When it comes to outdoor lighting, expert installation makes a difference.
Hardware stores and home improvement retailers have dozens of lighting solutions available – from extension-corded spotlights to solar-powered path lights. Promoted as inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to maintain, time often proves that you end up getting just about what you pay for.
Although extension-corded spotlights are attractive because of their ease of installation, since they are not hardwired and their wiring is not encased in conduit, their power cords are susceptible to damage like being cut by weed eaters, or gnawed on by curious animals with sharp teeth – or even snapped by falling branches. What’s more, if they’re higher voltage they can prove to be a safety risk – even moisture on the ground can conduct electricity and cause a serious shock.
Solar lights don’t have the same shock risks, but they have little flexibility as they must be installed where there is direct daytime sunlight. Solar lights placed on the north side of a home likely receive little or no sunlight. And cloudy days or even tall trees can intermittently shade the power absorbing mechanism within the lights – leaving them without enough charge to last through the night.
If placed around the home for security, be aware, solar lights are generally not bright enough to deter trespassers. Although maintaining solar lighting is not difficult (as all that’s generally required is that the panels are kept clean), their cheap design makes solar lights susceptible to wear and tear from the elements limiting their usefulness to only a few seasons before needing to be replaced.
Professional Installation Makes All The Difference
Professional design and installation of outdoor lighting provides peace of mind that the system will be safe, reliable, and effective. The outdoor lighting specialists at Heinen have decades of experience installing custom lighting systems for hundreds of homes throughout the Kansas City metro area. The team’s extensive knowledge and training means they understand highly critical components of outdoor lighting systems such as voltage requirements, optimal fixture choice and placement, and precise wiring specifications.
The right choice of fixtures, control systems, and thoughtful lighting placement are all important factors that lead to the desired effect of an exterior lighting plan. Heinen’s experts work with homeowners to design a comprehensive lighting system that substantially enhances the visual appeal of a home’s landscaping and architectural features thanks to employing a variety of fixtures and lighting placement techniques.
The Heinen team utilizes the best lighting component on the market including an array of fixtures and controllers from industry leader FX Luminaire. Fixtures are carefully selected for maximum reliability and durability, and they’re designed to withstand even the toughest of Kansas City weather conditions. The actual light bulbs are extremely durable – rarely needing replacement. And, all wiring is properly protected from moisture and encased in conduit with ground fault circuit interrupters for additional safety.
Hard-wired lighting systems also greatly expand the homeowner’s control over their exterior illumination. In fact, Heinen’s professionally designed lighting systems can easily be managed from a smartphone or tablet. With the touch of a button, the homeowner can change the lighting schedule to match the season, pick colors to celebrate an upcoming holiday or special event, or change colors to show support for a favorite sports team.
Last, but not least, a professionally designed and installed hardwired exterior lighting system increases a home’s value – all the while reducing the time, work, and worry spent on the installation and maintenance of store-bought plug-and-play lighting
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with the Heinen lighting specialists today! Call Debbie at 913-432-5011 or click here to send the team a message online!