Outdoor lighting is a sure way to enhance your Medina, OH, home's beauty and safety, but many homeowners make mistakes when tackling this project themselves. Whether it's choosing the wrong fixture or poorly planning the installation, these errors can diminish the overall effect and even create hazards. By learning what to avoid, you can feel confident that your outdoor lighting installation is both visually stunning and highly functional.
At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) of Northern Ohio, we've seen firsthand how proper outdoor lighting transforms homes, and we're committed to helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Using the Wrong Type of Lighting
One of the simplest mistakes Medina homeowners make is selecting the wrong type of outdoor lighting. Not all lights are created equal, and what works indoors doesn't always translate well to exterior spaces.
For example, while it may seem that brighter is better for safety, excessively bright lights can create harsh glares and diminish the beauty of your home's landscape and architecture. Instead, softer lighting that subtly illuminates walkways, trees, and your home's exterior is ideal.
To avoid these issues, it's important to choose outdoor lighting specifically designed for durability in Medina's fluctuating weather. At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio, we use high-quality, weather-resistant fixtures made from materials like brass and copper that are built to last.
Improper Placement of Lights
Placement is everything when it comes to outdoor lighting, yet many homeowners fail to plan properly, leading to uneven illumination or dark spots. Here are the most common mistakes we see when it comes to positioning:
- Too few lights: Underestimating the number of lights needed to adequately cover your outdoor space is a common issue that can leave your space shadowy and too dark.
- Poor spacing: On the other hand, randomly placing lights without a strategy can lead to poor distribution of light, creating "hot spots" where the light is too concentrated and other areas where it's too dim.
- Neglecting key areas: Homeowners often forget to light important features like pathways, stairways, and driveways. Proper pathway lighting not only improves the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also helps prevent accidents by making walkways safer for you and your guests.
At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio, we offer custom lighting design services to ensure your lights are placed perfectly for maximum impact and functionality. We take into consideration all aspects of your property, including elevation changes, focal points, and areas that need additional security.
Overlooking Energy Efficiency
In today's world, energy efficiency should be a priority for any homeowner. However, many Medina residents make the mistake of using high-wattage incandescent bulbs for outdoor lighting. These bulbs not only consume more energy but also have a shorter lifespan, resulting in higher utility bills and more frequent replacements.
At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio, we recommend using LED lighting for outdoor applications. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, with lifespans of 50,000 hours or more. Over time, this translates into significant savings on energy costs and fewer replacements. Plus, LED lights are available in a variety of color temperatures, from cool white to warm amber, allowing you to create the exact ambiance you desire without compromising on efficiency.
DIY Installation Without Expertise
Outdoor lighting installation may seem like a simple project, but it involves much more than just placing lights in your yard. Poor installation can lead to issues such as:
- Exposed wiring: One of the most dangerous mistakes homeowners make is failing to properly bury or protect electrical wiring. Exposed wires are not only unsightly but can also pose a serious electrical hazard, especially during rainstorms or heavy snow.
- Incorrect voltage: DIYers often miscalculate voltage needs, leading to flickering lights, burnt-out bulbs, or inconsistent lighting. It's important to use transformers that match the wattage of your lighting system to ensure smooth operation.
- Lack of weatherproofing: Many homeowners underestimate the impact of Ohio's weather on outdoor lighting fixtures. If your lighting system isn't properly weatherproofed, you could end up with damaged fixtures and exposed wires after the first big storm.
Hiring an outdoor lighting company in Medina, OH – like Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio - ensures your lighting is installed safely, meets all electrical codes, and will stand the test of time. Our team of experts handles everything from design to installation, ensuring a flawless finish.
Neglecting Maintenance
Once installed, outdoor lighting systems still require ongoing maintenance to keep performing their best. Many Medina homeowners make the mistake of assuming that once their lights are up, they can forget about them. However, without regular care, outdoor lights can accumulate dirt, suffer from bulb burnouts, or experience wiring issues.
At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio, we offer a Shine365 maintenance program, which includes annual checks and adjustments to ensure your system continues to operate at peak performance. Whether it's replacing bulbs, cleaning fixtures, or adjusting light placement as your landscaping changes, our team is here to help your outdoor lighting system shine for years to come.
Trust the Experts with Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
If you want to ensure your outdoor lighting project is handled with precision and care, trust the experts at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio. With our professional design and installation services, you'll enjoy a perfectly illuminated home that enhances curb appeal, boosts security, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere after dark.
Ready to light up your Medina home with an outdoor lighting installation company near me in Medina, OH? Contact us today for a free consultation!
