Blog – Luminocity https://getluminocity.com Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:59:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://getluminocity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-luminocity-favicon-32x32.png Blog – Luminocity https://getluminocity.com 32 32 Spring Cleaning – 7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Spring Season https://getluminocity.com/7-tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-spring/ https://getluminocity.com/7-tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-spring/#respond Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:59:02 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=3095

Winter is over for central Indiana – at least according to the calendar. Homeowners are starting to notice a little more green outdoors, as their yards take on their springtime hue and the perennials start to wake up from their winter naps. How can you prepare your home for spring? Luminocity has some tips for kicking off the new season with a spring cleaning and upgrade. This is Indiana, after all. The temperature is going to turn quickly, and you’ll want to be outside soaking it up throughout the next several months.

Spring clean your yard

We may have escaped the snowstorm locomotive that can barrel through the Midwest, but we still had our share of inclement weather leaving its calling card of yard debris, dead leaves, cobwebs and bare spots. Haul out the rake and collect the leaves and debris that threaten to interfere with the spring growing cycle. Take a good look at your landscape plants. Do they need pruning? Remove the dead or diseased branches, so the new foliage has a place to grow.

Make sure your grass is ready for the spring growing season. Consider renting an aerator to encourage better root growth. Add fertilizer and seed as necessary.

Spring Clean your home exterior

Winter’s dirt and grime can accumulate gradually, to the point where you don’t even realize how dingy your home looks from the street. Use a power washer to remove the caked-on crud. Start the spring with a set of sparkling windows while you’re at it. Tip: A squeegee helps.

Clear the roof and gutters

We’re moving into the rainy season, and you’ll want your gutters ready to handle the spring deluge. Pull out the ladder so you can see what’s accumulated in your gutters over the winter. Clean out the downspouts and make sure the water is flowing into your yard and not against your home’s foundation. Check for any loose or damaged shingles while you’re on the roof. If you’re not comfortable with high spaces, consider hiring out this task.

Take stock of your outdoor recreational spaces

As soon as the temperature rises above 60 degrees, you’re going to want to be spending time on your patio. Sweep the deck with a broom and follow up with the garden hose or a pressure washer to remove the dirt and other debris. (Keep the power washer away from stained wood. It’s best for hard surfaces like concrete, brick or stone.) Pull out your patio furniture and check the cushions and pillows for any holes or other wear and tear. Consider investing in some new pieces, like a colorful outdoor rug or a comfortable lounge chair.

Add new plants and flowers for spring

Are you still looking at the same plants you inherited when you bought your house 10 years ago? Landscape plants have varying lifespans, and an overgrown plant may overshadow the smaller plants that add color and texture to your yard. Consider replacing some of the older plants, especially if they’re blocking the walkway and entrance to your home. If you lack a green thumb, ask for suggestions at your nearest garden center or nursery.

Schedule an outdoor lighting maintenance visit from Luminocity

A lot can happen to your outdoor lighting system over the winter months. The ground can shift. Growing foliage can obstruct the lights. Wires can become exposed. Luminocity’s maintenance plan takes care of all of this by keeping systems at peak operating efficiency. When you enroll in the maintenance plan, you’re getting periodic cleaning and inspection of each fixture. We’ll bury the exposed wire, trim back overgrown foliage, and replace your burnt-out bulbs with new ones. Some customers opt for annual inspections, but many will request two or more each year. Fortunately, the maintenance plan can be tailored to your lighting system’s specific needs.

Add new outdoor lighting by Luminocity

With so much newness around you, is it time for an outdoor lighting renewal? Luminocity’s trained lighting professionals will determine where your home needs a little extra illumination, and where the shadows work to create interest and variety. As a member of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, the Luminocity staff is constantly updated their skills and knowledge base to ensure our client’s home shines in a tastefully designed lighting environment.

Spring is time for renewal. If you’re ready for a new or updated lighting design, reach out to Luminocity now at 317-537-8055. Trust Luminocity for all of your home lighting needs this spring and beyond.

