Kansas City had a mild winter this year, without too much rain or snow. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to check your outdoor lighting before spring arrives. In this outdoor lighting maintenance checklist, we will go through common problems with low voltage outdoor lighting systems, whether you can fix them yourself, and, if not, how much the cost might be.
Common Reasons Why Your Outdoor Lights Aren’t Working
Outdoor lighting, like all other fixtures, can fail. Here are some common reasons why your light might not be working properly:
Aged wiring: Old lights might gradually stop working due to aged connections.
Weather damage: While outdoor lights are designed to last, inclement weather and hard debris can still damage them.
Problem with the power supply: Sometimes it’s not the lights, it’s your power source.
Connection issues: If your lights are controlled by a smart system or via a mobile app, check for signal and connection issues.
Software updates: Similarly, ensure your smart lights have the latest updates installed.
Normal wear and tear: Your light might have simply reached the end of its life.
Blocked or damaged sensor: Automatic lights rely on sensors to turn on after dark.
Regular maintenance will keep your low-voltage outdoor lighting illuminated, keeping your landscape lit, adding extra curb appeal while increasing security and nighttime accessibility.
Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Checklist
Now that you know the common reasons why your outdoor lights aren’t working, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your lighting system. Usually, you would only troubleshoot if a light is flickering or not turning on at all. However, an annual inspection might help you catch problems early on and save on repair costs.
Lighting Maintenance Checklist
To-do
Pro Needed for Repair?
Cost
Clean and inspect fixtures
No
Under $20 if you need cleaning supplies
Inspect light bulbs
No
$15 – $50
Check wiring
Yes
$50 – $100 an hour
Check the power supply
Maybe
$100 – $200
Inspect the Connections
Most Likely
Approx. $15 – $50 per sensor.
Test the timer
Yes, if resetting the timer doesn’t work
$200 – $500
Test Color Settings
Maybe
Update Your Software
No
$0
1. Clean and Inspect Fixtures
Start with the easiest task by cleaning and inspecting your lighting fixtures. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from around the lights, and gently wipe the surfaces clean with a soft rag. You should thoroughly clean at least once a year. Preferably, check your lights seasonally or after inclement weather.
2. Inspect Lightbulbs
If you notice a light is flickering or isn’t turning on, the first thing to do would be to inspect the lightbulbs. Make sure to turn off the power before removing the lightbulb. Check the bottom of the bulb for signs of overheating or surging. You can also put the bulb into another fixture to see if the problem is the bulb or something else.
3. Check Wiring
If the lightbulbs are working but your lights still appear dim, unstable, or not turning on at all, chances are you have wiring issues. For anything electrical, it’s best to leave it to a professional electrician.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping crew helps troubleshoot the outdoor lighting system problems for a client, discovering wildlife damage to the wiring.
4. Check the Power Supply
Another reason your lights may be acting up is your power supply. Check the voltage and breaker box. Make sure the circuit box is functioning properly. If the problem persists, use a voltage checker to diagnose the problem. If you think something is wrong with the transformer, call an electrician for help.
5. Inspect the Connections
Your lighting connections for each light are a common place where issues occur. 80% – 90% of the time, when a light is not working, it is due to a connection point where the wire nuts have loosened or been moved due to critters, settling, maintenance, etc. Usually, you can fix most problems with lights at the connection point.
6. Test the Timer
The accuracy of your timer may also sway as time goes by. The best way to test your timer is set it at a lower number. If the timing seems off, follow your manufacturer’s manual to reset the timer. Sometimes you can also do a reset from your phone for a smart system. If you believe a new control panel is necessary, contact a local outdoor lighting installation company for the replacement.
7. Test Color Settings
Similarly, test each color setting to see if anything is amiss. Note that errors in color-changing lights could indicate a problem in wiring, connectivity, the control panel, or color-changing light bulbs. Given the complexity, you might want a professional to help you troubleshoot and address the issue.
8. Update Your Software
While most smart outdoor lighting systems have automatic software updates, certain patches or major version updates may require a manual download. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run a system diagnosis at least once a year so your system is always up to date.
Should I Hire a Pro?
