Looking to spend more time outside, even as the temperatures start to fall the coming months? We have some tips for keeping the lights on outdoors for your big parties and cozy gatherings.

Understanding the ambiance of outdoor entertaining

When considering outdoor lighting for entertaining, it’s essential to think about the ambiance you want to create. Lighting sets the mood and can influence the atmosphere of your gathering. Soft, warm lighting tends to create a cozy and intimate feel, perfect for dinner parties or relaxed gatherings. On the other hand, brighter and more focused lighting might be preferable for activities like games or larger gatherings where visibility is key.

Types of outdoor lighting for entertaining

There are several types of outdoor lighting to consider, each serving different purposes:

Pathway lighting: Path lights not only add a decorative touch but also ensure safety by illuminating walkways, steps, and driveways.

String lights: Perhaps the most popular choice for outdoor entertaining, string lights create a charming and whimsical atmosphere. They can be draped along fences, strung overhead across a patio, or wrapped around tree trunks. LED string lights are energy-efficient and come in various shapes and colors to suit different styles.

Spotlights and uplighting: These are ideal for highlighting focal points in your outdoor space, such as architectural features, plants, or artwork. Uplighting and downlighting can create dramatic effects and draw attention to specific areas.

Lanterns and candlelight: For a more rustic or traditional look, lanterns and candles provide soft, flickering light that adds warmth and charm to outdoor tables and seating areas. Flameless candles or solar-powered lanterns offer a safer and more convenient alternative.

Practical considerations

In addition to aesthetics, there are practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing outdoor lighting:

Weather resistance: Outdoor lighting fixtures should be weatherproof to withstand rain, wind, and other outdoor elements. Look for fixtures with an IP rating that indicates their level of waterproofing and durability.

Energy efficiency: Opt for LED lights wherever possible, as they are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. (Of course, if you like calling on Luminocity frequently because you have burned out incandescent bulbs, you are welcome to remain in the old school group.)

4 design tips for outdoor lighting

To achieve the best results with outdoor lighting for entertaining, consider working with a Luminocity certified lighting designer who can identify key focal points of your home and property and light them accordingly.

Layered lighting: Combine different types of lighting to create depth and interest. For example, pair string lights with pathway lights and spotlights to illuminate various areas of your outdoor space.

Create zones: Define different zones within your outdoor area, such as dining, lounging, and cooking areas, and use lighting to delineate each space effectively.

Avoid glare: Position lights strategically to minimize glare and ensure comfortable visibility without harsh shadows.

Experiment and personalize: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting arrangements and styles to find what works best for your space and personal taste.

Maintenance and safety

Regular maintenance of outdoor lighting is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety. Clean fixtures regularly to remove dirt and debris, replace bulbs as needed, and check wiring for any signs of wear or damage. Or, leave the messy chores to the staff at Luminocity. Our maintenance plan helps you keep your system operating at peak efficiency month-after-month. The plan includes a thorough cleaning and inspection, as well as fresh bulbs for your quartz-halogen system.

A thoughtful outdoor lighting designs opens up opportunities to stay outdoors even as the days grow shorter. If you’re ready to explore outdoor lighting—or you’re ready to update your existing outdoor lighting design, reach out to Luminocity now for a consultation. Or, call us at 317-537-8055.

As summer stretches its warm arms over central Indiana, our outdoor spaces have become an extension of our homes. Long evenings spent grilling, entertaining friends, or simply relaxing under the stars all benefit from a well-maintained outdoor lighting system by Luminocity. But with extended use comes the need for proper care. We’ve assembled some important tips to keep your outdoor lighting shining brightly throughout the summer:

Safety first this summer

Make sure your lights are off before you take a close look at your entire outdoor lighting system. Check for cracked bulbs, loose wiring, or any signs of water damage. Pay close attention to areas where fixtures meet the ground or where cords might be exposed to lawnmowers or weed whackers.

Know your limits: If you notice any frayed wires, exposed components, or flickering lights, don’t attempt repairs yourself. Call Luminocity to address any electrical concerns.

Weather resistance is key: Ensure all your outdoor lighting fixtures are rated for outdoor use. Look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing on the fixture itself. This indicates it’s been tested and approved for safe exposure to the elements. Luminocity primarily relies on fixtures by Sterling Lighting or Lumien, offering high quality you can’t often find in your big box hardware store.

Shine bright, shine efficiently this summer

Don’t rely on summer storms to keep your outdoor lights shining clearly. You may be surprised to discover that a thorough cleaning adds a brilliance you didn’t know you had in your outdoor lighting system.

Clean fixtures for optimal performance: Dirt, dust, and cobwebs can accumulate on your fixtures throughout the year, reducing their effectiveness. Regularly wipe down your fixtures with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. For particularly dirty lenses, remove them for a more thorough cleaning.