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Home Exterior Trend Watch – What We’ll Be Lighting Up in 2025 https://getluminocity.com/home-exterior-trend-watch-2025/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:14:41 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=3089 It’s trend watch time! We’re already two months into the new year, and spring is just weeks away from its official start. We know what happens in Indiana homeowners’ minds when the temperatures begin to rise. They’re looking for ways to freshen up their environment, including their homes. Luminocity did some digging to find out what’s new for home exteriors in 2025. Read on to find out how you can create a dynamic, exciting living space, and how Luminocity can put it in its best light!

Color trend: Warm shades take over

Maybe it’s the hint of summer that teases us in the spring, but we’re ready for warmth. Homeowners are taking the cue and choosing hues that add a deep, comfortable feel to the landscape. Think earthy sage green, soft oranges, or rich charcoal gray. Is black still the fashionable color for home? Perhaps. But we’re also hearing about darker brown for those who are looking for something bold and dramatic. If you’re not a risk taker – and there’s no shame in playing it safe – warm whites and neutrals can still create a cozy and inviting exterior.

Hardware trend: Aesthetics and sustainability

Exterior hardware is emerging as a popular way to personalize your home exterior and add a layer of boldness to the design. We’re looking at bold color accents in black, deep greens and rich browns to create a striking contrast to the home’s presentation. Warm metallic finishes like matte brass can give your home timeless beauty as the finishes develop their natural patina over time. We’re also seeing homeowners moving towards sustainable materials like stainless steel and recycled materials.

Material trend: Mixed textures

Different exterior materials give homes an updated, modern look, and this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. Stone skirting can be paired with vertical wood siding. Stone siding creates an earthy feel, while sleek metal brings an updated touch to the overall exterior. Mixed masonry combines brick and stone and creates and aesthetically pleasing contrast. Paint them in similar hues, and you create a subtle but dramatic statement.

Fun trend: Backyard spaces

Five years after the Covid epidemic sent everyone inside, homeowners are back to gathering with their friends and enjoying time together. Sure, we’re still seeing the ponds, water fixtures and pools. But expect homeowners to recreate their indoor ambiance outdoors, with extensive outdoor kitchens and functional furniture that can withstand the elements without losing their beauty and sophistication.  Indiana’s pervasive basketball hoops are being joined by backyard pickleball courts and putting greens. As far as pools go, the cold plunge feature isn’t going anywhere. These icy escapes are showing up more and more as people seek their restorative properties.

Tiptop trend: Going up to the roof

Is anyone old enough to remember when the biggest roofing decision was choosing between three shingle colors? Today’s roofing materials incorporate energy-efficiency and sustainability with elegant architectural features to top homes with a distinctive feature. Metal roofs, which can be an upfront expense, are paying homeowners back in longevity. What about green roofs? No, we’re not talking about the forest shades from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Instead, homeowners are seeking roofs made of recycled materials or solar reflective shingles.

Shining a light on Indiana’s finest homes

Here at Luminocity, we continue to work on some of central Indiana’s most beautiful homes, creating a lighting design that highlights their beauty and takes advantage of the latest lighting technology. Outdoor living spaces become evening gathering spots with functional lighting that does more than flood the area with light. A home’s entryway can be warm and inviting without compromising the privacy of the people who live inside.  Specific architectural details become captivating nighttime spectacles with the right lighting design and placement.

Luminocity understands the importance of incorporating the latest home design trends without sacrificing a home’s beauty and elegance. Our trained lighting designers have invested years understanding what makes light work – and what can go wrong – when you add an outdoor lighting design to your home. Don’t make the mistake of letting a mediocre lighting design ruin your carefully planned home exterior. Trust your home to the lighting experts at Luminocity. Call us now at 317-537-8055 for a consultation, and let’s talk about putting your home in a new light in 2025.

