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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fall is here in Central Indiana, and with it comes the shift toward shorter days and cooler temperatures. You know what that means: it’s time to prepare your outdoor lighting system for the cold months ahead! Whether you’re planning on using your outdoor space year-round or just want to preserve it for next summer, Luminocity has you covered with our 4 maintenance tips for fall to keep your outdoor lighting system shining all season long. 

1. Clear away leaves and tree limbs

It’s important to clear leaves and tree limbs off your outdoor lighting system on a regular basis. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your lights and leaving your home in the dark. Fortunately, it’s easy to do this yourself. First, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker to your outdoor lighting system. Next, use a leaf blower or broom to clear away any leaves or debris. Then, turn on your outdoor lights and enjoy your well-lit home! 

2. Clean off outdoor lighting fixtures

Over the course of the year, dirt and grime can build up on your outdoor lighting fixtures which can cause them to lose some of their brightness. As we transition into a new season, now is the perfect time to clean your outdoor lighting fixtures. First, head back to the circuit breaker of your outdoor lighting system and turn it off.  Then, use warm water and mild soap to clean off all fixtures. A quick clean will have your outdoor lighting system shining brightly again!

3. Reset your system timer

If you have an automatic timer for your outdoor lighting system, now is the time to reset it for the fall. With the sun setting earlier every day and daylight savings time ending on November 6, you’ll want to make sure your lights are turning on and off at the right times. Resetting your lighting system timer is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply find your timer, consult the owner’s manual, and make the necessary adjustments. Done! Once your timer is updated, you can rest assured that your outdoor lighting system will be ready for the shorter days and longer nights of autumn. 

4. Invest in our Annual Maintenance Plan

Fall maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache. With Luminocity’s Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP), we’ll take care of all outdoor lighting maintenance for you! When we perform an AMP on your quartz-halogen system we replace all bulbs with fresh ones. Our Luminocity outdoor lighting experts will inspect and clean every fixture, bury exposed wires, and trim bushes to achieve an optimal lighting effect. We will also check your system timer and reset as needed. When it comes to keeping your system operating at peak efficiency month after month, our AMP is your best value.

If you are in need of a new outdoor lighting system or would like to update your existing system, the lighting experts at Luminocity would love to assist you. Schedule your professional consult with the Luminocity team online or at 317-537-8055. We’d love to keep your system running smoothly all fall long!

When you need outdoor lighting services, you want someone who has been specifically trained and licensed to take on this important task. However, throughout the United States, there are no clearly defined national standards for an outdoor lighting expert. In fact, in most states, the test given to license outdoor lighting technicians has little or nothing to do with the actual work they perform. So, what clearly identifies a professional from others in the industry? Take a look at these important certifications. 

AOLP Certification

Luminocity has been serving Central Indiana since 2010 with hundreds of installations under our belt, and more importantly, hundreds of happy customers. How can you find a trusted outdoor lighting expert like the techs at Luminocity? Look for someone with certification from the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP).

Established in 2001, the purpose of AOLP is to advance the outdoor lighting industry and support technicians by establishing professional ethics and standards of business. If an individual or company wants to be recognized as an outdoor lighting expert, they can become an AOLP Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) and/or Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD).

Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT)

AOLP administers a CLVLT exam to measure the outdoor lighting knowledge and capabilities of applicants. The test consists of six sections that include both written and hands-on components. Upon receiving a passing grade, applicants are listed as Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technicians. This certification must be renewed every two years. 

Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD)

When it comes to outdoor lighting, there are no set rules to memorize. However, there are a series of fundamental principles that are universally acknowledged to form the basis of “good and responsible” design. AOLP offers a one-year COLD program to help technicians develop this discipline, requiring them to analyze their work in peer group settings and through in-depth subject matter. Once complete, applicants are listed as Certified Outdoor Lighting Designers. 

Get to know your local outdoor lighting expert

Luminocity is home to two of only five Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technicians in the state of Indiana, as well as the only Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer. As a member of the AOLP, the Luminocity team receives training from industry-leading manufacturers and continues to further expertise by networking with other outdoor lighting professionals from across the United States. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we make it a point to keep current with the latest innovations in outdoor lighting and design. 

At Luminocity, our goal is to create a masterpiece, as we paint with light– beauty and elegance. We take pride in our team’s depth of experience and promise to continue to provide the excellent outdoor lighting service we are known for. If you would like to schedule a lighting consultation, reach out to Luminocity at (317) 537-8055 or contact us online. 

Outdoor lighting is transformative. It enhances the look of your home and yard, makes it easier to get around at night, and can even make your property more secure. But there are also some outdoor lighting facts vs. myths that might make you think twice before installing new lights yourself or hiring a landscaper to do it for you. Luminocity takes a “myth busters” approach to separate the facts from fiction when working with our professional installers.

Myth: Outdoor lighting costs too much money

Many times, homeowners assume that the cost of an outdoor lighting system will be too expensive. Yes, the initial cost can be considerably higher than what you might purchase from a big box store. However, long-term LED outdoor lighting costs 1/5 of what traditional halogen lighting or other systems use. With savings over time and increased safety and security in your home or business, it’s well worth the investment!

Myth: Outdoor lighting takes too much time

It typically takes half of a day to a full day for outdoor lighting technicians to install a fully functional lighting system for both the front and back of most homes. Even better is that trusted, proven crews can work at your home while you manage your work and free time, so you don’t have to sit around at home and wait for them to install your system.

Myth: Anyone can buy and install outdoor lighting from a big box store and get the same results

Yes, as a homeowner you can get your outdoor lighting cheaper from a big box store. But there’s a catch: odds are you may not know how to install them properly. Sure, you could go online and attempt to figure it out, but is this always better? Do you want to be responsible for troubleshooting problems with your own system like a trained professional would? To this myth, we say – no way! 

Myth: Landscapers can install the same lighting system for less money

While it is true that landscapers may be able to install the same lighting system for less money, it may not be worth saving a few hundred bucks upfront only to have to pay more in the long run due to the decreased lifespan of the materials themselves. All systems require regular maintenance and inspection checks throughout their lifespan. With the Luminocity Annual Maintenance Plan, we will inspect and clean each fixture and take care of any minor service needs for no extra charge.

Myth: All outdoor lighting companies are the same

Outdoor lighting companies are not all created equal. There are dozens of installers who care more about making a quick buck than providing a high-quality system. Typically, these installers are uninsured, inexperienced and sloppy regarding design and installation. How do you know which company is right for you? A top-rated outdoor lighting company like Luminocity is one that takes pride in making your home look amazing. They don’t cut corners. Rather, they use safe, high-quality fixtures and create outstanding designs based on your home’s needs. 

Outdoor lighting is a wonderful way to make your home more beautiful and secure. We hope sharing our expert insights has helped you better understand the outdoor lighting facts vs. myths. If you would like to schedule a lighting consultation, reach out to Luminocity at (317) 537-8055 or contact us online.