two story house with moonlighting

How To Optimize Your Houston Exterior Lighting Pt. 2

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Great Tips For Enhancing Your Outdoor Environment – Houston Landscape Lighting How To Pt. 2

What Exactly Is Color Temperature? When you look at the light quality you will notice that it is important just like the quantity, but what about color temperature? This is a temperature that is measured on the Kelvin scale. You are going to notice that the light temperature for the bulb is on the packaging. You will see that the temperatures over 3500K are considered to be cooler and will often going to be a bluer in color going to a noon sun with the higher temperature. You will find that the temperatures under 3000K are often thought to be warmer. The amber tone will be seen as the number goes lower. These are the details we at Robert Huff Illuminations keep in mind with every job.

You will want to try to stay away from the cooler numbers when you are doing the lighting for the landscape. The bluish tones that are seen can make the area look a little bit unnatural or even as being on edge. Instead, you will want to consider the warmer colors that are going to have 2700K for the ideal temperature and 3000K is only considered okay. The 2700K is going to have a soothing feel that can be seen as a campfire type of glow. This will make it a comfortable environment that you can enjoy outdoors, especially in Houston.

You need to remember that one thing that you will see is temperature is going to be the appearance of the white light, which is different than the LED lighting. While still newer, the RGB LED fixtures are going to give you the chance to add in LEDs into the design. You will want to use these sparingly outside and allow them to give you the party feel.

How Is Layered Lighting Going To Impact my Houston residential outdoor lighting space? In this form, you will notice that the lights are going to be designed to create a different type of high and low that you will want to have in your space. You will notice that this is one important tool that you do not want to overlook. This is also the way that a lot of outdoor theaters set the mood.

You will notice that it can be as easy as putting the lights onto different breakers. You may find that the pathway lighting is on its own circuit, but the deck lighting is on another one. You will find that the layered lighting will allow you to have more control over the lighting in the area for the purpose you want it to serve. You will notice that you have dimmers and other controls that are available if you want to use these on the same circuit. You may even notice that you will be able to set up preset levels for the patio lights based on what is going on from eating to cleaning up.

You will find the layered lighting is an amazing way to show off your artistic ability. You will find that you can even have step lights that are connected to motion sensors. This will allow the stairs to be lighted when people start to climb them. You may even find that you can get these lights timed up with music!

Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us for any questions you have about lighting up your life!
We also have amazing Commercial Outdoor Lighting Designs, and don’t forget our blog for design ideas!

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: The Ultimate Guide To Color Temperature Part 2

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: A Color, Light, And Temperature Guide Part 2

Choosing Your Measured CCT

When choosing your desired CCT, it is best to keep in mind that all the objects, as well as the colors within a designated space, are brought out with that of warmer CCTs. As a result, designers suggest temperatures of 2700K and 3000K to highlight the reds and yellows of wood grain flooring. From a commercial or industrial standpoint, they generally tend to lean to those sources which can provide 4000K to 5000K since it readily matches that of outdoor lighting and creates a productive feeling. As far as cooler light is concerned, an advantage is that it has always been seen as being brighter than those of warm sources. As such, numerous businesses are bending toward cooler temperatures which can, in turn, save them some money. This is achieved as a result of saving energy since less light would be used when compared to warmer sources.

The Pros And Cons Of Residential Outdoor Lighting In Houston

There are several pros and cons with respect to the warmer temperatures of outdoor lighting for residential use. This is as a result of the environment that the lights are being placed into, as such, warm colors are generally thought of as being not bright enough when they are placed into areas where people want to work with white light that is crisp. Some areas present cool colors which occur naturally and when they enter, they can be seen as being more yellow or even pink, this then causes individuals to think that the lights are not working properly. Cool colors are typically viewed as being institutional or even sterile and this is a huge downside.

Warm Color Temperatures

With all said, numerous individuals wouldn’t prefer the change from a warm color since they may feel that it is too bright for their liking. In order to choose the proper outdoor lighting, it is best to assess your environmental needs beforehand and inform your supplier of the type of environment as well as the ambiance that you intend to create. It should also be noted that if you’re interested in changing your initial light sources, such as in the case of fluorescent to LED or even CCT, you should definitely ensure that your entire room has been completed since come differences are not distinguishable to others.

