The short answer is yes. If you are considering installing a landscape lighting system at your Long Island home, it is important that you choose LED’s for outdoor use. There is a significant difference between indoor and outdoor LED’s. Although they both work the same way, the harsh weather conditions that outdoor lights experience can drastically shorten the life of LED’s that are designed to work indoors.
Light Emitting Diodes, otherwise known as LED’s, is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. They use approximately 10% of the energy that traditional light bulbs use and last many years. Although more expensive to purchase they will, over time, save you time and money in energy costs and replacements.
It is important to note, that there is a significant difference between indoor LED’s and outdoor LED’s used for landscape lighting. The semiconductor and driver inside is basically the same however the housing that contains these components is constructed of different material made to protect the internal components.
The housing that the device is encased in must be watertight, and protected from dust, dirt, insects, and debris. LED’s do not give off as much heat as traditional bulbs however they do give off some heat and must be dissipated through the body of the light. If you compare the indoor LED vs. the outdoor LED the outdoor LED has heavy duty metal fins to move the heat away. The body and glass are thicker and better sealed to protect from outside influences. LED’s made for outdoors work very well with temperature change and will work well for environments that range from sub-freezing to scorching.
Another positive regarding outdoor LED’s is that many older inefficient lighting systems can be retrofitted with these energy saving lights. There are several manufacturers that make LED’s for almost all types of landscape lights. If you are purchasing LED’s for outdoors please be careful when purchasing at the big box stores as I do not see quality outdoor LED’s on their shelves.
Rain Rich has been designing and installing Landscape Lighting Systems on Long Island for over 20 years. We also service existing systems installed by others. Please visit our website at www.rainrich.com or click here to receive more information on how we can assist you in keeping your home safe, secure, and beautiful all year!