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Are You Light Bright? Take Our Lighting Trivia Quiz! https://getluminocity.com/lighting-the-way-take-our-lighting-trivia-quiz/ Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:45:21 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2854 How bright are you when it comes to lighting? Luminocity, your central Indiana outdoor lighting expert, has compiled a list of interesting lighting facts that will help you shine at your next trivia event. Test your own knowledge with our fun quiz:

1. How do LEDS generate light?

A. LEDs generate light through a process of intense friction, causing the material to heat up and glow.

B. LEDs generate light through electroluminescence, where electrons recombine with holes in a semiconductor material, releasing energy in the form of photons.  

C. LEDs use small, internal mirrors to reflect and amplify ambient light, creating a brighter glow.

D. LEDs contain tiny, pressurized gas chambers that emit light when electricity passes through them.

Answer: B. LEDs convert electrical energy directly into light energy through the interaction of electrons and holes within a semiconductor material.

2. What is the most energy-efficient type of lighting?            

A. Incandescent bulbs are the most energy-efficient because they produce the most light.

B. Halogen bulbs are more energy-efficient because they are brighter than LEDs.

C. LED lighting is generally considered the most energy-efficient type, often lasting 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

D. Florescent bulbs, the first energy-saving bulbs, remain the most energy efficient.

Answer: C. LEDs lead the way in energy efficiency, longevity, durability and versatility.

3. How is lightbulb brightness measured?

A. Lightbulb brightness is measured in lumens.

B. Brightness is measured by the weight of the filament.

C. Brightness is measured by the volume of light produced.

D. Brightness is measured by the amount of electricity it consumes.

Answer: A. Many people think that lightbulb brightness is measured in watts. So, a 60-watt bulb will be brighter than a 40-watt bulb, right? Not really. A watt is a measurement of how much energy is being used. A lumen, on the other hand, measures how much light comes from the bulb.

4. What is the name of the phenomenon where light is redirected by a surface?

A. Diffraction.

B. Refraction.

C. Absorption

D. Reflection

Answer: D. Reflection is the phenomenon where light is redirected by a surface. The talented lighting designers at Luminocity will use reflection judiciously during installation, to create light and shadow the emphasizes your home’s unique beauty.

5. What does illumination refer to?

A. The amount of light emitted by a source in a specific direction.

B. The amount of light falling on a surface.

C. The color appearance of a light source.

D. The intensity of the light source.

Answer: A. Illumination in lighting refers to the amount of light falling on a surface. It’s a measure of how much luminous flux (the total amount of light emitted by a source) is spread over a given area. Proper illumination is crucial for visibility, aesthetics, energy efficiency and safety.

6. What is the name of the phenomenon where light waves interfere with each other?

A. Refraction

B. Diffraction

C. Reflection

D. Absorption

Answer: B. Diffraction refers to the bending or spreading of waves as they encounter an obstacle or pass through an opening.

7. Who invented the incandescent light bulb?

A. Thomas Edison

B. Nikola Tesla

C. Benjamin Franklin

D. Albert Einstein

Answer: A. While others contributed to the development of the light bulb, Thomas Edison is widely credited with inventing the commercially viable incandescent light bulb.

8. What is the name of the phenomenon where an object appears to be a different color when viewed under different light sources?

A. Color rendering

B. Color temperature

C. Color shift

D. Color distortion

Answer: C. Color shift describes how the perceived color of an object can change depending on the color temperature and spectrum of the light source.

9. What is the best way to prevent glare from outdoor lighting?

A. Use dimmer bulbs.

B. Direct the light downward.

C. Install lights closer to the ground.

D. Use multiple lights

Answer: B. Shielding fixtures and directing light downwards towards the intended area minimize glare and reduce light trespass onto neighboring properties.

