The Importance of Residential Lighting

As winter closes in, the nights are getting longer and as a result, families are coming home to darkened yards. While the days may be getting shorter, you do not have to come home to a dark and unwelcoming house. Professionally installed perimeter lighting offers a solution to stumbling around in the dark while helping to keep your family safe.

When considering which type of residential lighting you should use around your home, the first thing you need to keep in mind is the location of the lights, and the reasons you want to have the perimeter lighting installed. Homeowners often add outdoor lighting to their landscaping to:

• Prevent injury to family and guests
• Increase security against burglars and wildlife.
• Add to the visual appeal of the landscape and buildings.

One of the main reasons people decide to have outdoor lights installed is the added safety of their family as the nights become longer. Motion activated lighting installed along driveways, walkways, and patios will illuminate the more common areas of traffic. Additional lighting can help to prevent trips and falls and the potential resulting injuries; this is particularly true after the snow starts for the season, as it allows people to see slipping hazards, which will protect homeowners from being sued for a slip and fall.

Placing your outdoor lighting around your fence line and patio spaces also acts as a deterrent for burglars and some wildlife. By using residential lighting in the right locations, you can remove potential hiding spots for both ill-wishers and pesky wildlife. If security is your main concern, consider areas that are often shadowed, such as carports, corners, and other covered, yet exposed areas. A small investment now can help prevent the loss of property.

Perimeter lighting helps keep your family safe during the early nights, and boosts curb appeal. With so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find the right lighting to fit into your family’s style and budget. Consider highlighting key areas such as flower beds, landscaping focal points, trees, bushes, or use colored lights along a blank area of wall. This extra landscaping actually adds to the value of the home.

Contacting an electrical professional to install new residential lighting is very important. They will be able to spot potential fire or shock hazards, while ensuring the home’s current electrical system can handle the added burden. Having a licensed electrician install new fixtures may even be required by insurers, loan holders, or the building inspector. Other benefits to hiring a professional include:

Experience – Professionals have years of experience within their field. Their skills ensure the jobs are done in a safe manner, up to code, and with minimal damage to the surrounding building.

Knowledge – With years of experience comes an abundance of knowledge on the best fixture locations, lighting types, and installation methods.

For more information on how residential lighting can help keep your family safe while increasing your home’s visual appeal and value, please contact the experts at Prime Electrical Service.