Outdoor lighting system maintenance is more tedious than challenging. However, since some of the steps involve inspecting electrical wiring, it might be more desirable for most homeowners to leave the task to a licensed and ensured outdoor lighting contractor altogether.
How much does it cost to repair outdoor lighting systems?
Low-voltage outdoor lighting system repairs, including the initial troubleshooting, cost from $200 to $500 on average. More extensive repairs, such as replacing an electrical panel or the entire control system, could cost $800 to $1,000.
Professional and quality outdoor lighting can significantly change your living experience and your property’s physical appearance. Among the many options in the market, a low-voltage outdoor lighting system is often a homeowner’s favorite. It costs at least a couple of thousand dollars to install a quality low-voltage outdoor lighting system in Kansas City on average. The price ranges between $2,500 and $7,500 or more depending on the level of your system, the area that requires lighting, and any upgrades or add-ons you purchase.
What is a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Low-voltage LED lights, or low-voltage landscaping lights, are one of the best outdoor lighting options for homeowners in Kansas City. A low-voltage lighting system reduces standard line voltage (120V-230V) down to a safer level of 12V to 48V (12V for most residential lights) through a transformer. This allows lights to be installed near water features and other sensitive areas where regular voltage might not be suitable.
Most low-voltage landscaping lighting systems consist of three main components:
Transformer: Converts high (regular) line voltage to the desired lower voltage;
Low-voltage wire: which connects fixtures and the control panel and carries the now-reduced current through the system
LED lights: Various types of energy-efficient LED light bulbs made for different lighting purposes.
Benefits of a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Some key benefits of having a professionally-installed low-voltage outdoor lighting system for your Kansas City home include:
Improved security: Sufficient lighting at night can significantly enhance your home’s security, reducing unwanted attention while making it easier for your cameras to capture what’s happening on your property.
Better coverage: Since you can install low-voltage LED lights near water and other sensitive areas, the low-voltage system can provide better lighting coverage throughout your landscape than standard-voltage lights.
More energy-efficient: these systems typically use energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Smart control: many low-voltage outdoor lighting systems can be controlled remotely via a mobile app or configured to turn on and off at a certain time automatically.
Landscape enhancement: With proper lighting, you can make your existing landscape look even more charming.
Increased property value: a high-end lighting system can potentially boost your property’s value depending on what the buyer is looking for.
Cost by Number of Lights
Most lighting systems are categorized based on the number of lights installed. The following list shows the basic cost range to install a low-voltage lighting system for your Kansas City home based on the number of lights:
Basic 6-light pathway system: $2,700
Mid-range 10-light landscape system: $3,500
Premium smart system with 15 lights: $5,600
Cost by Type of Lighting
Your contractor may also quote you depending on the type of lighting you want installed. These different lighting methods can be for decorative or functional purposes, depending on placement.
Pathway Lighting
As the name suggests, path lights are installed along walkways to illuminate paths in the dark. They can be installed along walkways, pavers, or garden paths. Pathway lighting typically costs $250 to $350 per fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Up Lighting
Pointing upwards, up lighting focuses on trees or architectural elements and emphasizes the depth, texture, and complexity of your landscape. Think of them as spotlights to highlight core features of your house. Up lighting also costs $250 to $350 on averageper fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Down Lighting
Opposite to up lighting, down lighting are often installed under decks, patios, and overhead structures to create a tucked-away, intimate atmosphere for gathering areas. Down lighting costs $300 to $400 on average because of extra labor and wire needed to get fixtures mounted on the house or trees.
Hardscape Lighting
Installed along walls and edges of your decks and patios, hardscape lighting highlights the features and textures of your outdoor living spaces. They also make it safer to walk around on these structures during the night. Hardscape lighting can cost $200 to $300.
String Lights
String lights are one of the few low-voltage lighting systems that can be installed by the homeowner. The fixture may cost less than $20 on the low end and between $40 and $60 on the high end.
Upgrade and Add-On Costs
Depending on your budget, you can add various upgrades to your low-voltage outdoor lighting systems for easier, more robust controls and unique characteristics. Common upgrades and their costs are listed below
Bluetooth color-changing light bulbs: $150 per fixture
Bluetooth-controlled transformer with custom programmable color changing: $300 or more per fixture
Can I Install Outdoor Lighting Systems on My Own?