10. Who should you rely on for the best outdoor lighting?

A. You can handle it yourself with a few Youtube videos and some lighting from the internet.

B. Your local neighborhood handyman can install outdoor lighting.

C. Your landscape company will handle the lighting design.

D. A certified lighting designer like Luminocity.

Answer: D. Put your home in its best light with a custom outdoor lighting design by Luminocity. Luminocity is home to two of only five Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technicians (CLVLT) in Indiana, as well as the only Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD.) Luminocity treats lighting like the science it is, using only high-quality lighting fixtures and offering custom maintenance. You wouldn’t take your car to a bicycle mechanic, would you? Trust your home to the people who are solely dedicated to outdoor landscape lighting.

Are you ready to explore ways to highlight your home and increase its value? Reach out to Luminocity at 317-537-8055 for a consultation.

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What Happens When Lightning Strikes Your Outdoor Lights? https://getluminocity.com/when-lightning-strikes-your-outdoor-lights/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:59:38 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2582
Lightning strike

Have you ever wondered what can happen to landscape lighting if it gets hit by lightning? The short answer is, “Nothing good.”

On occasion, one of our customers will call and tell us that their property was hit by lightning. One lightning bolt alone can discharge up to one billion volts of electrical energy. To put this in practical terms, this is enough to power a 100-watt lightbulb for three months. That is why a lightning strike can light up the sky, even during the middle of the day.

What happens when lightning strikes?

This electrical discharge is not only powerful, it also generates a lot of heat. In fact, a lightning bolt can heat up the surrounding air by up to 30,000 degrees Celsius (54,000 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature is roughly five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

Besides striking a tree or house, lightning can also hit the ground. When it does, it may discharge into your landscape lighting system. Once that happens the damage begins. Current from lightning can travel through the wires and often will destroy the fixtures. Lightning can be a strange thing. Some fixtures can be burned badly and destroyed yet others in the system can be untouched.

Sometimes a lightning strike will not only destroy the fixtures above the ground but also damage the wire in the ground. If your outdoor lighting system was hit by lightning, you should assume that the wire has been compromised and will need to be replaced. In most cases, if your landscape lights were impacted by lightning, you should expect to replace them.

Besides damaging the fixtures, lightning can also impact your transformer. Sometimes the damage is minor, and the transformer only needs to have the circuit breaker reset. At other times the transformer can be severely damaged. This picture shows the damage done to a low voltage transformer after the system was struck by lightning. You can see that there is no repair to this transformer.

Is there something that can be done to protect your outdoor lighting system?

Some inline fuses may help, but if the surge is quite powerful it probably won’t make much difference. Enjoy your outdoor lights but know that lightning can strike at any time. Damage to your outdoor lights can be significant. When that happens, you’ll need to report it to the insurance company.

Luminocity can help bring the light back on after a storm. If your outdoor lighting isn’t working after one of our Indiana electrical storms, give us a call at 317-537-8055 . We’ll make the necessary repairs and replacement to give your home the illumination it deserves!

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12 Plants to Add New Texture and Depth to Your Outdoor Landscape This Spring https://getluminocity.com/12-plants-to-add-texture-to-your-landscape/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:05:44 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2574
12 Plants to Add Texture to Your Landscape

As the calendar begins to point to spring (we can’t vouch for the thermometer), it’s time to begin planning outdoor landscape upgrades. That 20-year-old juniper bush may still be evergreen, but it’s also starting to get reedy and disheveled, despite your attempts to prune it. When you introduce plants that add visual texture into your landscape, you create a scene that’s interesting and eye-pleasing. Want to go a step further? Luminocity inspired lighting can help you integrate your outdoor landscape into a lighting design destined to create its own illuminated artwork.

Let’s talk about some good foliage to consider when it’s time to get your hands in the dirt this spring.

It’s about the texture

When you’re planning your trip to the garden center, consider the texture of the plants you’re going to see. Plants typically come in three main textures: fine, coarse, and medium. Fine textured plants are the ones with thin, lightweight foliage. They might be ornamental grass plants, or they may have thin stems and fluffy leaves that create an interesting balance. Coarse textured plants are the ones with the large leaves or blossoms. They tend to grab your attention when you scan your yard. Medium textured plants fall somewhere in between. They aren’t overly large, but they’re not little and delicate either.

