Is outdoor lighting a good investment? At Luminocity, we often hear this question from potential customers who talk to us about bringing light to their central Indiana homes and property. Sure, a good outdoor lighting system can beautify your home and set it apart from others, but in today’s economy, everyone wants to make sure they’re getting a good return on their investment.

In our more than 15 years of experience and extensive research, we believe the answer is a resounding yes. In addition to its beauty, outdoor lighting can pay you back in terms of safety and home value. Let’s look at what a quality outdoor lighting system can do for you.

A savvy investment: Enhanced safety and security

Let’s face it. Lights turn off criminals. Common sense says a dark home is much more inviting to a thief than a well-lit one, and studies confirm it. According to a study conducted in New York City, outdoor lighting was correlated to a 39% decrease in crime at night for nearly 80 public housing developments.

But lighting security also extends to the people who live in and visit your home. Well-placed outdoor lights illuminate pathways, stairs, and driveways, significantly reducing the risk of trips and falls in the dark. Did you know that falling is one of the most common forms of injury at home? More than 38,000 deaths were attributed to falls by people ages 65 and older in a recent study. However, most central Indiana homeowners don’t want to be blinded by spotlights as they approach their front doors, either. That’s why Luminocity has invested in proper education and certification to understand how to use light judiciously and create enhanced safety that doesn’t compromise your home’s beauty.

A financial investment: Increased curb appeal and property value

Outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, highlighting architectural features, landscaping, and garden beds. This improved curb appeal creates a more welcoming ambiance for guests and can significantly increase your property’s perceived value. When you look at the various home projects that add value to your home, outdoor lighting makes the list. According to Zillow, homes that include outdoor lighting in their descriptions sell 3.1 days faster than similar home. They also see a 1.6% increase in their sales price.

A lifestyle investment: Extended enjoyment of outdoor living spaces

Summer is almost here, and Indiana homeowners are ready for open-air evening dining and late-night pool parties. Outdoor lighting transforms your patios, decks, and seating areas into usable spaces long after sunset. This allows you to enjoy outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing in your backyard for more hours of the day, effectively extending your living space.

Aesthetic investment: Focal points and architectural details

Strategic placement of outdoor lights can draw attention to your property’s unique features, such as a beautiful tree, a water feature, or interesting architectural elements. Uplighting, spotlights, and path lights can add depth and drama to your landscape, creating a captivating nighttime ambiance. We find that accent lights will draw the eye to a specific area or focal point, like a water feature or unique landscaped area. When you work with a professional lighting designer like Luminocity, you’re also purchasing expertise that comes from years of experience and training. We approach every property as an individual palette, ready to be transformed by intentional and creative lighting.

Environmental investment: Energy efficiency and cost savings

Modern outdoor lighting, especially LED options, is highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs. LEDs also have a much longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering maintenance costs. While the initial investment in LED fixtures might be slightly higher, the long-term energy savings and reduced upkeep offer a significant return on investment.

If you’re looking to enhance your home and receive a generous return on your investment, reach out to Luminocity now. The Luminocity difference means you’ll be collaborating with a firm that does nothing but outdoor lighting. We focus on one thing, and we put all our energy into doing it right. Call Luminocity now for a free consultation: 317-537-8055.

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.

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!