We recommend hiring a contractor to install outdoor lighting systems for your property in Kansas City. Low-voltage outdoor lighting systems must be installed properly to avoid fire hazards and malfunctions. A professional landscaping company also knows how to install lights that bring out the most characteristics of your landscape while ensuring visibility and accessibility needs. Professional contractors are also insured, which protects you from being held responsible for any installation issues or damages caused by the installation.
DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas
If you want to test your creativity at outdoor lighting, there are plenty of low-risk, low-maintenance DIY outdoor lighting inspirations you can try. However, we typically do not recommend installing solar landscaping lights because they tend to make your landscape look like a runway. They are also subject to weather conditions, raising concerns about insufficient or complete lack of lighting due to rain and overcast weather.
Outdoor lighting can significantly improve the aesthetics and safety of your backyard, making the outdoors more accessible during the dark hours while keeping your home a beautiful sight even when nobody is around. Here are 12 great backyard and patio lighting ideas for Kansas City homes.
1. Free Standing Solar Light Posts
Free-standing solar light posts are one of the easiest outdoor lighting options anybody can DIY in their backyard. They come in various designs and heights, with most models varying from $70 to $300. Some higher-end wrought iron light posts may cost over $500 per post.
Most solar light posts come with a stake that goes into the soil. Others might come with a weighted, enlarged bottom so they can sit directly on your patio.
2. Bistro Lights
Bistro lights have become increasingly popular, especially among younger homeowners. The French bistro atmosphere adds a hint of foreign romance to any property, whereas the industrial-style bistro lights resonate with Kansas City’s profound industrial history.
Plug-in or battery-powered bistro lights can be installed on patios, using exterior outlets as direct power. Solar-powered bistro lights can be dangled above pathways to provide more sophisticated overhead lighting than traditional options.
3. Lighting Along Pathways
Regardless of what type of pathways you have, adding lighting along your walking paths is always a good investment. For walkways leading up to the house, opt for classic, bold, and significant designs to improve your curb appeal. Meanwhile, you can choose more creative options in the backyard to complement the surrounding landscape.
4. Fairy String Lights
Who says string lights are for holidays only? Neutral color string lights can be used year-round as decorative accents inside tree crowns or wrapped around patio and stair railings. Thin string lights are also one of the most affordable patio lighting options, costing less than $20 for a 4-pack of 130-foot, solar-powered lights.
5. Chief’s or Royal’s Themed Lights
Kansas City loves its sports, and red and blue color-ed lights are not the hardest to find. Get some colored lights, plus a decent lighted sign for your favorite team, and voila! Now you can showcase your love for sports in your backyard.
6. Color-Changing Lights
Outdoor color-changing lights are perfect for setting the mood right, regardless of the season. We recommend using low-voltage outdoor lighting with automated color-changing programming. Our favorite product is FX Luxor, which provides one of the widest ranges of color options using an RGBW LED color board.
If you only want to have the color-changing effect at certain spots, LED low-voltage bulbs are perfect for that. These are individual bulbs that can be programmed separately, allowing you to have different colors at different places in your backyard.
7. Starlight Projector
If you’re only looking for patio lighting for special occasions, a starlight projector is the perfect option. Some projectors can also serve as Bluetooth speakers. Imagine having a long week, then stretching out on the patio with your favorite movie soundtrack and stars floating around you: wouldn’t it be perfect?
8. Night Glow Pebbles
Glow-in-the-dark pebbles absorb sunlight during the day and glow at night. They come in different sizes and colors, and cost as little as $20 per 200-piece bundle. You can lay these pebbles into paver joints, or sprinkle them into the grass or in your flower beds. Most nightglow pebbles are made with resin. While they’re abrasive-proof enough for people to walk on them, they should not be mixed into a gravel driveway.
`
9. Renaissance Style Lanterns
If you’re a fan of Tudors, Bridgerton, and other period historical dramas, Renaissance-style lanterns could be a wonderful addition to your backyard and patio. Most of these solar-powered lanterns can be mounted directly to exterior walls or fixtures. Some come with a sturdy chain that can be hung over strong tree branches or posts to be installed into the ground.