As a rule of thumb, you want to plan for 1/3 fine textures and 2/3 coarse and medium textures. But if you’re drawn to the fine textures, by all means, populate your landscape with them. It’s your home, after all.

Fine textured plants

The fun part about fine textured plants is that they give your garden or landscape a casual, fun feel. Their delicate silhouettes complement the bigger foliage and blossoms that threaten to steal the show. By adding these airier textures, you’ll get a sense of natural balance in your garden:

  • Tall verbena
  • Pretty sedge
  • Fennel
  • Baby’s breath

Coarse textured plants

Let’s talk about shadows. Coarse textured plants tend to create broad shadows, rather than the wispy shadows created by their fine textured counterparts. Think about painting with a broad brush – that’s what you’re doing with coarse textured plants. Many people think of tropical settings when they see coarse textured plants, thanks to their lush, oversized foliage and brilliant green hues:

  • Hostas – especially big-leaf hostas
  • Rhubarb
  • Dutchman’s pipe
  • Rhododendrons

Medium textured plants

Somewhere between fine and coarse, medium textured plants work to link the different sizes and textures in your landscape. They can also add elements of color and whimsy to the outdoor setting:

  • Impatiens
  • Daisies
  • Viburnum
  • Camellias

Bringing in the light

Outdoor lighting adds additional elements of depth and value to your landscape. Sure, a few solar-powered lights from the hardware store can illuminate the garden and cast shadows. But an experienced outdoor lighting professional can design outdoor lighting that creates its own artwork among the plants you so carefully selected. Using a combination of uplighting and downlighting, the lighting professionals at Luminocity can intentionally draw the eye to various areas in your landscape design and create depth and highlights, helping your home stand out during the day and at night as well.

Are you ready to update your outdoors this spring? Finish your landscape revival with outdoor lighting from Luminocity. Call us at 317-537-8055 for a quote or reach out to us here to start a conversation.

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4 Reasons Why Professional Outdoor Lighting Installation is Worth the Investment https://getluminocity.com/4-reasons-why-professional-lighting/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:36:45 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2567

Is professional outdoor lighting worth the money you spend? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Outdoor lighting not only enhances your home’s curb appeal and value, it can also offer extra security, shining light into the shadows around your home. But your return on investment can vary, depending on how the work is done and who’s doing it. A simple outdoor lighting design may seem like a DIY job, but not every homeowner is up to the task of choosing the right fixtures and strategically placing them around the property. Read on to find out why the experts at Luminocity inspired outdoor lighting are worth every penny you’ll spend.

A professional understands how light works

This sounds intuitive, right? You want light, you flip a switch. How hard is it? It turns out that light is an important part of the physics lessons you may or may not have taken in high school. You can’t touch light. You can’t smell it or hold it. But you can see what it reveals. Done well, light can be configured to reveal your home’s best features while creating an aesthetically pleasing work of art. Light placement must consider both the focus of the light and the way the light plays on the home’s features. Light illuminates the home, but it also can create more shadows. An expert understands how to incorporate the light and shadows into the lighting plan by using specific fixtures, placement and a combination of uplighting and downlighting for maximum impact.

A professional understands electricity

You wouldn’t hire an unlicensed electrician to install your indoor lights, so why should your outdoor lighting be any different? Luminocity Founder Karl Lundberg and his team are the best in the industry thanks to their hands-on experience and their investment in education, training, and lighting-related certification. In fact, Luminocity has two of only five Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technicians (CLVLT) in Indiana and is a member of the prestigious Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP). Homeowners can rest assured that their outdoor lighting has been professionally installed and meets all applicable lighting codes.

