03 Feb The good and the bad of LED landscape lighting
By Mike Gambino
This blog post is precipitated by the fact that we are currently getting many phone calls and new projects to replace LED landscape lighting systems installed by others. These systems are not very old and some had just recently been installed. One extreme situation is a 150 fixture project all LED installed this autumn where all of the LED fixtures are no longer working after a few rainfalls this winter. The cheap seals failed and the LED’s suffered water damage resulting in a complete loss. The manufacturer of the product is not responding to their emails and calls. The original installer, a landscaper, says its between the owner and manufacturer to work out.
The following problems are being reported. The lights look blue and are ineffective , They continue to dim and some have burned out completely, water intrusion as previously mentioned and generally overall lack of performance. Flashing LED’s and intermittend operation. The system just hasn’t held up and it doesn’t look good.
For the most part low voltage LED landscape lighting sources have been available and in use for about six years now. Early LED’s that were available had very poor color rendition and could not achieve the same brightness and performance when compared to traditional and proven low voltage halogen lighting systems that had become the industry standard for about 25 years. Early adopters, in my humble opinion, really got a poor value by jumping into this technology too soon as there has been such a marked improvement to date.
In addition for all of this added risk, inferior performance and questionable lamp life predictions. The higher cost of the LED’s themselves offered very little incentive beyond energy savings to a client other then the ability to say that they were “going green”.
Gambino landscape lighting had been very slow to adopt this new previously unproven technology for a reason. Even 2 years ago when we finally entered the market and began offering LED systems it was a giant leap of faith. I am pleased to report that we have had incredibly positive results and can now recommend complete 100% LED light source systems because our equipment is that good.
For better understanding and the consideration of LED landscape lighting. I have made a list of the Pro’s and Con’s of LED landscape lighting. The bottom line is that even more so than ever, you the consumer, must do your do diligence before spending a dime as there is a lot of junk product out there and unqualified designer/installers willing to put it on your property.
The Pro’s of Quality LED landscape lighting
They look spectacular in the garden when the proper color and intensity is chosen and placement is made by a professional lighting designer familiar with their use.
There are more available beam spreads and light intensities and colors available then halogen giving the ability to achieve more creative effects.
LED’S SAVE ELECTRICITY !!!!
LED’s put less strain on your existing electrical system making main panel upgrades virtually unnecessary.
Fixtures with LED lamps are cooler to the touch.
The Con’s of LED landscape lighting
There is a glut of inferior untested products available from dubious and questionable sources.
The internet is loaded with them.
Just because its LED doesn’t mean its going to be good.
There is a glut of inexperienced “labor” available to install this inferior equipment.
LED’s have electronics , will not tolerate moisture and MUST stay DRY !
You MUST have quality fixtures that stay Dry! What good is a LED that is engineered to last several years when placed inside a fixture that will last only a few.
This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .
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