Embrace LED technology: Consider switching your outdoor bulbs to LEDs. LEDs are not only energy-efficient, saving you money on your electricity bill, but they also last significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Harness the power of timers and sensors: Maximize efficiency and convenience this summer with timers and motion sensors. Timers allow you to set specific lighting hours, ensuring your lights aren’t burning unnecessarily. Motion sensors automatically activate lights when movement is detected, providing targeted illumination only when needed.

Enhance your outdoor oasis

Your home is your castle, and it deserves something better than an ordinary outdoor lighting system this summer. How can you make your outdoor lighting stand out?

Work with a custom lighting designer: Lighting may seem like a simple process, but certified lighting design teams understand the nuances and need for unique placement of light and shadows.

Let there be light, but not light pollution: Be mindful of light spill. Direct your lights downwards to illuminate your desired areas and avoid casting unwanted glare upwards into the night sky. This not only helps your neighbors but also helps preserve the natural night environment for nocturnal creatures.

Think beyond summer: While summer is the prime time for outdoor living, consider your lighting needs throughout the year. Opt for classic and timeless designs that complement your home’s overall aesthetic. Choose fixtures made from durable materials that can withstand the changing seasons.

Luminocity can service your outdoor lighting system

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your outdoor lighting system shining brightly this summer and beyond. You may be someone who loves to muck around in the dirt checking for broken bulbs and frayed wires, or you may prefer to let the experts handle the dirty work. If you’re the latter, Luminocity’s maintenance plan is an efficient, cost-effective solution. Our trained technicians will clean and inspect each fixture, bury any exposed wires, and trim foliage for optimal lighting. We’ll also change any burnt-out bulbs at no cost during the next 12 months.

Let Luminocity give you the summer outdoor lighting you deserve. Reach out now at 317-537-8055 to schedule a consultation. Shine bright this summer – and beyond – with the professionals at Luminocity.

Light up your home

Do you live in a neighborhood where neighbors meet for impromptu gatherings on a warm summer evening? Create an inviting setting with a home that is awash in light. Don’t settle for just any lighting design, however. When you work with a custom outdoor lighting designer like Luminocity, you’re working with someone who specializes only in outdoor lighting. This means you’ll partner with people like our founder, Karl Lundberg, a Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician and Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer. Karl and his staff go beyond the ordinary to craft designs worthy of your home. They’ll spend time looking for specific focal points that can be highlighted through a combination of uplighting and downlighting, and they’ll elevate your home to starring status with inspired lighting.

Keep the pathways lit

After the sun goes down, it’s tempting to stay inside because you worry about tripping or falling in the darkness. Pathway lighting gives you a measure of security when you opt to stay outside for late-night drinks on the patio or a family gathering that continues past bedtime. Again, a company like Luminocity can install pathway lighting that is effective without being obtrusive. You want to enjoy the light without being in the spotlight!

Light your landscape

If you’re like everyone in Indiana, you’ve spent the last couple of months celebrating the return of warmer weather and coaxing your outdoor landscape back to its initial beauty. All this hard work deserves to be highlighted, and Luminocity can create masterpieces from Mother Nature’s creations. Certain features, like lush trees and foliage, cast complex and beautiful shadows when they’re professionally lit. A good landscape design also lets you enjoy your property when you’re indoors. When you look out your kitchen window after dark, what would you rather see? An inky black darkness or a beautifully lit yard that draws the eye outdoors?

Shining through water

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, pond, or other water feature on your property, you’re going to want to enjoy them even after the sun goes down. Luminocity installs light that enhances the look of falling water and creates a soothing combination of sights and sounds for those wonderful summer nights. But water feature lighting can bring its own challenges. Underwater fixtures must have a specific Ingress Protection (IP) rating to withstand the pressure of being submerged under water. Light doesn’t travel through water like it does through air, either. Leave this job to the lighting experts at Luminocity.

Lighting the gathering spots

Do your dinner party guests tend to spill onto the deck and patio area? A professional lighting design increases your available entertaining space and encourages visitors to enjoy the comfortable temperatures we enjoy after the Indiana sun goes down.

Shining a light on the shadows

There’s a lot to love about summer, but warmer weather can also bring seasonal challenges. Sadly, our crime rates tend to heat up as the temperature rises in the summer. Fortunately, your outdoor lighting investment can pay you back in increased home security. A well-lit yard also cuts down on those light-night stumbles when you’re gathering the toys and games left over from daytime adventures.

Don’t spend another summer in darkness! Talk to Luminocity now about a custom lighting design for your home. Call us at 317-537-8055 now to set up a consultation, and prepare for a summer of light!