If you are looking to further learn about the temperatures of colors and how they can affect the colors within your backyard outdoor lighting projects, be sure to contact Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting or call us at 713.861.2000. Or simply visit our blog.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas For Your Patio With Robert Huff

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Robert Huff: Setting The Perfect Mood With Great Patio Lighting Concepts

Are you aware of the crucial place lighting occupies in your overall outdoor living design? It can determine how your house appears to those on the outside and make a real impact. Even small adjustments to your outdoor design elements can produce a substantial difference. The patio, in particular, is a crucial part of any home, as it sets the stage for countless parties and gatherings. In order to make the patio look, it’s very best, we recommend installing some outdoor lighting. Functionality will increase, but you will also achieve the mood and feel you desire. Furthermore, this type of lighting will bring added safety and security to your space. Continue on to learn more about the sorts of lighting concepts at Robert Huff that will bring your patio to life.

Outdoor Lamps On Battery Power

It is worth pointing out that lighting for outdoor spaces does not need to be opulent to be effective. Simple and straightforward always work well. For instance, it is possible to choose a table lamp for your outdoor spaces that run on batteries. This is ideal when electricity is out because lamps of this sort can run for upwards of 150 hours just on the LED battery function alone. Because outdoor lamps are designed to resist rough weather conditions, they can be used almost any time of year. The resin bases of these lamps are attractively designed to resemble wicker, a common feature of many patio spaces. Robert Huff recommends getting outdoor lamps on battery power for your home. Home lighting most certainly makes your house pop.

Strings Of Edison Lights

Is a vintage look something you covet? If so, a string of Edison bulbs can make your outdoor space match your personal style. Because these lights have adjustable drops, you have the option of stringing them in a uniform pattern or in an uneven, organic way. The softened light emitted from these bulbs will keep your guests happy for hours of nighttime fun.

Nostalgic Lamp Posts

If the flair of a Cape Cod or perhaps even a Victorian home appeals to you, consider the option of a lamp post light. Robert Huff says these options are wonderful simply because there is no digging for gas or electric lines necessary. Just select the lamp post light in the style you love, plug the lamp into a socket and locate it wherever it works best. This is an incredibly simple, yet effective concept! Check out some of the completed projects by the Robert Huff team. 

Robert Huff Outdoor Lamps

There is no denying the classic nature of an outdoor lamp. Of course, it is always important to purchase only those that are UL-Listed. Waterproof cording is great for allowing placement anywhere at all. Glass domes work to keep the bulb itself dry at all times. Outdoor lamps from reputable Houston lighting companies will provide much-needed light to any patio and do so in a stylish and distinctive manner.

Use Light To Furnish The Patio Space

Just picture yourself lounging on the patio under the stars on warm and lovely nights. Maybe you envision a Balinese-themed oasis involving torches and strings of light. No matter the specifics of your patio dream, outdoor lighting options exist to bring it to life. Remember that the patio is just another outgrowth of the larger home, and therefore it is necessary to give it the attention it deserves. By taking the time to carefully select and design an outdoor lighting scheme, you can rest assured that you will be enjoying many pleasant moments basking in the glow.

Contact Robert Huff

For more insight, check out the Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting blog. If you want to speak with a professional, contact us by giving us a call at (713)-861-2000

Enhance The Curb Appeal Of Your Home With The Top Houston Outdoor Lighting Tips

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Houston Outdoor Lighting Techniques For Enhancing The Curb Appeal Of Your Home      

Outdoor lighting plays a critical role in helping to increase the curb appeal of your home. Unfortunately, it can also be targeted by thieves. Having a comprehensive Houston outdoor lighting design will enhance your property’s beauty and boost its curb appeal and deter potential intruders at the same time. Outdoor lighting is not something you should ever take lightly. Having high-quality illumination will mean the difference between having an appealing and inviting home at all times to one that isn’t noticed by anyone after it gets dark. Exterior Houston outdoor lighting is critical for safety to prevent falling, tripping, and other types of accidents. Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting is an experienced lighting company with years of ongoing expertise. The tips below were given by our professionals and will help you maximize the curb appeal of your home, increase its value, all while minimizing risks:

Tree Lighting Methods

Trees provide valuable focal points which help visitors find their bearings and allow you to safely mount in high places to large areas of your yard. Therefore, take complete advantage of all of the trees that you have, no matter how large or small they are. Begin by placing a couple of lights on the base of the tree facing up, so that it illuminates it from all angles. With taller trees, search for areas where side bulbs can be installed close to the top and with few branches; that will help to project light over a large area of your yard.   

