lighting (on walls) – 50 to 185 lumens

When thinking about outdoor lighting, seriously consider going for LED.

Homeowners typically have two types of outdoor lightbulbs when purchasing outdoor lighting. These are CFLs and LEDs.

As outdoor lighting experts, we recommend that you go with LED lights. In this article, we will explain the difference between CFLs and LEDs and why you should consider working with LED lighting.

Outdoor lighting: CFLs or LEDs

How Each Works:

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) use electrical currents to heat filaments inside the bulb. When fully heated up, the filaments become white-hot, producing heat and light. Because these filaments are very sensitive, the lifespan of CFL bulbs is relatively short, especially when left in extremely cold or hot ambient temperatures, such Texas’s summer temperatures. Furthermore, CFLs take quite a while to light up fully.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), on the other hand, do not rely on fragile filaments to light up an area. Nevertheless, they use electrical currents to illuminate tiny diodes found inside the bulbs. Light emitting diodes do not put much heat; which means that they stay cool to the touch. These lights fare quite well in all outdoor temperatures and fully light up as soon as they are activated.

Operational Costs:

Light emitting diodes cost lesser to operate compared to CFL. They use 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light CFLs produce. That means that LEDs, of all light bulb options, produce higher amounts of lumens per wattage consumed.

Lifespan:

Light emitting diodes last up to five times longer than compact fluorescent lights.

Price:

At the moment, CFLs cost much cheaper than LEDs. Fortunately, though, LED bulb prices have been dropping in the last couple of years, making some LED options much more affordable than their CFL counterparts.

Other things to Consider

1. Lux

Lux measures a lights luminous flux per unit area. In essence, it gives users an idea of how far or field size a bulb/light can illuminate. Lux plays a crucial role in telling you how many lights you will need to cover an area or space.

To help you understand it better, please note that one lux is equal to the amount of illumination a single candle can provide from approx. 3 feet away.

2. Wattage

Wattage is used to quantify a bulb’s energy transfer rate – in essence; it is the measure of how much electricity a bulb consumes. For instance, a 75-watt light bulb consumes 75 watts of power each second it’s on. The higher a light’s wattage, the more electricity it consumes and the higher the electric bill will be.

If your outdoor lighting project requires the installation of lots of outdoor lights, your wattage demand will be higher, and you might need to have a professional electrician install a new circuit for you.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Houston Outdoor Lighting Expert Explains Different Light Fixtures

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Varieties Of Light Fixtures For Exterior Spaces

In terms of selecting just the right light fixtures for the exterior spaces near your residence or commercial property, there are many options available. Fixtures in this category are more than merely functional in nature, they also offer added security as well as a visually appealing look. We at Robert Huff Illumination are proud to provide a wide array of exterior light fixtures in addition to the indoor fixtures and products we carry. The specialists here are ready and willing to assist with any lighting need you may have.

Below is some useful information about four key varieties in the realm of exterior light fixtures that will help you understand how they are used and how they can differ from one another.

1. Wall Mounted Fixtures

This is a type of fixture that is attached to the walls themselves. A wide range of styles, sizes, and colors is available, but all are capable of being mounted onto a vertical structure.

These sorts of fixtures are ideal for areas where there are trip or fall hazards, including walkways, stairs, and paths. While these lights are used primarily for safety and security enhancement, they can be extremely decorative in nature as well.

Sconces are a specific variety of wall mounted fixture. Sconce lighting tends to project in an upward fashion, and these fixtures can be found in candle shapes, lanterns, half-moons and more. From modern to traditional, there is a sconce to suit every taste. It is common to see sconces placed at the main entrance of a property on an exterior wall as well as in the vicinity of exterior stairways.

Spotlighting is a wall-mounted fixture designed with security in mind. For instances, flood lighting emanating from this sort of fixture is ideal for parking spots, driveways and garage areas. Spotlights are also perfect for highlighting landscape design.

2. Hanging Fixtures

Found in the form of drop, pendant or suspender fixtures, hanging lights extend down from ceilings. These lights are quite decorative overall and can be seen often in patio spaces, gardens, and exterior kitchens. Hanging lights may be a single fixture or they may come in sets of many fixtures. Numerous styles and sizes can be purchased as well.