A professional has access to an extensive network

The right fixtures are essential to a breathtaking lighting effect. Choosing the right light fixtures and designing an outdoor lighting system can be overwhelming. Do you want traditional fixtures? LED bulbs? Different sizes? Our local big box stores typically stock lower end fixtures that are made of aluminum, which may need to be replaced often. They may only offer lower quality fixtures, switches, and timers. Professional outdoor lighting companies have access to durable fixtures that pay you back in longevity and beauty. Karl’s extensive professional network includes lighting experts around the country who can offer advice and leads on specific equipment.

A professional handles maintenance

The outdoor elements can leave a mark on any lighting design. Over time, fixtures can move, and wires may emerge from the ground. Trees and shrubberies grow each year, creating new shadows and changing the original design. Professional companies like Luminocity often offer a maintenance plan to restore lighting systems to their first-day perfection. Technicians will take over the chore of straightening path lighting and burying exposed wires. We’ll inspect and clean each fixture and replace old bulbs with fresh ones. There’s no need to get your hands dirty when you’re working with a professional outdoor lighting company like Luminocity.

Your home deserves the best in the outdoor lighting business. If you’re ready to talk about outdoor lighting solutions, turn to the experts at Luminocity inspired outdoor living. Call us at 317-537-8055 or reach out online now to start a conversation.

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Inspired Home Exterior Updates for the New Year https://getluminocity.com/inspired-home-exterior-updates-for-the-new-year/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:07:32 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2559

A new year can inspire fresh changes in your life. While you may be focusing adding more exercise into your weekly routine or changing your work habits, have you thought about what you can do for your home? After all, your home is a reflection of you. By incorporating a few timely updates, you can give your home a new appearance that is both refreshing and welcoming. Read on for some ideas from your friends at Luminocity.

Change the color

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to update your home and transform its appearance. Faded hues can make even the most timeless home design look outdated. Is it time to give you home a full makeover? Or could it benefit from a few new pops of color, like a rich red or deep blue front door? Your front door is often the first thing visitors encounter when they come to your home. It’s OK to be daring – if you decide you don’t love the color choice, it’s easy to change it. Want to go a bit further? Try adding an accent color to your home’s shutters, trim or exterior accents for a refreshing change.

Clean it up

Indiana’s weather can be rough on your home’s exterior. Dirt, mold and other debris can build up gradually, but once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. Consider renting a power washer to reveal your home’s original beauty. Of course, you always want to do your due diligence to make sure power washing is compatible with your home’s exterior. For instance, vinyl siding can usually handle the pressure, but old mortar on an historic home should be left alone. You also want to avoid hitting your outdoor lighting fixtures with a power washer. Fortunately, Luminocity can give your fixtures a thorough cleaning during a scheduled maintenance visit.

Update your plants and foliage

The late winter months are a great time to start thinking about your spring planting. Landscape designs don’t always age well. Plants can become overgrown or may fail due to poor location choices or soil conditions. You want an outdoor landscape that is lush and welcoming. Consider updating your mulch color and adding more floral plants and lush greenery to your home’s entryway. Talk to your local nursery about which shade trees can provide an extra layer of privacy and beauty around your home.

Remember to accessorize

When was the last time you replaced your welcome mat? If your humble doormat isn’t being very welcoming, it’s time for an update. Consider something that’s durable as well as pretty – you want visitors to leave the mud and grime outdoors. Looking for other colorful outdoor options? Purchase new cushions and pillows for your outdoor seating, or have fun with outdoor wall décor.

Let there be lighting updates

Professional outdoor lighting can be an impressive addition to your home’s exterior. The right lighting design will artfully highlight your home’s best features, drawing the eye to various focal points and enhancing your home’s quality and beauty. When you partner with Luminocity, you are working with a team of trained designers and lighting professionals who understand the science of outdoor lighting. We’ll use the optimal combination of fixtures and lighting technology to wrap your home in splendor. Do you already have a lighting system in place? The experts at Luminocity can add updates with new, focused fixtures and a thorough cleaning and inspection.

Elegant outdoor lighting adds beauty and security to the finest homes. If you’re ready to learn more about outdoor lighting, reach out to Luminocity at 317-537-8055 or schedule a consultation online now.