If your home is sitting in the dark – or if your current outdoor lighting setup needs a makeover, Luminocity is your go-to landscape lighting expert. Let’s look at why new outdoor lighting is such a good idea this fall.

1. The days are getting shorter, and you need more light

Indianapolis has just over 12 hours of daylight when fall officially begins on September 23. We’re on our way to the shortest day, December 21, when we will see only 9 hours and 21 minutes of daylight. That’s a lot of darkness around your home. Professionally installed outdoor lighting does more than point floodlights at your home. Done right, it enhances the look of your home and yard, makes it easier to get around at night, and adds additional security to your property.

2. Your trees and foliage aren’t so fragile in the fall

We love spring, with its bursts of blossoms and tender green leaves. But even the most careful contractor may break a few twigs or crush a new blossom during a landscape or lighting project. When you opt for a fall installation, however, many of the trees and plants around your home are entering their dormant phase. We’ll always be careful, but fall makes it easier to protect your landscape design.

3. Outdoor lighting helps extend the outdoor entertaining season

Indiana summers never seem to last long enough, do they? With the right lighting, you don’t have to pack up the outdoor party plans just yet. Extend the open-air entertaining season now with a professional outdoor lighting design. Sure, the pool may be covered, but there’s still plenty of time for a bonfire bash. Pathway lighting, deck lighting, lanterns, torches and bollards will bring the necessary illumination for continued outdoor soirees.

4. You’ll enjoy peace of mind

Security is a top homeowner concern. Between the shorter days and the gloomy skies, you may have many dark pockets around your home. Outdoor lighting fills in their dark spaces with light, making your home less tempting for potential criminals. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of beauty along with the safety aspect of outdoor lighting. What’s not to love?

5. Outdoor lighting highlights the winter landscape

While spring and summer may seem like landscape stars, fall and winter are waiting in the wings, ready to take the stage with their own unique beauty. Whether you’re highlighting your snow-shrouded home or you’re playing with the shadows cast by bare trees, outdoor lighting can add an additional layer of beauty to your home during the colder months.

If you’ve been thinking about adding outdoor landscape lighting to your home, let’s talk. Fall is the perfect time to spotlight your home’s unique details with a professional design by Luminocity inspired landscape lighting. Discover the Luminocity difference with our attention to detail and our expert training from industry leading manufacturers and the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. Book your consultation now by calling us at 317-537-8055, or contact us online now. Fall in love with your home again when you add professional outdoor lighting by Luminocity!

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!

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.

Autumn is coming, and we’ve got all your top fall maintenance tips to keep your outdoor lighting in good shape during the colder seasons. With the help of Luminocity, your outdoor lighting system can keep shining no matter the weather or temperature. Our Central Indiana neighbors know they can rely on Luminocity for the best maintenance in the business, so check out these tips and call our lighting experts for your next consultation!

Clean outdoor lighting fixtures

Your fixtures can’t shine bright if they’re covered in water deposits, dirt or debris from summer storms. Fall is a great time to get them clean again before it gets too cold and snow/salt packs on another layer of grime. Turn off the circuit breaker to your outdoor system just in case, and you can use warm water and mild soap to clean off your fixtures. You can also use this solution or a commercial cleaner to get any glass panes squeaky clean and shining brightly again. 

Clear off leaves and tree limbs

Autumn in the Midwest also brings falling leaves that can cover up your outdoor lighting. Letting them pile up may cause damage to your fixtures or the system overall. We recommend regularly raking your yard of falling leaves, and you can also take that time to check the ground for any exposed wires from your lighting system and rebury them. You can also use this time to trim any trees or shrubs to reduce falling leaves and maintain the design elements of your outdoor lighting. When Luminocity crafts your home’s lighting design using our fall maintenance tips, we always consider which trees to highlight and which to keep dark. 

Update your lighting system timer

An outdoor lighting timer can be a huge convenience to your daily schedule. Rather than remembering to turn on your lights each night, your timer or smart lights can do it for you! But as the weather gets colder, you’re probably spending less time in your outdoor living space. And with the sun setting earlier every day and daylight savings time ending on Nov. 7, you’ll want to make sure to update your outdoor timer to best fit your family’s schedule and needs. 

Consider investing in our AMP

Are you overwhelmed at the thought of adding these fall maintenance tips to your to-do list? Give the Luminocity team a call! Our Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP) includes all of these tasks to keep your lighting system operating at peak efficiency! We replace all quartz-halogen bulbs with fresh ones and check on the quality of any LED bulbs. We will inspect and clean every fixture, bury exposed wires, trim bushes for optimal lighting effect, and reset your system timer as needed. And as a bonus — there is no charge for any bulbs that burn out in the next 12 months, nor for any minor service needs, like a cut wire! Our AMP is truly your best value for outdoor lighting maintenance. 