These lanterns usually feature a bronze or wrought iron finish and intricate embellishments. Some models use clear glass, whereas others use frosted glass for a gentler lighting effect.
10. Mushroom and Botanical-shaped Lights
Looking to make your backyard a bit more playful? Solar-powered lights come in various shapes nowadays, but mushroom lights are definitely one of the most popular designs. Common designs include frosted glass mushroom stumps and colorful amanitas. These lights work as path lights, but can also be scattered along bushes and flower beds.
11. Lighting Up Your Water Features
If you have water features in your backyard, lighting them up could bring a unique view at night. Some of the lighting options mentioned above, such as night glow pebbles, also work well in water features. Alternatively, you can hire a professional outdoor lighting company to install the right type of lighting for your waterfall or backyard pond.
12. Lanterns With Cutout Patterns
Instead of a glass or open design, these lanterns are enclosed by metal panels with cutout patterns. When light shines through these panels, they cast the geometric shape or decorative design onto their surroundings. These lanterns are primarily decorative and should be used in areas without too much foot traffic because the shadows they cast can sometimes make it harder to see your surroundings.
When entertaining outdoors, a well-lit landscape is essential. You don’t want guests tripping in the dark or accidentally falling into the pool. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights have become the industry standard for outdoor lighting due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan. Some LED lights even offer an added benefit: the ability to change colors.
What Are Outdoor Color-Changing Lights?
Different LED lights typically emit one of three colors: red, green, or blue. Each LED light can emit only one color. However, Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LED lights combine a red, green, and blue LED within a single housing. By varying the intensity of each color, the housing can emit one of 16 million color options. These lights can even be programmed to emit white light.
Why Add Color-Changing Lights?
LED lights are energy-efficient, emit very little heat, and are easily controlled through smartphone apps. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. RGB LED lights can change color, which allows for versatile use. For example, during football season, they can shine red for the Chiefs, and blue for the Royals during baseball season. During the Christmas season they can glow red and green. For the Fourth of July, they can be red, white, and blue. If your HOA regulates the number and type of flags you can fly, you can express the same sentiment through your outdoor lighting.
Types of Outdoor Color-Changing Light Controllers
To change the color of your outdoor lighting, you’ll need RGB LED lights. There are four common methods used to control color changes:
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Lights
PWM lights are rapidly turned on and off at varying intervals. By controlling the intensity of the bulb, different colors can be created. Mood strips commonly use this method.
Digital Control
Digital control allows a program to turn the lights on and off to produce varying colors. This method is easy to use and can also be programmed to create lighting patterns. DJs, musical productions, and other events that require fast-changing lighting often use digital controls.
Digital Multiplex (DMX)
DMX controllers enable users to manage several lighting features from a single control board. This method is used in professional settings, such as musicals and live events, where multiple lighting elements need to be controlled simultaneously, similar to a soundboard.
RBG Controllers and Remotes
RGB controllers and remotes are commonly used by homeowners. The remotes send signals to the controller, adjusting the light settings. A smartphone app makes it even easier to change colors.
RGB LED lights can be recessed into your deck, patio, or steps.
How Much Do Color Changing Lights Cost?
RGB LED lights tend to be more expensive than standard white or single-color lights. Part of this cost comes from the controller and remote or app required to operate the lights. However, they are not prohibitively expensive, and many homeowners find the ability to vary their lighting worth the extra cost. Depending on the system you use and if it is controlled by individual lights or by the main controller these systems can run anywhere from $300 – $1000 per light or even more with all the wiring, transformers, timers, and labor to install. As with any custom projects there are many variables that can influence the final cost of the project.
Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Tips
One of the great benefits of LED lights is their long lifespan—up to 50,000 hours when properly maintained. To keep your lights in optimal condition, regularly clean them to remove dust and dirt that can obstruct the emitted light. Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner, and always turn off the lights before cleaning.
While cleaning, inspect the power cables for any damage or wear, ensuring proper connection. Periodically check the controller for potential issues before they cause problems. If you’re using a standalone remote, remember to replace the battery when necessary to ensure continued functionality.