Variable Vantage Points

Trees can help to light up your hard, but most houses don’t have enough trees for them to do the entire job.  Therefore, you should use standing lights to supplement them, with lights mounted on small plants, path lights, and standing lights. Tho effectively do this, the key to this is to vary the scope and height of the lights according to the characteristics of your yard.  

Bright Tall Outdoor Lights

Place bright, tail lights in your yard’s outer area or other spots that are difficult to see. Closer to your door, have lights arranged at waist and chest height, either linked with smaller trees and bushes or freestanding lights. Also, add path lights that lead up to your door. That will complement the light in the interior of your home, to guide visitors and invite them inside. This is why Houston outdoor lighting is important for your home. Home residential lighting is important to have.

Best Practices For Porch Lighting  

Patios and porches offer a transition space between the outside and the interior of your home and invite visitors into your house when they arrive and then ease them back outdoors when they depart. The area’s importance to the remainder of your property should be highlighted by your lighting designs. If you have an overhang, powerful porch lights should be installed, with one being placed about every five feet. For open patios and porches, place lights on each corner, every major architectural feature, and anyplace else with limited visibility. If you are using gas lamps or torches, be sure that electric lights are close by just in case they don’t provide enough light. To check out our work be sure to look at past projects completed by Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting.

Houston Outdoor Lighting Tips

Along with the position of the lights, the following should also be considered:

  • Type: Generally speaking, you should choose LED lights since they use the least energy and provide the most light. They last longer as well.
  • Trigger: Rather than using a switch, you might want to program the lights to come on and turn off at specific times or respond to your motion sensor.
  • Fixtures: Be sure your light fixtures don’t block light, protect against weather, and hold bulbs steady.

For more related content check out our blog. Be sure to contact us today by giving us a call. (713)-861-2000

What Advantages Do Residential Outdoor Lighting Services Provide For Me In Houston TX

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The Benefits Of Getting Outdoor Lighting For My Houston TX Home

Our team of outdoor lighting specialists is passionate about helping our clients create beautiful lighting systems that illuminate their homes and improve the curb appeal and value of their home. Our clients love the results that we deliver. If you are thinking about adding outdoor lighting, but are unsure of what to look for, you have come to the right place. Addition outdoor lighting will increase the safety and value of your home will increase the curb appeal of your home. Wehn you work with an outdoor lighting Houston tx specialist, you will create an outdoor lighting plan that will ensure your complete satisfaction and have your home as one of the most beautiful homes in your neighborhood.

Increased Safety For Guests With Outdoor Lighting Houston TX Services

Have you ever been walking after dark and rolled your ankle because of a rock or accidentally stepping in a hole? If so, you know the importance of having well-illuminated pathways to your home. When the areas that are commonly traveled by your and your guests are properly illuminated, you will reduce the risk of a fall or injury like a sprained ankle. Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting Houston TX professionals will make sure to give you the best services around town.

Increased Safety from Houston Intruders With Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting helps your home looked lived in. Having efficient lighting around all of the entrances to your home and all areas that are dark will help prevent intruders from coming onto your property and gaining access to your home. Outdoor lighting fixtures along with lighting control automation will make it look like you are home even when you are on vacation, which can further reduce the risk of a break in.

Increase Time Spent Outdoors By Getting Beautiful Outdoor Lights

When the temperatures are pleasant, most people would rather enjoy the Great Outdoors. Unfortunately, if your home is not lit properly, you will be forced to go indoors when the sun sets. Landscape lighting and deck lighting helps to illuminate your outdoor areas, which will allow you to stay outside on those nice summer nights.

Increase Curb Appeal With Outdoor Home Lighting

Homeowners take pride in their property. One way this shows is through effective outdoor lighting. Outdoor and landscape lighting can add interest to your property after the sun goes down. If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you should invest in outdoor lighting now. This will allow potential buyers to see your home even after the sun has set. Furthermore, a well-lit facade is very inviting and can help interested buyers take a second look at your home.

Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting

Residential and commercial outdoor lighting Houston TX specialists understand that outdoor lighting is expensive; however, it offers numerous benefits, including increased security, safety, and curb appeal. If you are interested in taking your home to the next level, give us a call today to see how we can enhance your home with outdoor lighting.

To learn more about outdoor lighting Houston tx services, check out our website & our blog. For any questions or concerns, give us a  Call today.,

Houston Residential Outdoor Lighting: Top 3 Landscape Lighting Design Trends for 2018 

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Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting: 3 Trends For Residential Landscape Lighting Designs in Houston

1. Fixtures

Earth Tone Coated Fixtures Going Out. Earth tone coated fixtures are losing their popularity. In the past, it was recommended that path lights in earth tones that matched the landscape be used to keep them from seeming intrusive; however, the latest attitudes towards this theory are changing. Designers are now realizing that the beauty of the lighting fixtures can enhance your landscape and add beauty. Brass and copper lighting fixtures continually prove to be a timeless choice for properties during the day and at night. As the metal ages, a beautiful patina develops that enhances the beauty throughout your landscape. The patina’s colors and hues will change from year to year. Much like nature changes through the seasons, metal lighting fixtures will also change over the years to add interest to the landscape. Check out some outdoor lighting tips by clicking here.

2. Lamps

Halogen lighting is not as popular as it once was due to continual lamp burnouts and the energy these lamps consume. Additionally, because of the maintenance required for halogen lighting fixtures, the demand for halogen lights continues to decline. Instead, LED lights are becoming the preferred choice. The technology used in LED lights have changed the lighting industry. While LED lights have been around for awhile, they are just now being embraced by the landscape lighting industry. Houston residential outdoor lighting understands that LED lamps can mimic halogen lighting, making it difficult to spot the difference between the two. In the past, LED lighting was only available in cold blue; however, this is a thing of the past. LED lamps are available in a range of lighting colors and are incredibly energy efficient. These tips are great to consider to avoid landscaping failures for at your residence.

3. Timers

Old school analog timers that use a wheel in a mechanical timer are a thing of the past. Although this type of timer is dependable, newer control systems are making a strong play for the preferred choice of landscape timers. An astronomical timer offers so much more sophisticated control over the timing system than an analog timer. astrometrical timers are effective and are easy to use. All you need to do is enter your property’s GPS location or your zip code for them to work properly. The timers use this information to know when sunrise and sunset is every day of the year. You can also program an astrometrical timer to account for daylight savings. Additionally, these timers allow you to control the days that you want your outdoor lighting to come on and more. Contact your Houston residential outdoor lighting provider for more information on the benefits of an astrometrical timer. The lighting specialist can also help with the installation of your astrometrical timer. Make your home more aesthetically pleasing with these tips.

To learn more about outdoor home lighting Houston TX Services,  check out our website and our blog. For questions or concerns, please Call us now.

 

Intensify & Create A Beautiful Atmosphere For Your Living Space With Robert Huff Outdoor Lighting Designs In Houston

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Enhancing Your Outdoor Living Space With Beautiful Houston Outdoor Lighting Designs

Enjoying your backyard after dark can come down to the right Houston outdoor lighting design. When you are ready to unwind on the back patio after a hard day’s work, there are certain things that make your experience more enjoyable. Some of these things include feeling the warm summer breeze on your skin, taking up your position over the grill in order to serve some serious summertime barbecue, and kick up your feet with a cold beer in hand. While your satisfaction could be attributed to many things – including the above – the moment is quite enjoyable because you got the chance of escaping from the rest of the world. In fact, your outdoor space is where you unwind forgetting about all the madness that goes on during the day. The outdoor lighting can play a big part in enhancing your outdoor experience during the warm summer months. The Houston outdoor lighting should be tailored to meet your specific needs and enjoyment. In fact, you have worked very hard to build an escape – and the evening is the time you really get to enjoy the day. Houston outdoor lighting can either enhance or deflate your evening experience. That is why you need to pay close attention to Houston outdoor lighting at all times.

