Why integrated LEDs are a bright idea for outdoor lighting

By Emma Peterson. 

From CFLs to halogens, we break down your lighting options — and spotlight why integrated LEDs shine above the rest. 

Adding lighting into landscaping can be a great way to improve the aesthetics of a space while simultaneously improving the accessibility and safety of it. But the process of lighting a landscape properly is far more complex than just placing a few lights around a yard. As Jim Gorman from This Old House explains, “Effective landscape lighting design requires careful planning and consideration of a property’s unique features. A well-thought-out plan will ensure that lighting enhances the home’s architecture, highlights key landscape elements and creates the desired ambiance.” A great place to start is picking bulbs that will balance aesthetics with functionality.  

Types of light bulbs 

In today’s market, most people will encounter five different types of bulbs: LED, CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen and Incandescent. Each of these types comes with different qualities and attributes that must be considered when choosing one for a project. 

• LED: LEDs are quickly becoming the standard for everyday use. They fit a variety of fixtures and use less energy with the same light output as many of their counterparts. While they are more of an up-front investment, they are also made without hazardous ingredients, don’t warm up and have an exceptional lifespan of 9-22 years! 
• CFL: Designed around mercury that is warmed up, CFL bulbs are spiral shaped and can take a bit of time to reach full brightness. While found in many fixtures around homes because they are budget-friendly, their lifespan is closer to 7-9 years. 
• Fluorescent: Typically found in utility spaces, fluorescent bulbs are very energy efficient and can last up to 20,000 hours. However, they do not offer the same flexibility in light level as other bulbs do. 
• Halogen: These bulbs are very affordable and energy efficient. They produce a warm glow that mimics incandescent lighting and do not need the warmup time that CFL bulbs require. However, they have probably the shortest lifespan on this list of only 9-12 months before burning out. 
• Incandescent: While budget-friendly, widely available and found within many homes, incandescent bulbs are losing favor as LEDs and CFLs grow more popular. This is for two main reasons. One, they have a significantly shorter lifespan. Two, they are susceptible to temperature changes and use more energy. 

Overall, every lightbulb offers different pros and cons. For contractors working on outdoor landscaping, LED bulbs are often the go-to due to their energy savings and long lifespan. 

Kichler’s integrated LEDs 

For professionals looking to use LEDs in a lighting landscape, Kichler Lighting LLC offers a unique and powerful system of integrated LEDs. What exactly does this mean? An integrated LED simply means that the bulb is built into the lighting fixture. So, instead of “buying a bulb and a fixture – and replacing the bulb when it burns out – you buy one integrated piece with the light source built in.”

This integration of the bulb into the fixture provides a variety of benefits:  

• Durability: Embedding the bulb in the fixture eliminates a weak point (traditionally where the bulb is screwed in) that can make outdoor lights vulnerable to elements like moisture. 
• Energy efficiency: LEDs are already a great option for energy efficiency, and integrated LEDs keep the same benefits. Using integrated LED lighting ultimately means you save time and spend less money in the long run. 
• Flexibility: Kichler’s integrated LEDs give you customizable control over your lighting output. Looking to change the brightness of your lighting? It’s easy with Kichler’s Variable Lumen Output (VLO) technology! 

Overall, if you are looking to create an energy efficient and durable landscape lighting system, Kichler’s integrated LEDs are a great option. And, while the chance of integrated LEDs having issues is small, if it does occur, Kichler offers a warranty of up to 15 years! 

Learn more about Kichler Lighting’s integrated LED lighting systems.