Chandelier lighting

These types of fixtures are distinctive in that they have numerous light sources on a single cord or chain. Chandeliers are elegant, particularly when used in an exterior space. They are great for creating a focal point for a seating or dining area.

Exterior fans

Outdoor use fans can be found in hanging or wall-mounted varieties. It is possible to install some of these fixtures on the ceiling of outdoor space, and others can attach to walls. They are great for patios, given their ability to cool the warm summer heat, and they can make any cookout more comfortable.

3. Ceiling-Mounted Lights

These lights are attached to an exterior ceiling instead of to a vertical surface as a wall-mounted fixture would be. Ceiling mounts are great for illuminating an exterior space from up high and for giving a decorative feel to the entire space. Entryways often benefit from ceiling-mounted lights, as do gazebos and covered porches. A fixture of this sort will be attached to the ceiling in a completely flush manner. There will be no gaps such as those that might be seen with a chandelier or hanging light installation.

4. Landscape-Accentuating Lights

These kinds of fixtures are meant to highlight the landscaping designs throughout your property. This could include garden spaces, pathways or other key features. Landscape lighting is frequently used near the entry to home to define spaces or draw attention to trees, flowers and the like. In addition, it can provide an invaluable level of added security that may serve to keep unwanted intruders at bay.

The realm of exterior lighting really is impressive in its scope, and the range of products currently on the market is sure to amaze.

 If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Wrap Your Trees With Outdoor Lights To Make Your Houston TX Home Pop!

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Achieving Impressive Effects For Your Home Through Tree Outdoor Lighting In Houston TX

Most of us can identify the particular features of the properties that we adore. My home’s stone facade is what I favor, but my sister would say her garden space is the ideal space. A large number of folks point to landscaped areas as their true loves, with trees being among the most important elements.

Decorate Your Trees With Lights

When it comes to outdoor lighting schemes, the attention paid to trees is paramount. Trees are critical parts of any yard space, given that they add tremendous amounts of curb appeal while also improving the environmental air quality. The sense of serenity provided by trees is difficult to match, and almost everyone finds them extremely appealing. Training some artfully placed lighting on one or more main trees is a great way to achieve a dramatic and impressive look. Generally speaking, three primary methods of lighting trees exist, namely moonlighting, spotlighting and shadowing. Robert Huff is the best outdoor home lighting Houston TX company that you will find. We are driven by results.

Outdoor Tree Spotlights

Perhaps the most evident and intuitive method of lighting a tree is that of spotlighting. It works well for large trees situated on a piece of property. Though substantial trees are stunning during the day, they tend to diminish in their impact after sundown. In order to make such a tree a focal point at any time of the day, spotlighting can fit the bill.

Tree Spotlighting Techniques

Spotlighting techniques utilize fixtures that are placed at the tree’s base and tilted upward toward the foliage. With lighting set level to the ground, it is possible to send beams through the branches as well as along the length of the trunk. A slightly less obvious method is that of moonlight. The objective here is to mimic the look of the light that comes down from the moon. As such, fixtures are placed up high within the tree branches themselves and tilted downward through them. The beams of light are less bright in relation to the trunk, but the shadows that are cast along the ground are breathtaking indeed. This technique is especially effective in garden spaces and seating areas.

Landscape Spotlights For Your Home

The final method of lighting to be discussed is known as shadowing. While the tree is certainly the focus, the shadows it is capable of making also take center stage. Shadowing strategies make sense when a tree is set just in front of a structure, lending a sense of needed depth. Fixtures are set to the front of the tree itself and tilted in such a way as to send the shadow to the best possible spot. As you collaborate with the providers of the outdoor home lighting Houston TX residents trust most, take the time necessary to explain which trees you would love to see lit in dramatic fashion. The team will do what it takes to bring your vision to life.

If you are interested in speaking with an outdoor home lighting Houston tx professional, call us today or contact us for more information. If you want to see related content please check out our blog.