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7 Simple Tips to Prepare Your Indiana Home for Old Man Winter https://getluminocity.com/tips-to-prepare-your-indiana-home_for_winter/ Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:27:14 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2547
Prepare home for Indiana winter

Indiana winters can be finicky. One year, we’re enjoying temperatures in the 60s in January. Another year, we’re seeing roofs collapse due to the weight of the snow. Is your home ready for winter weather? Luminocity has tips to prepare your home for the colder months.

Take care of your pipes

If your home includes unheated portions like a garage, attic, or crawl space, pay attention to the plumbing. Foam or insulation may ensure they don’t freeze and burst, causing an expensive and messy problem. If your favorite meteorologist is calling for record lows, consider leaving cabinets open in your kitchen and bathroom areas so the warmer air will circulate around these pipes as well.

Keep the thermostat at a safe setting

As you’re packing up the family for a well-deserved tropical vacation, you may be tempted to save on your energy bills by turning off the heat. Turn it down, but don’t turn it off. Keep your thermostat set at no lower than 55°F. Does your household have thermostat wars? According to the US Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat setting in the winter is 68°F. Feel free to show this to your spouse if you need to settle an argument.

Prepare your gutters

Dead branches and leftover leaves can become a heavy burden when you add the weight of snow or ice. While you’re in outdoor cleaning mode, make sure to remove any debris around your outdoor HVAC unit.

Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Fireplaces or space heaters can keep you warm and cozy, but they are also potential fire hazards. Always unplug your space heater when you’re not using it, and never leave a fire unattended. Carbon monoxide buildup can be a greater hazard in the winter when we’re shut up in our homes. Never ever leave your car idling in your garage. If the power goes out and you need to recharge your mobile device in your car, make sure you’re parked outside where your car’s exhaust can blow out unimpeded.

Change your furnace filter

Your furnace filter is your home’s first defense against dust and debris that can be brought in from outside. A clean furnace filter means your furnace doesn’t have to work quite so hard to keep the indoors comfortable. Can’t remember the last time you changed your filter? Take it out for a quick look – if it doesn’t look clean, it’s time to spring for a replacement.

Shine a light on your home

Mother Nature does reveal some amazing artwork after a powerful winter storm. When you invest in your outdoor home lighting with Luminocity, you’re framing and highlighting the scene with an intentionally designed outdoor lighting layout. Your house will shine and the snow will sparkle when you partner with Luminocity.

Consider maintenance

When the cold weather hits, the last thing you want to do is dig through the snow to replace an outdoor lightbulb. That’s one of the many reasons we recommend our Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP.) When you purchase this plan, we’ll perform an annual maintenance check, replacing bulbs and inspecting and cleaning each fixture. If a bulb burns out during the next 12 months, we’ll come by to change it at no additional cost. Did you opt to have lighting installed by a different company? That’s OK. Our AMP covers lighting installed by anyone.

Winter is coming, but your home doesn’t have to suffer from the cold. Be prepared and illuminate your home’s natural beauty with Luminocity. You can schedule a consultation now by calling us at at (317) 537-8055 or contact us online now.

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What’s the Difference Between Uplighting and Downlighting? https://getluminocity.com/uplighting-and-downlighting/ Sun, 13 Nov 2022 17:46:54 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2538
Uplighting and downlighting can combine for a dramatic statement.

When you hire a professional lighting company like Luminocity, you’re hiring experts who know how to combine different lighting techniques that maximize your home’s beauty unique features. Inspired outdoor lighting is more than just a few flood lights aimed at your home. It’s a combination of different fixtures strategically placed to transform your home into an illuminated work of art. We rely on both uplighting and downlighting to create intersecting shadows and designs. What’s the difference between uplighting and downlighting? Read on.

Uplighting and downlighting

As their names suggest, uplighting and downlighting refer to direction. When we talk about uplighting, we’re talking about lights that are mounted at or near ground level, directing their beams upward. Downlighting refers to lights that are mounted above the target, shining down on your home and illuminating the area below.

