Low-Voltage Lighting - What's the Appeal?
Low voltage lights are fixtures that use less than 50v to power them, though, in landscape lighting, 12v or 24v are the most common.
2 min read
How Long Will My Landscape Light System Last?
Posted by The Illuminator
Wondering how long your new/potential lighting system will last? How long your lighting system lasts will heavily depend on the quality of the fixtures chosen.
Low-Quality Systems
An inexpensive, low-quality lighting system will likely last you around 1-3 years depending on your weather and degree of sun exposure. The reason for this is that these fixtures are mass-produced at the lowest cost and aren't designed to withstand snow, rain, heat, cold, or whatever else your climate has to throw at it.
In most cases, the low-cost light fixtures, transformers, and kits found in big box stores and online e-commerce sites are made to give instant gratification and a short lifetime of reliable use. If you’re looking for a quick fix or are happy to replace these fixtures often, these more affordable systems may be a great option for you.
High-Quality Systems
High-quality landscape lighting fixtures are built to be as robust as can be - while still being stylish, of course. The higher price tag is often due to the durable metals and materials used to build the fixtures. For example, an inexpensive system will likely be made mostly of plastic and not have replaceable parts, whereas a higher-quality system will be made of some sort of metal with strong protective finishes and has replaceable parts available.
Plastic components can get brittle, fade, and leak while metals tend to hold their ground better. Metals such as copper and brass are naturally resistant to corrosion, so they won't rust or break down over time.
These higher-quality fixtures can last a lifetime if properly cared for and LED fixtures will only need bulb replacements every 3-5 years for lights with replaceable bulbs.
While any professional in the industry is going to recommend the higher quality fixtures, the choice is ultimately up to you, the homeowner. If you like the idea of low-cost-up-front options and can take the time and expense to have them regularly replaced, the inexpensive light available on large online retailers and box stores may be a good option!
If you're planning the landscape lighting for your forever home and want your fixtures to last as long as you stay there, or if you want to increase the value of your home, high-quality systems are definitely the way to go.
