Does landscape lighting use a lot of electricity?
How would my electricity bill increase with the new landscape lighting?
Spending weekends maintaining the beauty of your home, both indoors and outdoors, is a work that deserves recognition. From meticulously mowing the lawn to trimming trees and hedges, the effort put into maintaining your outdoor space is evident. However, beyond just aesthetics, landscape lighting can significantly enhance the overall appeal of your property. Not only does it showcase your home's architectural features and landscaping elements after dark, but it also serves practical purposes such as deterring potential intruders and guiding visitors to your doorstep. Despite its numerous benefits, questions regarding its environmental impact and additional electricity costs often arise, prompting homeowners to weigh the sustainability and financial implications of installing landscape lighting.
While landscape lighting undoubtedly enhances the visual appeal and security of your property, worries persist regarding its environmental impact. Traditional lighting systems often rely on energy-intensive technologies, contributing to carbon emissions and light pollution. However, advancements in lighting technology offer eco-friendly alternatives such as LED fixtures. LED lights are energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity than conventional lighting options while providing ample illumination. Nowadays, landscape lighting systems are commonly utilized with low voltage electricity, a trend driven by the desire to reduce energy consumption further and minimize environmental impact. But what exactly does it mean to utilize low voltage electricity in landscape lighting systems?
Voltage Matters!
Low voltage landscape lighting refers to the use of a lighting system that operates at a significantly lower voltage than standard household lighting. While typical household lighting operates at 120 volts, low voltage landscape lighting systems typically operate at 12 volts. This lower voltage is achieved through the use of a transformer, which steps down the voltage from the standard household level to a safer and more energy-efficient level for outdoor lighting applications. By reducing the voltage, low voltage landscape lighting systems not only offer increased safety during installation but also consume less electricity during operation.
The main components of a low voltage landscape lighting system include light fixtures (like pathlights, uplights, hardscape lights, flood lights, etc.), wiring, and a transformer. The transformer is a crucial component that converts the standard household voltage to the lower voltage required for the lighting system. This lower voltage is then distributed to the light fixtures through the wiring, providing illumination for outdoor spaces such as gardens, pathways, and architectural features.
One of the significant benefits of low voltage landscape lighting is its energy efficiency. Since these systems operate at a lower voltage, they consume less electricity compared to traditional high voltage lighting systems. This results in reduced energy costs and a lower environmental impact. Additionally, low voltage lighting fixtures often utilize energy-efficient technologies such as LED bulbs, which are known for their superior efficiency compared to older halogen or incandescent alternatives, boasting an approximate 15% increase in efficiency, further enhancing energy savings and longevity.
How much would it actually increase my electricity bill?
The answer to this question would be: It depends… and it really does! The quantity and type of lights in use, along with the electricity rates from your specific utility provider, all influence the outcome. Since electricity costs can vary, any estimate provided should be considered provisional, as these rates are subject to change.
One thing that is certain is that running landscape lighting is more affordable than ever. Below you can find a breakdown and calculation of the energy usage.
Assumptions:
The average cost of electricity in New York as of March 2024 is 20 cents/kWh (kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, which is a unit of energy equal to the consumption of one kilowatt of power for one hour).
The landscape lighting system will run on average 6 hours every night (this is an average for the whole year, considering that during winter months the lights might stay on for longer, whereas during summer months the lights might run for shorter periods of time due to late sunset).
The average wattage of a LED bulb used is 5-Watt (different wattage LED bulbs are usually utilized within the same landscape lighting system).
Calculations
For a small residential project with a landscape lighting system, using a combination of pathlights and uplights:
5 Watts x 10 fixtures = 50 Watts per hour
6 hours per night = 300 Watts used each night
300 Watts per night x 365 days per year = 109,500 Watts
109,500 Watts/1,000 = 109.5 kWh
109.5 kWh x $0.2/kWh = $21.9 per year
So, it is only $21.9 per year!
For a medium residential project with a landscape lighting system, using a combination of pathlights and uplights:
5 Watts x 15 fixtures = 75 Watts per hour
6 hours per night = 450 Watts used each night
450 Watts per night x 365 days per year = 164,250 Watts
164,250 Watts/1,000 = 164.25 kWh
164.25 kWh x $0.2/kWh = $32.85 per year
So, it is only $32.85 per year!