Managing Wildlife Attracted To Lights
Outdoor lights often attract insects, and subsequently, insect predators like bats, frogs, and toads. LED lights generally attract fewer insects than other light types. Yellow or amber LED lights, in particular, are known to attract very few insects. Additionally, programming the lights to turn off when no one is outside can help prevent attracting insects.
RGB LED lights are becoming more affordable and widely available. If the idea of changing the color of your outdoor lights appeals to you, installing RGB lights could be a worthwhile investment. The convenience of using remotes and smartphone apps makes these lights a more practical and reliable option compared to traditional colored bulbs, which often burn out or are limited to a single color.
Over the last couple of months, we at Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping have been discussing how to maintain your equipment and landscape beds. You also need to maintain the lights that show off your landscape and outdoor living spaces. Here are the steps we recommend.
Total System Inspection
We recommend a total system inspection. This includes the wiring, lamps, transformer, fixtures, and timer/photocells. While this type of inspection takes some effort, once it is done you know the system is safe and will work without trouble for the next year. To do this, you need to turn on the system.
Check the Lamps & Connections
Check to see if the lamps inside the fixtures work. If they are not, or give signs they are failing, replace them. LED lights last thousands of hours, but they do eventually fail. Any easy way to test a failed lamp is to swap it with one in a fixture that you know is working. If it still doesn’t work it may be a connection that is the problem. You can trace back the wire to a connection within a few feet and resplice to make sure the wire is good or you could use a volt meter to check if you have power.
Clean the Fixtures
Over time, dust and dirt mar the light fixtures and cover the lens on the fixtures. Clean the fixtures with a damp cloth. Do not use a wet one or you can damage the fixture. Clean all the lenses with a glass cleaner so they can shine brightly. This step may need to be taken on a regular basis, probably 3-4 times a season, to keep everything looking nice all year around.
Adjust and Aim Fixtures
Storms, animals, and sometimes guests, may bump your fixtures so they are not aimed properly anymore. In addition, plants grow, and the light may not show them at their best anymore. This means they will not illuminate the feature you want to put a spotlight on. Adjust any fixture that isn’t just right so that it is aimed exactly where you want it. You may have to do this in the evening so you can see the lights the way your guests will.
Test the Transformer
The transformer takes the house current and reduces it so the LED light fixtures can use it without burning out. Testing the transformer makes sure it is properly reducing the current so your LED light fixtures will last a long time. Re-tighten any terminal blocks that have worked loose during the last year. Inspect all the internal components to make sure they are clean, do not show too much wear, and do not have any burned spots. Replace any problem components you find.
Check the Clocks/Photocells
Now that the time has changed, set the clocks for the season. If you use photocells, which turn on the lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn, make sure they are functioning properly. Clean the surface so dirt doesn’t block the lens and make the lights turn on prematurely. Use a damp cloth.
Repair and Re-bury Wire
Check the wire you can see for any cuts or nicks in the wire. Repair any you find. Re-bury any exposed wires that should be buried. Make sure the wires are deep enough to avoid damage during the year.
Trim Plants That Block Lights
As plants grow, they may begin to block the lights set around them. Trim any plant material that is causing a problem by blocking the light. Be careful not to trim more than a third of the plant, including any pruning you have done in the last two months, or you will damage the plant.
Make Changes as Needed
Lighting innovations are continually being developed. Update your lighting fixtures and lighting system as new and better components are available. As an example, you can find some new things for 2022 in this article.
In addition, your needs may change. Perhaps a plant has died, so there is no need for that light. Or, you have planted another tree and need new lights to show it off. New hardscape features need lights, too. Expand your lighting system to illuminate all your landscape and outdoor living areas.
We Can Help
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can tune your lighting system for the year. We will run through this checklist and make sure all parts of your landscape lighting system are working correctly. Schedule a consultation or call (816) 825-2524 to get on our schedule today. Hurray, our schedule is filling up fast.
Fall is here, and the sun sets lower each night. While there are many ways to light your outdoor living space to maximize the time you can play outside; we like automated low-voltage LED lighting systems.
What Are Automated Low Voltage LED Lighting Systems?
