How to Add Landscape Lighting to Existing

What you need to consider before adding landscape lighting

Now that you know it’s possible to add landscape lighting to your existing system, there are a few considerations before starting this exciting new project. These considerations will help you plan out where you want your new lights to go, whether your existing system has the capacity to handle more wattage, and what type of lights you want.

The size of your transformer

The size of your transformer indicates whether your existing landscape lighting system has the capability to take on more energy. If you have a large transformer, your system can handle more lights compared to a smaller transformer. Avoid overloading your transformer with more than what it’s capable of running or else you might overwork it or you’ll have to constantly reset it.

It’s also important to note that you should avoid running your transformer at full capacity. This can also overwork your transformer and cause it to heat up or stop working. A general rule is to operate your transformer at 80% of its maximum capacity. For example, you should only have a 160 watts load on a transformer capable of operating at 200 watts. If each light bulb operates at 20 watts, this means your transformer can safely operate with 8 lamps running simultaneously.

It’s possible to upgrade your transformer to a bigger size if you’re adding additional lights to your existing landscape lighting system and your current transformer is already at or close to the recommended operating capacity. You can also add a second transfer instead of upgrading your current one depending on the costs of upgrading and how many more lights you want.

However, if your current transformer isn’t being used at the recommended maximum capacity yet, it’s possible to simply have more lights installed without upgrading your transformer.

The type of landscape lighting you want

As you might already know, there are several types of landscape lights you can choose for your outdoor space. For example, step lights are great for illuminating your stairs, spot lights can help highlight a specific area, and flood lights can easily light up large spaces.

Think about where you want to add more lights and the type of lights that would work best with those areas. For spaces that need high visibility, like your walkway or stairs, it’s best to avoid flood lights that are too bright and wide. Flood lights can sometimes be too blinding in a small space, making it hard for people to see.

It’s also important to decide whether you want LED or halogen lights. LED lights are more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs, which means you can run LED lights for longer with the same amount of watts it takes to run one halogen bulb. You can save a significant amount of money throughout the years even when you use your landscape lights year-round.

If you already use an LED landscape lighting system, that’s great news! You can simply add the additional lights where you want them to go. However, if your current system uses halogen bulbs, consider upgrading to an LED system at the same time as adding additional lights.

Abulous Lighting can help you upgrade your existing halogen landscape lighting system to an LED system and install additional lights where you want them. Not only will they save you money on your energy bill, but LED lights are also easier to maintain.

Where you want your lights

Are there specific areas where you want extra lighting? How many additional light sources do you want to add? These are important questions to ask because you want to spend your money wisely.

If you aren’t sure of what works best to make the outside of your house even more appealing and complement the lights you already have, we’re here to help. We specialize in high-value, cost-effective custom designs for your home. Tell us what you have in mind and we can provide suggestions and tips for what would work best with what you have.

Need more information?

Phone: 770-521-2805
Email:  Contact@AbulousLighting.com