Everything You Need to Know About Landscape Lighting LED Bulbs
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Time to read 5 min
Comprehensive Landscape Lighting shouldn't have to be a luxury reserved to those who have the money and patience to put up with quick-burning, inefficient incandescent bulbs.
LED light bulbs provide a viable solution to this problem, offering solutions that are both energy efficient and cost effective. In this article, we will discuss what exactly an LED light bulb is, the various forms of LED lighting, as well as their benefits and applications in landscape lighting systems.
What Is an LED Light Bulb?
LED light bulbs are a type of energy efficient lighting that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting. LED bulbs often take on the same form as their classic counterparts, making them a great replacement option for traditional lighting.
How LED Light Bulbs Work
LED bulbs are made up of small semiconductors that convert electricity into light. When an LED bulb is turned on, the electric current passes through the semiconductor material and causes it to emit photons in all directions, resulting in illumination.
This is different from how incandescent bulbs generate light - by heating a thin metal filament within the bulb, causing it to glow. Fluorescent bulbs work similarly in that they use electricity to excite mercury gas which produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV radiation then interacts with the phosphor coating inside of the bulb to produce visible light.
There are disadvantages to be noted in both cases, with incandescent bulbs consuming a lot of energy to generate heat which can be wasteful, and fluorescent bulbs containing toxic mercury. LED light bulbs avoid both of these pitfalls, and although being more expensive upfront, often deliver much longer-lasting value.
Benefits of LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs aren't just some hyped-up concept - they're a tangible solution to many of the downsides that come with using conventional lighting methods. The technology within these products has the potential to deliver returns to property owners in more ways than one, and the benefits we'll touch upon below are just the tip of the iceberg.
Versatile Design Options
LED lights come in a variety of designs and sizes to fit any lighting need. They're small, which makes them easy to install in tricky-to-reach areas. They also come in different shapes and sizes allowing for greater flexibility when it comes to the overall design of a lighting system.
H3: Energy Efficient and Long-Lasting
LEDs use significantly less electricity than other types of lights and can last much longer, often up to 50,000 hours or more. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to save money on their monthly electric bills.
Safer for the Environment
LED bulbs are free of hazardous materials like mercury and lead, which helps to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. Additionally, since they require less energy to produce light, they also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Brighter Output
Here's a quick fun fact for you: the average 10W LED bulb is capable of producing as much light as a 60W incandescent bulb. A high lumen/watt score means that you get an incredibly bright and efficient output without having to go all-out on power.
The Four Types of LED Light Bulbs
Like other types of lighting, LED bulbs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It's important to know the difference between these, as each type has its own benefits and limitations.
A-Shape LED Bulbs
A-type LED bulbs are the most common type, and are shaped like a traditional incandescent light bulb. These bulbs emit a bright, white light that can be used in most any setting. They are a great choice for general lighting purposes and are available in a wide variety of wattages.
Reflector LED Bulbs
Reflector LED bulbs use the same light-emitting diode technology as a-shaped bulbs, but in a different way. Shaped like an upside-down dome, the illumination they emit is reflected off the inside of the dome, creating a wide beam. This makes them ideal for spot lighting applications or concentrated area illumination.
Globe LED Bulbs
Globe LED bulbs are similar in shape to A-shaped bulbs, but with a rounder profile. These bulbs emit an even light in all directions, making them perfect for use as accent lights or general lighting purposes.
Decorative LED Bulbs
Decorative LED bulbs are classified by less of a single characteristic look and more by a specific use case. Smaller and shaped in a variety of different styles, decorative bulbs are intended for accent lighting. They create more of an ambiance than anything else, unlike the other LED bulb types we've covered, which are mainly used for functional purposes.
Can LED Bulbs Be Used In Landscape Lighting?
Short answer: yes! In fact, LED lightbulbs are quickly becoming the preferred choice for many property owners in search of reliable products for their landscaping project.
They can be installed in a variety of places, from lighting pathways and gardens to spot-lighting trees, shrubs and other features in the yard. Being so long-lasting and durable, LED bulbs can provide the perfect balance of both style and practicality in outdoor settings.
What You Should Know Before Using LED Bulbs In Your Landscape
As great as LED bulbs are, there are a couple of things that every buyer should know before investing in them for their property. These products, like all other types of lighting, are not one in the same. There is a wealth of different options to consider, with some likely to be better for your given application than others.
The most important thing to consider when buying LED lights for your landscape is the wattage. You'll need to measure the area you're looking to light and then figure out how many watts of power are necessary in order for it to stay lit during its required hours of operation.
There's also the issue of compatibility; while most LED bulbs are designed to be interchangeable with other fixtures, some may require a special adapter or extra components in order to fit with your existing setup. It's important to research this ahead of time, as replacing bulbs after purchase can become expensive.
Finally, don't forget about color temperature! LEDs are available in a variety of different colors, from warm white to cool blue. Make sure you understand the nuances between each one and how it will affect the overall look of your Landscape Lighting setup before committing to a purchase.
Shop Top Notch's Wide Selection of Landscape LED Light Bulbs
The potential of what can be done in your yard with LED bulbs is limitless. Top Notch Landscaping has a wide selection of professional-grade LED products that can help you create the perfect outdoor lighting solution for your home.
Whether you're looking to highlight a beautiful garden or add an extra layer of security around your perimeter, there's something in our online store for you. Start shopping today!
