Beautiful Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Focus On Home Safety And Security

When it comes to increasing your home’s safety and security, there’s nothing like making sure you light up the dark areas of your property. Outdoor lighting is no doubt one of the most beautiful ways to increase your home’s value and security.

With the right aesthetic upgrades, your outdoor lighting design can play other roles, including to increase your home security and safety. At the very least, it will make your backyard more enjoyable and your front yard safer for anyone visiting your home after dark.

As you make decisions about the different types of outdoor lighting you can install for the patio or exterior areas of your home, be sure to consider the following ideas.

Outdoor Lighting For Your Front Entry

Outdoor lighting installation on your front entryway or patio increases the safety and security of the area. Remember that the patio or entryway is where you need to see who is at the front door. Consider having your local electrician install motion sensor lights to light up the driveway area, as well as a bright front door light to illuminate the entryway. Some recessed lights under the patio ceiling could also help deter criminals.

Lights For Sidewalk Safety

Is there enough light for you to see well when you come home after dark? What about your guests, will they trip on the sidewalk or path? A series of low-voltage lights are a good idea if you need additional outdoor lighting. They’re beautiful, AND they help light up the yard for your guests who need to make their way to the front door.

Don’t Forget The Back Patio Lights

Sitting on the patio in the dark without any type of visible light to see by isn’t fun, and it’s not always safe. Backyards are usually pretty dark, so some outdoor patio lights would be an excellent idea for both the front and back porch areas. After the install, you’ll be able to the outdoors after dark at any time. Plus, you’ll be able to see vermin or snakes if they’re headed toward the patio area.

Other Areas Good For Additional Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lights don’t just need to be confined to the front or back porch. Most homeowners also want to place outdoor lighting around their properties, such as along fence lines, near the garden shed, by the pool, and other areas. As long as they’re strategically placed in the darker areas, you’ll be able to enjoy the maximum illumination achieved while using the least amount of energy to power the outdoor lighting.

There are all different types of outdoor lighting to help you achieve this goal, including:

• Spotlights
• Motion-sensor lights
• Up-lights & down-lights
• Porch lights
• Lantern lights
• Curb lights
• Dusk-to-dawn lights
• Pole lights
• Pool lights
• Walkway lights
• Recessed lights

If you are looking for Outdoor/Indoor Lighting Professionals in Fort Johnson, NY then please call (518) 866-1942 or complete our online request form.

Planning Your Home Standby Generator Installation

As spring fast approaches, so too will the many storms we see on the East coast. When the power goes out it can be a real lifesaver to have a generator ready to go, helping to provide you with uninterrupted power. However, it is important to remember that having a generator ready to take over involves more than just being able to plug one in. The successful installation of a generator also requires proper planning, permits, and the assistance of an experienced, licensed electrician. Here are the steps to consider when setting you your home standby generator.

1. Interview Electricians

A great first step is to interview electricians and obtain quotes to do a price comparison. However, it is important to remember that sometimes spending a little bit extra can help you to hire an installer who knows exactly what he or she is doing. It is also important when interviewing an electrician that you determine whether or not they have extensive experience with home standby generator installation. You may also wish to request references to speak with past customers of theirs.

2. Obtain Permits

Do you need to acquire a permit? Well, it depends. To determine if you need one it is best to speak with someone at your local municipality. When you hire an installer though, they will obtain the permit on your behalf. Just keep in mind that the paperwork will take a few days to go through.

3. Select a Location

Before purchasing the generator, you must figure out a location for it where it will remain in compliance with all electrical codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should install your generator in a safe location so that it poses no threat concerning carbon monoxide. A standby generator must usually be installed a minimum of two feet from the residence with a minimum of three feet on its front and sides. You can figure all of this out by speaking with an electrician. This works out because most areas require that an inspection be done to verify compliance. Having an electrician help with installation can also prove effective and cost-efficient. If you install your generator close to your gas meter it will increase fuel efficiency, which may help to bring down costs.

4. Prepare the Surface

When it comes to preparing the surface for your generator, it is important to keep in mind that small air-cooled standby generators usually have a composite base on their bottom so that a concrete pad underneath is not required. However, the surface underneath the generator must be flattened before being raised by at least four bags of level pea gravel. Small air-cooled standby generators are equipped with a composite base on the bottom, so you are not required to pour a concrete pad.

5. Receive the Delivery

While this may seem obvious, not everyone thinks about the difficulty of bringing a thousand-pound generator off of the back of a truck. That’s why it can be imperative that you order liftgate service, which allows the driver to safely lower the generator to the ground. Before signing for the delivery, be sure to inspect the package for any damage that could have occurred during delivery.

6. Installation of the Generator

After you have completed the above steps, you will be ready for installation. The job of installing the generator is often more complex than the basic knowledge that homeowners possess. This is why it can be extremely important to consult with an electrician who is experienced in installing residential standby generators. If you require a standby generator and want to ensure its safe and effective installation, the professionals at JME Electric LLC Electrician can help. With over a decade in operation, our JME Electric LLC is highly educated and experienced.

If you are looking for Outdoor/Indoor Lighting Professionals in Fort Johnson, NY then please call (518) 866-1942 or complete our online request form.