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Making the Switch from Halogen to LED

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We have seen a lot of changes and progress within the lighting industry over the past decade. As with everything these days, newer technology and efficiency is developed and becomes available over time. An outdoor lighting system installed many years ago may be becoming old or even obsolete compared to today’s standards.

Halogen bulbs used to dominate the lighting industry. It was not until a few years ago that LED began to take over and become the industry standard. Now, it has become the choice of many outdoor lighting designers.

A few of the advantages of using LED vs Halogen are:

  • Longer Lifetime
  • More Durable
  • Low Energy Consumption
  • Easy to replace
  • They do not attract insects because LED lights emit very little heat and UV light
  • Much more cost effective

In these photos, you can see the before and after of a parking garage that Texas Outdoor Lighting converted from Halogen to LED.

Before Photo of a parking garage using halogen lights in Horseshoe Bay TexasAfter Photo of a parking garage switching to LED lights in Horseshoe Bay Texas

If we haven’t convinced you yet of all the benefits of making the switch to LED, read this article from the Washington Post. Many manufacturers have stopped carrying Halogen light bulbs making it harder and more expensive to replace your bulbs.

Texas Outdoor Lighting offers free consultations to see if we can convert your current lighting system to LED, or one of our designers can work with you to design your dream lighting system. Give us a call today to schedule! (512) 504-3030

Texas Outdoor Lighting added lighting to feature Yippee Ki Yay at the Pease Park Conservancy

Feature Lighting: “Yippee Ki Yay”

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Texas Outdoor Lighting had the privilege of lighting the stickwork sculpture created by internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty that’s entitled “Yippee Ki Yay’.  The sculpture is located in Pease Park in Austin, TX.  Mr Dougherty utilized locally harvested materials to build the stickwork sculptures including depression willow, ash and ligustrum.

Joel Mayor, our lighting designer for this project, used Thomas Kinkade paintings as his inspiration for lighting the structures.  His goal was to create a warm, glowing amber light that appears to be coming from within the structures while also creating a cool, moon-lit feel outside the structures.  

With this artwork being open to the public, Joel had to keep in mind that children may be climbing on and about the structures.  He, therefore, had his experienced lighting installers weave the wiring within the stick structure itself then made sure to place the lights up high, ensuring that tampering with the lights would be difficult.  

Another tricky aspect with this installation was that there was no power source within Pease Park.  While this was a challenge, Joel and the crew were not going to let this stop them.  A crew member, therefore, climbed through a drain tunnel under the street near the park to find a power source on the other side.  Texas Outdoor Lighting won’t let anything stop them!

For more information on our projects, please visit our website.  

 

Photo Credit: Matt Capo

Questions to ask potential landscape lighting companies.

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A good landscape lighting design will increase the safety and security of your property, transform your dark outdoor spaces to warm and inviting living areas as well as add value to your home.  The first step in beginning to plan your outdoor lighting is to hire the right expert for the job.  Asking the right questions can help guide you towards choosing a lighting company that will fit your needs, so keep these questions in mind.

Can this lighting design be added onto later?

This is always good to discuss with your potential lighting designer.  Time and time again, we have clients that like to have us install their outdoor lighting in phases.  For example, some homeowners want lighting in the front of their home immediately for security purposes then want to complete the backyard at a later date for entertaining purposes.  A few minor adjustments made at the start of a lighting project (such as the size and location of the transformer) can make adding additional lighting down the road much easier and much more seamless.

Can the lighting system be integrated into my smart home system?

Our LED lighting systems can be integrated with most existing smart home systems.  This is something our lighting experts can help you with, but not all lighting companies offer this option.  If you do not already have a smart home system but are interested in including one with your lighting system, our experienced lighting designers can help with this.

What are some ways to save energy?

If conserving energy is important to you, this would be a good topic to discuss with any potential lighting company.  There are many landscape lighting options to choose from including, but not limited to, halogen, LED, mercury vapor and incandescent.  Choosing an LED system, however, provides several benefits such as energy savings.  LED bulbs use a fraction of the electricity and have a much longer life than the other lighting options.  Another way to conserve energy if you already have a high-voltage system is to have a lighting company switch your system to a low voltage lighting system.  Make sure to ask your potential lighting company if they are experienced in retrofitting existing systems because not all companies offer this option.

How will my lighting system be maintained?

Regular maintenance is an important aspect of a lighting design in order to maintain its functionality and beauty.  Not all lighting companies offer maintenance services, however, so it is a great idea to discuss this with your potential lighting designer.  Find out if the company has a service department, how their maintenance program works as well as their product warranties.  The last thing you want as a homeowner is to place your trust in a lighting company only to have them install your lighting system then disappear and not be able to provide maintenance.

If you are interested to learn more about what Texas Outdoor Lighting can do for you and your property, please fill out an online inquiry and we will call you by the end of the next business day to get you set up with one of our award winning lighting designers.

Hardscape Outdoor Lighting

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Do you want outdoor lighting on your established home but are concerned it can’t happen due to your hardscaping?  Here at Texas Outdoor Lighting, our installation manager and technicians have professional experience installing lighting systems in hardscaping.  Installing outdoor lighting in hardscaping takes precision and that is what we focus on every day here at Texas Outdoor Lighting.

Hardscape outdoor lighting will add dramatic lighting effects to retaining walls and other masonry around your property.  We can install lights under the top lip of concrete, stone or masonry walls to light the walkways along entrances, around pools and to your outdoor living areas.

 Frequently, we add lighting in hardscaping to light the front facade of homes and garage doors for safety and security.  

 

 

The lights we use in hardscaping have a simple elegance and smooth flowing edges designed to complement stonework, concrete, masonry and other architectural elements.

 

Contact Texas Outdoor Lighting today and ask how we can use our innovative techniques to add outdoor lighting in your hardscaping areas.

In the meantime, browse our gallery for more lighting ideas.

 

Get Ready for Fall with Outdoor Lighting

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After a long day, nothing beats coming home to a peaceful outdoor living space.  Whether it’s a cozy outdoor deck or a relaxing backyard garden, there’s something soothing about nature. 

As we head into fall, the sun is setting earlier and the evenings are beginning to get cool and crisp.  A landscape lighting design will allow you more time to enjoy the fall weather in your outdoor living areas. 

Here at Texas Outdoor Lighting, we’ve made enjoying your backyard retreat or entertaining family and friends even easier with our top-of-the-line, innovative, smart device control.  Use your smartphone or ipad to dim your lights to the right level for the right occasion.

If you’d like to learn more about your outdoor lighting options, we offer free consultations with a professional landscape lighting designer.  We’ll walk your property and discuss your outdoor lighting needs.  Schedule your free consultation online or give us a call at (512) 504-3030 and we will get you scheduled with one of our award winning designers.

Browse Our Gallery For Outdoor Lighting Ideas