Outdoor LED Lights Buying Guide

Outdoor lighting is an essential element that can enhance the appearance of your home, yard, or business premises. Apart from its aesthetic value, outdoor lighting is also essential for safety and security reasons. LED lights come in different types, shapes, sizes, and designs, which can be confusing for someone who is new to lighting. The following guide will help you select the right outdoor LED lights that will meet your needs and preferences.

What are LED Lights?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which refers to a type of lighting device that uses diodes to produce light. LED lights consume less power and last a lot longer compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They are environmentally friendly and do not release any harmful materials, such as mercury or lead, which can be harmful to the environment.

Benefits of LED Lights

There are numerous benefits of using LED lights for outdoor lighting. Here are some of them:

• Energy efficiency: LED lights consume less energy to produce the same output as traditional bulbs.
• Long lifespan: LED lights have a lifespan of between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, which is far more than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Cost-effective: Though LED lights are more expensive than traditional bulbs, they are comparatively more cost-effective in the long run.
• Brighter output: LED lights produce brighter light output, making them an ideal choice for outdoor lighting.
• Environment-friendly: LED lights don’t contain any hazardous materials, making them safe for the environment.

Types of LED Outdoor Lights

Outdoor LED lights come in different types, sizes, shapes, and designs. Here are some popular types of LED outdoor lights:

• LED Floodlights: Floodlights are designed to light up a large area. They are ideal for outdoor lighting, such as gardens, outdoor events, or commercial premises. LED floodlights come in different sizes and a range of colors.
• LED Wall Lights: Wall lights are usually mounted on the wall, hence the name. They are ideal for illuminating walkways, terraces, and building entrances. LED wall lights can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
• LED Path Lights: Path lights are designed to illuminate pathways like sidewalks, driveways, and gardens. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
• LED Deck Lights: These are lights that are usually installed on decks to highlight the area's beauty. They can come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
• LED Step Lights: Step lights are designed to light up steps, both indoors and outdoors. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
• LED Hardscape Lights: Hardscapes are lighting fixtures that are installed on hard surfaces such as walls, steps, and decks. They can come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Outdoor LED Lights

Choosing outdoor LED lighting can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re a newbie. However, with the following guidelines in mind, you can select the right outdoor LED lights that will meet your needs and preferences:

1. Brightness

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing outdoor LED lights is brightness. The brightness of the light is measured in lumens. Lumens refer to the amount of light produced by a bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Outdoor lighting should be bright enough to provide adequate light for security, but not too bright to cause glare. Generally, LED outdoor lights provide better brightness than traditional bulbs.

2. Power Output

Power output refers to the amount of power that an LED light uses to produce light. You should choose an LED light with a power output that will meet your lighting needs. Outdoor LED lights with high power consumption will consume more energy than those with low power output.

3. Color Temperature

Another critical factor to consider when choosing outdoor LED lights is color temperature. Color temperature refers to the color of the light that the bulb produces. Color temperatures are measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the light. Higher Kelvin ratings result in a cooler, bluish hue. Color temperature plays a significant role in setting the mood and ambiance of an outdoor space.

4. Light Direction

When selecting outdoor LED lights, you need to consider the direction of light that you need. Some lights produce light in all directions, while others produce light in a specific direction. You should choose an outdoor LED light that will suit your lighting needs.

5. Durability

The key to choosing a durable LED outdoor light is to ensure that it is waterproof and resistant to other weather elements such as rain, snow, or humidity. Always choose an LED outdoor light that will withstand harsh weather conditions.

6. Price

Price is another critical factor to consider when choosing outdoor LED lights. The price of an LED outdoor light varies depending on the size, features, and brightness level. However, the price should not be the only determining factor when selecting outdoor LED lights. Sometimes, high-quality LED lights may be more expensive, but they usually last longer and provide better performance.

Tips for Installing Outdoor LED Lights

Here are some tips for installing outdoor LED lights:

• Choose the right light fixtures according to your needs.
• If you’re not sure about the installation process, consult a professional.
• Be mindful of the wiring, and ensure that it is waterproof.
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions before installation.
• Ensure that the bulbs are properly installed and positioned.
• Replace burnt or damaged bulbs as soon as possible.
• Regularly clean the fixtures to remove dirt or debris.

Conclusion

Outdoor LED lights provide excellent lighting solutions for outdoor spaces. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. When choosing outdoor LED lights, it is essential to consider factors such as brightness, power output, color temperature, light direction, durability, and price. With the right outdoor LED lights, your outdoor space will be adequately illuminated, enhancing its beauty and functionality.