Designing A Tailored Lighting System

Is your outdoor space used to entertain guests? If so, the designer may consider a different approach when lighting your backyard. In fact, he or she may create some festive lighting designs depending on your specific setting. If pool lighting is an issue, the designer might have the perimeter of the pool deck illuminated by tiki-lighters. These are tall are lights that are very important to offer a functional safety with a tiki torch on top – which can be lit for the right occasion. In fact, pool lighting may create an amazing atmosphere in your backyard- when done the right way. Is security your concern? In fact, steps and elevation changes can always pose a danger in the dark.

Houston Outdoor Lighting Designer

Your designer will take a look at places where there are trip hazards and illuminate such areas in order to improve the safety in your backyard. He or she will look for places in your garden where security lighting is lacking and create a ring of lighting security in such areas such as layers of lights in order to deter trespass. Is tranquility the priority in your backyard? The outdoor living space is your retreat. Hence, you want the place to be relaxing, inviting, and warm. Your designer will use the key elements in the landscape in order to enhance the natural beauty of the area. In fact, water features, statuary, and plant materials will become the focus in this regard.

Putting On Your Night Goggles

Creating a wonderful landscape lighting design includes designing a space that would be enjoyed during the evening and nighttime. This is difficult than most people would think. In fact, envisioning how your space would look at night with the right lighting is not an easy task. That is where a professional Houston outdoor lighting designer comes in handy. In fact, such a designer knows how to use night goggles. A reliable Houston outdoor lighting designer knows how to create the best atmosphere in your backyard.

To learn more about outdoor home lighting Houston TX Services,  check out our website and our blog. For questions or concerns, please Call us now.

The Common Types Of Houston Landscape Lighting System Techniques

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Popular Houston Landscape Lighting Techniques To Make Your Home More Beautiful

When it comes to achieving the optimal landscape-lighting system, experts use a number of techniques to arrive at the best results. Houston Landscape Lighting offers a list of the more common techniques along with their associated benefits:

1. Uplighting

This is a popular technique used for showcasing or highlighting features on your property such as archways, trees, columns, and windows.

2. Downlighting

This technique offers increased ambient illumination. This is achieved by placing the light upon eaves or in trees, that allows for a way to illuminate larger areas. This is a technique that is preferred for security and safety and outdoor entertaining.

3. Grazing

This type of lighting is recommended by Houston Landscape Lighting for houses with stone or brick walls, retaining walls, chimneys, and fences. This technique works well with these elements as it illuminates them.

4. Shadowing

This effective technique can enhance the existing security-lighting around your home. Trees that feature an interesting shape can also be showcased when positioning the lighting-fixtures in front of the feature, that casts shadows on vertical surfaces that stand behind them.

5. Silhouetting

Another popular technique to showcase structures or trees that offer unique shapes. In order to achieve this appeal, the fixtures need to be positioned directly behind these trees or structures which then points to vertical surfaces that are behind them.

Tips For Outdoor Lighting Systems

Summer is almost over, but this is no reason to stop enjoying your outdoor areas. Every season offers more than enough opportunities for entertaining. Below are a few tips from Houston Landscape Lighting on how to enhance outdoor lighting system for each season.

1. Creating Your Ideal Space

In the months of summer, most homeowners love spending time outdoors, relaxing close to the pool or using their gardens for entertaining purposes. However, in the month of fall or winter, you probably spend your time elsewhere. When you enhance areas like patios, decks or firepits, you are still able to enjoy the colder nights.

2. Make Sure Your Property Is Easy To Navigate

It is important that your existing outdoor-lighting system operates accordingly and that you have adjusted the timers when necessary. When your outdoor-lighting system fails to support the security and safety of your friends, family and guests, and your property, it becomes important to install the type that can achieve these goals.

3. Enhancing Your Décor

Whether you prefer lanterns, string lights or even colored lights, this form of lighting will provide your home with dramatic effects and increase your overall curb appeal.

4. Conserving Energy

Make sure you invest in energy-efficient lighting options like halogen or LED lights for an outdoor-lighting system, this will contribute to decreasing your energy bills, and these lights are a more environmentally friendly choice.

To learn more about outdoor home lighting Houston TX Services,  check out our website and our blog. For questions or concerns, please Call us now.