These systems use low-voltage wires that are thin and less visible to power LED lights with 12 or 24 volts. This low voltage really saves on electricity costs. The lights are controlled by a smart controller that can talk to your smartphone. You can set the lights up to come on and off automatically when you want them to. Further, you can control the warmth and even the color of the lights, so you can turn them red for Chiefs games or other colors for other celebrations.
What Are the Advantages of Low Voltage versus Line Voltage Systems?
Line voltage is the voltage that comes out of the wall socket, typically 120 volts here in the United States and Canada. Low voltage is typically 12 or 24 volts. Here are some of the differences.
Line Voltage
Low Voltage
Use with most out-of-the-box lamps and lights
It needs a transformer and LED lights to use
Cheaper initially
Saves money on electricity costs
It uses thick copper wire
It uses thin speaker wires
Electricity costs are expensive
Light warmth and color can be easily altered with the controller
It can be automated with smart plugs for each light.
It can be controlled with a smart controller
Light is defused and less sharp
It can be automated and scheduled easily
Lights can be dimmed to 30 percent or on full based on occupancy or need, or turned off
Like looks sharper and more natural
Bulbs can last 6,000 hours before needing to be replaced
Components of Automated Low Voltage LED Lighting Systems
Here are the components you will need to install an automated low-voltage LED lighting system in your outdoor living area.
Transformer
The transformer steps the line voltage of 120 volts down to 12 volts. This is the voltage most low-voltage LED lights use. Transformers are rated for different loads. Choose a transformer that is larger than the sum of the wattage of the lights you will hook to it. For example, if you have ten 12-watt lights, choose a 150-watt transformer. Avoid the temptation to buy a transformer with a much bigger rating than the load you will put on it.
Wiring
The wiring for a low-voltage LED lighting system is much smaller and safer than using 120 volts. If your system will use more than 200 watts, you should use a 12 gauge wire. If your system uses less than 200 watts, you can use a 14-gauge wire. You can often use speaker wire for this application.
Light Fixtures and Bulbs
There is a wide range of low-voltage LED light fixtures to choose from. The key is placing each light fixture at least ten feet from the transformer and ten feet from each other. Don’t overload your transformer, or your lights will be very dim or not work at all.
You can choose lights and bulbs that allow you to change the warmth and color of the light. For example, you could turn your lights red for a Chiefs-watching party.
Timers and Photocells
Timers allow you to set the times you want your lights to come on. Photocells will trigger the lights when the sun goes down and turn them off when it gets light. Many timers can be used with a smartphone. Depending on the configuration of the system, you may be able to schedule individual lights to come on at different times. Our favorite timer is the astronomical type that will automatically reset with daylight savings time based on your zip code.
Our Favorite Brands
Making sure you use a reputable brand when buying your components is important. Here are our three favorite brands.
Pro Trade
Pro Trade lighting is a good choice if you are on a tight budget. The fixtures are durable and tough but don’t have the bells and whistles some other brands have. Pro Trade has a wide variety of fixtures available, so you should be able to find the lighting you want. However, it may not have the range of choices on lighting warmth and individual control some systems have.
Unique Lighting
Unique Lighting fixtures are a step up from Pro Trade. Unique Lighting has fixtures that you can turn into different colors. In addition to a range of fixtures and transformers, Unique Lighting has the SMRT LOGIC® Cloud-Based Landscape Control System. This lets you control your lighting system on your smartphone. You can even turn fountains and other landscape features on and off with this system.
Coastal Source
If you are looking for the best home system, Coastal Source is your brand. Coastal Source includes their own proprietary brand of smart controller that can control not only the color but the shape and intensity of your outdoor lights. These lights are durable and look nice anywhere. You can also get lights that are low profile, so they are invisible but light a specimen tree or other feature without the fixture taking away from the scene.
We Design and Install Automatic Low Voltage LED Lighting Systems
Designing and installing your automatic low-voltage LED lighting system can be a chore. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can design the perfect lighting system. Our Blue Crew can install the system and make sure it works just the way you want it to. We can even set up the automation program on your smartphone and show you how to work it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your outdoor living lighting system needs.
