Looking to shed some light outside? Whether you’re looking to add a twinkle to your deck, wanting to see your grill after dark, or seeking extra security, there are multiple ways to light up your outdoor space. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you find the best way that fits your needs.

Plug In Lights

Pros: The simplest and easiest way to brighten things up is as easy as plugging in a strand of string lights into an exterior outlet. Most building codes require a certain amount of outlets outside your home, and you’ll usually be able to find at least one near the front and back doors. With splitters, extension cords, or remote-plug ins, you can take full advantage of the outlets you have access to. 

Cons: If you decide to use extension cords, be sure to check that they are intended for outdoor use and be careful with how you utilize them. If used improperly, cords can not only be a trip hazard, but can pose worse risks like fire or shock hazards. 

Solar Lights

Pros: If an outlet isn’t accessible or you’re looking for something a little different, solar powered outdoor lights offer a variety of choices. Without wires or battery packs, they’re good for the environment and easy to place. From floodlights to path lights, you should be able to find the light for you without the stress of tangled cords or far-away outlets. 

Cons: Solar lights are easy and eco-friendly, but their placement is key. They need to have access to adequate sunlight to store power, which can even be impacted by weather if clouds obscure the amount of sunlight the receptors can gather. 

Wired Lights

Pros: Hardwiring outdoor lighting to its own circuit will give you the most consistent power source without the extra elements like outlets, extension cords, or the sun. This is a great option for your outdoor spaces, as it is more than a temporary option, can reach harder spaces like sheds and patios without the need of an outlet, and you won’t have to worry about hiding any ugly extension cords. 

Cons: DIY isn’t an option for wiring your outdoor space. To ensure your lighting looks great and works safely and properly, you’ll need a licensed electrician to do your wiring. But there’s a bright side to this con: Coffin Electric is here to help. Our team is made up of qualified licensed electricians who are happy to help you bring your vision of your outdoor space to life.

With more technology being used day to day and temperatures outside increasing, you might be seeing your energy bills get a little bigger each month. If so, you might want to explore what you can do to reduce your energy usage in your home. 

Upgrade old or unreliable appliances

It might be time to get rid of that old refrigerator that doesn’t stay cold, or even just to replace those flickering lights. These appliances often aren’t energy-efficient and increase the risk of electrical fires. Using newer, correctly working, energy efficient appliances might be an investment, but it will be one that will save you money in the long run.

Cut back and unplug

Even with new or energy efficient appliances, you might not be able to make as much of a dent in your energy bill if you’re not using your appliances wisely. It’s always a good idea to unplug or power off power strips for devices or appliances you’re not using often in your day to day life. But your biggest culprits of energy usage in your home will be your air conditioning and heating system, so using these only when needed will help you save money and energy. Look out for nice days to open the windows and let in some fresh air!

Better bulbs

Flip the switch on your incandescent bulbs and replace them with LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL). CFLs use 75% less energy than your average incandescent bulb and can last 10 times longer, while LEDs are 80% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Either way, you’ll be happy you saw the light of energy-efficient bulbs. 

Watch out for air leaks 

After all of this hard work trying to make your home more energy-efficient, you can still lose energy to this problem! Air leaks are a huge source of energy loss in your home. Look around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, fixtures, switches, and outlets for telltale signs of air leaks–gaps, improper caulk or weatherstripping, and doors or windows that don’t close properly. Sealing these leaks is one of the quickest ways to save money and energy in your home.   

Get an electrician’s opinions 

When all else fails, getting an electrician to inspect your home can never hurt. Without a trained eye, there may be something you’re missing in your home’s electrical system that’s eating away at your energy usage. Coffin Electric is proud to provide professional, expert service and help you get the most out of your electrical system.