outdoor lighting security and energy efficiency

More outdoor light doesn’t mean more security. That’s a common misconception. Moderate or even reduced overall lighting is a better solution. The optimum in outdoor lighting is «just enough light in the right place at the right time».

Security issues

You may feel safer with more light around your house, but that doesn’t mean you are really safer. More light will also represent more light to strangers…

So, the big rule is: use the lowest wattage of bulb that meets your needs, and turn off the lights whenever possible. And use timers, motion sensors and other controls to reduce or to turn off some types of outdoor lighting, whenever convenient. It will be better for you –to get savings and for your safety – and will avoid the plague of night pollution.

Incandescent

For cost saving purposes, avoid using incandescent lights in outdoor lighting, unless for short periods (minutes) or when associated to lighting controls.

Incandescent flood lights should only be considered when combined with photo-sensors and motion sensors.

Fluorescent and LEDs

Fluorescent and LEDs are good alternatives for outdoor lighting, since they are more energy efficient and have a much longer lifetime (higher price is their disadvantage...)

Just be aware with the type of fluorescent bulbs (CFL) for outdoor uses in locations with very low temperatures: only specially designed CFL’s operate at temperatures below –20°F. Common and cheaper CFLs don’t operate at such temperatures.

MH (Metal Halide) and LPS (Low Pressure Sodium)

Metal Halide (MH) and Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) are very energy-efficient lighting options, though only for very specific and demanding situations: security lighting associated to roadways, walkways and parking areas where color rendering is not critical (LPS) or display lighting where color rendering is very important (MH).

Photo-sensors and timers

Whenever possible use photo-sensors – even in applications involving fluorescent or low-pressure sodium lights. Also use motion sensors and timers to turn decorative lighting on and off.

Shielding

Most outdoor light fixtures should be shielded (and use appropriated reflectors or deflectors) or directional lights (LED).

See: LEDs Basics

Solar lighting

Outdoor solar lighting is a solution to consider in some climates, namely sunny ones. Consider them if and where applicable: to light driveway and garden paths, or as decorative lighting in gardens.

They are easy to install (they don’t need wiring), and there are now improved models.

See: Outdoor Solar Lighting

Low voltage lighting

Low-voltage lighting systems do not necessarily mean low energy lighting systems, contrary to a common misconception.

But there are energy-efficient outdoor low voltage lamps - namely the LED lamps -, and even low-voltage systems based on incandescent lights are a reasonable option when based on low-wattage lamps (which typically happens in landscape systems).

See: Outdoor Low-Voltage Systems