About Christmas Lighting in Houston & How To Stay Safe

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Things You Need To Know About Christmas Lights

Thanksgiving has come and gone and families all over the world are busy getting their homes decorated and putting up electric Christmas lights. Christmas lights are a standard outside and inside most American homes.

When it comes to Christmas lights, there are probably many things you don’t know about them. With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to share some things about Christmas lights that are not so well known, in addition to some energy-saving tips that can help you save money during this upcoming holiday season and well into the future.

Candles were the first Christmas lights. We previously covered the history of Christmas lights, however, it is still worth going over a few interesting facts that you might not be aware of about the tradition of Christmas lights.

Candles were attached to evergreens and used in windows for Christmas celebrations for hundreds of years. It has been claimed by many that the tradition of using candles to light Christmas tree was sparked by Martin Luther during the 16th century in Germany. This was, of course, a big fire hazard. But that was all that they had to use.

In 1882 the very first electric lights appeared on a Christmas tree. Two years later, Edward H. Johnson, Edison’s partner, became the first individual who used electric string lights for illuminating a Christmas tree. Johnson’s Christmas tree was hand-wired with around 80 blue white and red electric lights, which could easily be seen by people passing by.

In 1895 President Grover Cleveland became the first president to have electric lights on the Christmas tree in the White House. In 1889 Benjamin Harrison became the first president to have a Christmas tree at the White House, but it was Cleveland who was the first president to have multi-colored electric lights used for decorating the Christmas tree. That really helped to introduce this idea to the general public. People were still concerned about electricity being dangerous and the possibility that dangerous fumes would get into the house through wires and lights.

It took some time before electric Christmas lights started to be used by average Americans. The first commercial made Christmas lights were produced as strands that had 8 lights and made by General Electric Company (GE). These lights were called “festoons” by GE. By 1900, it was very common for businesses to have lights strung up around their buildings and in their windows. However, most homeowners couldn’t afford outdoor Christmas lights.

Over the years, as Christmas lights started becoming more affordable, they began to make their ways into residential houses. However, even as late as the 1930s, candles were still commonly used on Christmas trees and in windows.

Electric Christmas lights had pretty much become the standard by 1950. After prices became more affordable, candles were replaced by electric lights by families since they were long lasting and safer.

Once electric string lights had become affordable and safe, families began to use them on pillars, doorways, railings, mantles, and along the peaks and eaves of their houses.

Today, it is estimated that around 150 million sets of lights are sold in the U.S. each year. Smithsonian reports that the lights help to illuminate more than 80 million houses and consume around 6% of the country’s electrical load each December.

Candles still cause fires and electric lights continue to be dangerous. It is estimated by the CPSC that over 15,000-holiday decorating injuries take place during the months of November and December.

It is estimated by the NFPA that an average of 200 house fires is started each year by Christmas trees. Lighting or electrical distribution equipment are involved in about 40% (two out of five) Christmas tree home fires.

Excluding Christmas trees, another 840 home structure fires take place over the holiday season. Candles cause over 1/3 of house structure fires that take place during the holiday season. The top three days when candle fires in homes take place are Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

You can help to prevent home fires from occurring by inspecting electrical products before they are used, learning basic ladder safety, unplugging Christmas lights before you leave home, and making sure your Christmas tree is kept well-watered. You can recycle your holiday light sets instead of throwing them away. An outdoor lighting Houston professional can provide you with even more lighting tips to keep you and your family safe.

Old Christmas lights can be recycled and you can also look for deals on new LED lights. See if there is a recycling program for Christmas lights at your local home improvement store. Some stores might offer discounts and/or rebates on new Christmas LED lights.

Over the long run, LED lights are cheaper and better. Although the upfront costs of LEDs are higher, they use about 70 to 90% less energy, are more durable, last a lot longer, and less prone to overloading circuits and burning out. Incandescent lights cost about $10 for lighting a Christmas tree over one holiday season. However, LEDs cost only around 25 cents to light a 6-foot Christmas tree for 40 days at 12hours per day. When these savings are multiplied by lighting up your whole house over the holiday season, it becomes a very significant cost savings.

Call or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting if you have any questions regarding starting a new outdoor lighting project! Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

Ensure That Your Houston Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Are Up To Safety Standards

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Christmas And Holiday Fire And Electrical Safety Tips

To help ensure that you and your family have a very safe as well as Merry Christmas, we want to share some very important safety tips that you need to be aware of for the holidays.