When you light your home with Luminocity, you won’t feel like you’re sitting in an arena. Instead, your eyes will be drawn to specific points on your home. Done right, a combination of uplighting and downlighting will elevate your home into a class of its own.

Uplighting advantages

Uplighting is a great way to highlight trees and other natural resources on your property. Uplighting draws the eye up and emphasizes the textures and shape of the tree, whether you’re looking at snow-covered branches in the winter or a splendid leaf canopy during the summer. We might use uplighting to create unique or dramatic shadows that play over the textures and surfaces of your home and its surroundings. We often install uplighting at regular intervals around your home’s exterior, creating an orderly yet artistic experience.

Downlighting advantages

Downlighting creates the warm illumination that bids you welcome as you approach the home. We like to use downlighting to highlight specific parts of your home and yard, including entrances and landscape bedding. Because the lights are hidden, you don’t feel like you’re in the spotlight when you venture outside. Instead, you feel like you’re walking in an artistic masterpiece.

The art and science of lighting

Exterior home lighting enhances your home’s ambiance and adds an extra layer of security. Little details have major implications, which is why an inspired outdoor lighting company like Luminocity is your ticket to a tasteful and sophisticated tableau that you can’t get from a big box hardware store. When you work with Luminocity, you’re working with certified low-voltage lighting technicians who understand how light can emphasize your home without overwhelming it.

A well-lit home makes you feel like you’re walking into a warm hug on a cold winter evening. If you’re ready to illuminate your greatest investment, call Luminocity now at (317) 537-8055 or contact us online.

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Extend the Open-Air Entertaining Season with Outdoor Lighting https://getluminocity.com/extend-the-open-air-entertaining-season-with-outdoor-lighting/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:37:06 +0000 https://getluminocity.com/?p=2523
Extend outdoor entertaining
Fall isn’t over yet. Stay outside with Luminocity.

As the Midwest moves into the cooler months, we may be looking at ways to prolong our outdoor activities. After all, there’s nothing quite like eating outside on your patio on a warm fall evening or hosting a party where the guests feel welcome to spill outside for cozy conversations and fresh air. Although Indiana days continue to shorten in October, strategically placed lighting can illuminate your outdoor gatherings and lengthen the outdoor entertaining season.

Lighting the Way

If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or bonfire, you want guests to be comfortable navigating your outdoor entertainment spaces. Pathway lighting from Luminocity can add a measure of safety and security without compromising the outdoor ambiance. Luminocity can also add important outdoor lighting to your outside stairs, which comes in handy when your guests are holding their drinks or you’re bringing out a fall-inspired dessert.

Setting the Scene

When guests can congregate indoors and outdoors, you double your entertainment space and offer options for spontaneous celebrations or quiet contemplation. Luminocity’s special services include lanterns, torches and bollards – freestanding lights that shine a little extra illumination on the party. Our special landscape and deck lightning not only offers additional security, it also highlights the home environment you’ve worked so hard to build and design. Whether you’re adding string lighting for a party or trying to create an art show among your home’s greenery and structures, Luminocity will help the light shine through.

Intentional Highlights

You may wonder why you can’t just rent some extra light fixtures for your soiree. Sure, that’s an option, but do you really want your guests to feel like they’re being interrogated? When you partner with Luminocity, you’ll work with a company that has years of experience that brings your outdoor lighting to unprecedented levels. Each lighting design is created intentionally to highlight certain features and keep others in the dark. Treat your guests to something special when they visit your home.

You have worked hard for your home, and now it’s time to shine a light on it. With Luminocity, you can add another layer of artistry to your domicile. Extend the outdoor entertaining season and impress your guests with a backyard oasis designed specifically for your home. Whether you’re planning a backyard wedding, company gathering, or fall party, you deserve the best in outdoor lighting options. Contact  Luminocity or call us at 317-537-8055 now to discuss ideas for keeping the lights on in every season.

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