For a large residential project with a landscape lighting system, using a combination of pathlights and uplights:
5 Watts x 20 fixtures = 100 Watts per hour
6 hours per night = 600 Watts used each night
600 Watts per night x 365 days per year = 219,000 Watts
219,000 Watts/1,000 = 219 kWh
219 kWh x $0.2/kWh = $43.8 per year
So, it is only $43.8 per year!
When this yearly price is divided into 12 months, the difference in your electricity bill will go unnoticed! These calculations are based on the current average cost of electricity in New York and might be subject to change.
Therefore, most homeowners opt to get the landscape lighting installed when they find out the low yearly additional electricity expenses, trading it for higher safety, security, and aesthetic enhancement through outdoor lighting.
Timing and controlling for energy efficiency
Timing - It is crucial to carefully evaluate your specific lighting requirements. Consider whether the lights need to be operational throughout the entire night or only during certain hours when they are most needed. By assessing your actual lighting needs, you can effectively manage energy usage and minimize unnecessary electricity consumption. This thoughtful approach ensures that outdoor lighting aligns with practical requirements while also promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Controlling - The emergence of smart lighting systems has transformed the way we interact with outdoor illumination. With these systems, users gain the ability to remotely control lights and establish personalized schedules, revolutionizing the management of outdoor lighting. By strategically optimizing the timing and usage of lights, these smart systems play a crucial role in conserving energy. Through efficient utilization and tailored settings, users can minimize unnecessary energy consumption, thereby contributing significantly to overall energy savings.
Tips for energy efficient landscape lighting
Choose LED lighting: Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs for your outdoor lighting needs. LED lights consume less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, providing cost savings in the long run.
Install timers: Install motion sensors or timers to control when your outdoor lights are activated. This ensures that lights are only on when needed, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Lighting zones: Divide your outdoor lighting into zones. This allows you to control lighting levels more efficiently, only illuminating the areas that require it at any given time.
Low-voltage lighting: Use low-voltage lighting systems for landscapes and gardens. These systems consume less energy and are safer to install than high-voltage alternatives.
Regular maintenance: Keep your outdoor lighting fixtures clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. It is advisable to arrange for professional maintenance at least once a year. This yearly service will ensure the safety and optimal appearance of your lights.
Invest in smart lighting: Explore smart lighting options that allow for remote control and automation. Smart lighting systems enable you to adjust settings based on time of day, maximizing energy savings while maintaining convenience and security.
Conclusion
The introduction of LED technology has been a standout factor in enhancing energy efficiency in outdoor lighting. LED lights are widely recognized for their remarkable energy efficiency, consuming notably less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. They function by passing current through a semiconductor, converting a greater proportion of energy into visible light rather than dissipating it as heat.
Strategic choices coupled with modern technological advancements offer solutions to mitigate the energy impact of outdoor lighting. Although low voltage LED landscape lighting systems initially incur higher costs, over time, it leads to significant savings on both electricity bills and maintenance costs. Low-voltage LED path lights and uplights consume only a fraction of the electricity required by incandescent or halogen bulbs, resulting in substantial reductions in electric bills. On average, LED bulbs utilize at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and boast a lifespan approximately 25 times longer.
By selecting energy-efficient landscape lighting fixtures, like LED bulbs, and integrating smart control systems, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of outdoor lighting without excessive energy costs. Each step taken towards energy efficiency not only leads to reduced electricity bills but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle, paving the way for a brighter future.
Therefore, the response to the question "Do outdoor lights consume substantial electricity?" is a clear "No." By opting for energy-efficient LED lighting alternatives, you can have captivating outdoor environments while maintaining control over your energy usage. It's important to note that the allure of outdoor lighting can be enjoyed without the need for excessive energy consumption.
If you have any questions about this topic and would like to discuss it further, drop us a line at info@kelvin-lighting.com. One of our lighting designers will help you make the best choices for your outdoor lighting needs.