Schedule a fall consult with Luminocity

If you are in need of a new outdoor lighting design or would like to update your existing system, the lighting experts at Luminocity would love to assist you. We service all systems – not just the ones that we installed. Our team has an eye for great design by knowing what type of fixture is best suited for each task, what lighting effect is desired and where fixtures should be placed to achieve it. And you can always trust that a Luminocity installation (including proper voltage) is done professionally.

Schedule your consultation with the Luminocity team online or at 317-537-8055 today and we’ll have your home shining brightly all fall long!

Spring weather will be here before we know it! As the warmer weather begins, you’ll want to do a bit of maintenance to prepare the exterior lighting around your home and outdoor living spaces to ensure you enjoy your home to the fullest. Review this checklist as spring hits, and remember that Luminocity is here to help you maintain and improve your outdoor lighting too!

Look for Damage from Winter

Sledding and playing in the snow is one of the most fun parts of winter, but it can also mean your light fixtures get hit and need adjusted. Fixtures can also be moved out of alignment by the ground freezing and thawing. If you have concerns about the alignment of your fixtures, our technicians are always happy to adjust them for you. 

Also look for exposed cables, especially in high traffic areas or if your children or pets like to dig. If you are sure the cables are not damaged, you can rebury them, but you can always call in your Luminocity professional to inspect them and rebury them. 

Spring Cleaning

Snow, salt and plant debris can leave the lenses of your outdoor lights much dimmer than intended, so you’ll want to clean them well and replace any that are scratched. Keeping your lights bright not only allows them to look beautiful, but also function the way they were meant to for your safety and security. 

In addition to the lenses, you may need to clean the metal or plastic parts of your lighting fixtures. You’ll want to do this before cleaning the lenses, and they can often be sufficiently cleaned with soap and water. You can also apply wax or polish on certain types of metals to help prevent future damage, but you should double check with the light manufacturer or your lighting technician first.

Reset your Lighting Timer

As the seasons change and daylight savings time begins (March 8) you’ll want to adjust your outdoor lighting timer to properly illuminate your home when dusk hits and to turn off and save energy during the day. If you have an analog timer, you’ll need to update it manually. You could also take the changing season to upgrade your lighting system to smart bulbs that you can control from your smart device or smart speaker. 

New Improvements

Spring is a great time to assess your outdoor lighting and make any improvements. Your Luminocity lighting professionals would love to meet with you as spring begins to check out your current lighting and make improvements or additions to your landscape. Luminocity offers a huge variety of lighting options for your home, including:

• Walkway and Path Lighting
• Driveway Lighting
• Spotlights
• Flood Lights
• Pool and Pond Lights
• Deck and Step Lighting
• Hardscape Lighting
• Lanterns and Torches
• Hanging Lights
• And much more!

Luminocity is prepared to help you not just maintain, but improve the function and aesthetics of your outdoor lighting this spring. Contact us today to set up your consultation!

“April showers bring May flowers” so the old saying goes. And with those showers, inevitably comes thunder and lightning. Thunder and lightning storms are exciting to watch. It is nature at its most entertaining form. As a child I used to guess how close a lightning strike was by counting off the seconds from flash from the strike to the boom of the thunder. I used the five seconds per mile rule. I saw a big tree that was hit by lightning and marveled at its power as it was blasted apart.

Each year thousands are killed by lightning and many more are hit and survive. People don’t do well when struck by lightning but what about landscape lightning? A couple of years ago a customer’s home was hit by lightning. Several electronics items such as his big screen TV were ruined. His lights didn’t work. I feared the worst. I thought that his quartz halogen bulbs were fried. When I opened the transformer I noted that the circuit breakers had tripped. I reset them and presto – all his lights worked fine. The customer and I were both elated!

This summer one of my customers in Carmel called and told me that they had been the victims of a lightning strike. It was a bad one. Their computer, televisions and even the thermostat were destroyed. They told me that the LED lights I installed three years ago weren’t working. I reflected back on my previous experience and hoped that the result would be the same. I was wrong. We tested each fixture and the results were enlightening. One fixture even had the insulation burned off the connecting wire.

Out of the 45 fixtures connected to four transformers, 36 were destroyed with nine still serviceable. The transformers and digital timers were fine and I was glad that they did not need to be replaced. Just as I was impressed with how powerful lightning can be on a huge oak tree, I was again awe struck by what this force of nature can do to landscape lighting.

I found that most of the lights that survived were in one area of the yard. The ones wired to the other three transformers didn’t fare so well. Why it was this way I am not sure – lightning can be strange. It is dangerous. From this experience I learned that lightning is no friend to LED landscape lights, and that it is important to have homeowners insurance in the event of unexpected disasters.