Holiday Fire Statistics

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that:

  • 38% of house fire deaths and 30% of all house fires occur during December, January, and February.
  • Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the leading three days for candle fires in the home.
  • Lighting equipment or electrical distribution was involved 40% (two out five) Christmas tree home fires.

In 26% of all Christmas trees as well as 80% deaths, there was some sort of heat source, like electrical equipment or a candle, that was too near to the Christmas tree. Every year from 2011-2015 fire departments responded to around 840 home structure fires that started with holiday decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Whether caused by electrical equipment, an open flame, heating or cooking, during this time of the year fires are more severe and more frequent. In particular, Christmas tree fires are very damaging, causing serious injuries and fatalities per fire increasing fivefold.

In addition to fires occurring in the home, decorating injuries and falls also occur frequently during the holiday season. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports:

  • An estimated 5,800 people are treated every year in hospital emergency rooms to treat injuries that they sustained from falls that involved holiday decorations.
  • Another 4,000 individuals are taken to emergency rooms to be treated for injuries that involve extension cords.

That is why we recommend that you hire a Houston outdoor lighting professional for outdoor light and Christmas displays, along with learning extension cord, ladder, and lighting safety.

Christmas Electrical And Fire Safety Tips

Before hanging your mistle and check the final names off of your Christmas list, make sure you go over the following electrical safety and holiday fire checklist so that all of your family members, guests, and home are kept safe:

  • Check your extension cords, electrical decorations, lights, switches and outlets for directions on how to use them properly. Never use any frayed or damaged electrical devices or ones showing exposed wiring. Get rid of any damaged or worn electrical equipment. Look for an electrical device recycling program at your local home improvement stores.
  • Whenever you are buying electrical devices, make sure to check to see if the device has been tested by an independent testing laboratory, like Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Intertek (ETL), or Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
  • If you notice any outlets or switches smelling strange or that feel warm when you touch them, call an electrician immediately and don’t use them. Shut the power off at the breaker box to that circuit until an experienced electrician has inspected it.
  • With incandescent lights, don’t every connect over 3 strings together. Make sure to follow the instructions from the manufacturer at all times, and don’t ever connect more strings of lights together than are stated on the package.
  • Don’t attach several extension cords together.

Keep in mind that extension cords are just temporary solutions. So call a licensed electrician if you need to have more outlets.

  • Before you go to sleep or leave home, turn your Christmas tree lights as well as other electrical decorations and blow out all of your candles.
  • Every 30 days, test your ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). All outdoor outlets need to be equipped with GFCI protection.
  • Make sure you are very careful whenever you are around power lines and learn basic ladder safety. Before climbing, always look up first, and stay 10 feet away at least from power lines. If you have trees around power lines that need to be trimmed, contact your local utility company (upon rest they should be able to come out and trim your tree).
  • Avoid overloading your circuits. Make sure your Christmas lights are not tripping the breaker. Make sure you know how to replace blown fuses and reset your breaker safely. If the fuse keeps blowing or the breaker keeps tripping, call a licensed electrician immediately.
  • Keep all decorations and items that could potentially burn 3 feet away at least from all heating sources and open flames, like cooking equipment, fireplaces, and space heaters.
  • If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check the level of water every day and water the tree as needed.
  • Never use electricity close to water.
  • Don’t sleep with electronic equipment such as cell phones underneath your pillow. Don’t ever leave space heaters, candles or fireplaces on when one is there.
  • Never run wires or cords underneath furniture, rugs, carpets, or through doors and windows. Don’t nail or staple cords, lights or any other types of electrical equipment.
  • Every 30 days, test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors. Install CO and smoke detectors on each level of your house and outside of every sleeping area. Replace the batteries if your alarm starts to make chirping sounds.

Some carbon monoxide is produced by all fuel-burning processes. In large amounts, it can even be fatal. Never grill indoors! It is estimated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that around emergency room-treated injuries due and 20 deaths due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning result from using a charcoal grill.

Don’t ever attempt to do electrical work yourself. An experienced and licensed electrician should always be hired to do electrical work.

For more information, contact us or call Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today!