A well-lit garden... It is the goal of many owners. But, behind this pretty light is often a less bright reality: that of energy bill. Yes, exterior lighting, however aesthetic it may be, can prove to be energy-consuming. Fortunately, just as for the interior, there are simple and effective solutions to rethink its exterior lighting and reduce energy bills. Here are all our tips to avoid turning your garden into a financial abyss.
The issues of outdoor lighting
External lighting has several functions. Whether it is a matter ofwall panels, of built-in spots, streetlights or pots, all have a goal: to enlighten your exterior and ensure their safety, while magnifying them.
But, outdoor lighting can also be very energy-intensive And what's the point of investing in outdoor lighting, if it's to keep it off, you'll tell us? And you're right. Outdoor lighting is made to accompany you on a daily basis. But, it has to be well thought out and optimized to be both practical and economical.
Where is the energy waste hidden?
So how do you know if your outdoor lighting is energy-efficient? What are the mistakes to avoid in outdoor lighting? Here are three bad habits that cause excessive energy consumption.
Opt for energy-saving bulbs
You are still using halogens or Incandescent bulbs ? These devices consume a lot of energy.
Invented in 1878, filament lamps The problem is that they turn 95% of the energy consumed into heat, and only 5% into light. So they light up your electricity bill more than your garden! This is precisely why conventional filament bulbs with power levels of 25 W to 100 W are now banned for sale. adds Christophe Coelho, founder of Lumihome. This type of lighting, ultra energy-intensive, belongs to the past.
Halogen bulbsThe difference is that they contain a specific gas, such as iodine or bromine, which partially regenerates the filament, thus extending its life. Malin, no? Well... not so much. Because despite this little improvement, they remain terribly energy-intensive. To give you an idea, according to What to Choose, they consume up to five times as much electricity as a low-power bulb. It is precisely for this reason that their marketing has been banned since 2018.
Installing lighting that is not or is not properly oriented or excessive
Elegant lighting is subtle, well thought out and strategically placed lighting. Yet, many gardens are on light. The best is the enemy of the good confirms Christophe Coelho. Overlight, or poorly placed lights, will be counterproductive for your outdoor lighting. You may disturbing wildlife, but also your neighbours, and one thing is sure, you will definitely increase your energy consumption. The good news: you will be able to correct all this with our advice. You can also refer to our articlehow to integrate its exterior lighting with elegancewhich gives you all the right tips to illuminate without making too much of it
Forget to turn off its exterior lighting: the great classic
Finally, the last habit you have to get rid of is to forget to turn off your exterior lights. Don't worry, it happens to everyone. But, we'll see that there are some ultra effective tips for the most stunned, which will make you make valuable energy savings.
How can you reduce your energy bills by re-thinking your outdoor lighting?
Now that you know the pitfalls to avoid and the bad habits to correct, let's go to the good news! With some changes, you can drastically reduce your spending while keeping a beautifully lit garden.
Promote low-power lighting with LEDs
If you are looking for efficient and economical lighting, LEDs are an obvious choice, Whether for indoor or outdoor use. These bulbs consume 8 to 10 times less energy than a classic model With a light-emitting diode, a technology developed in 1962 that transforms electricity at very low voltage into light. But that's not all, LEDs offer you:
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One Instant ignition : finished the lights that take an eternity to light up.
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One infinite color palette : adapt your lighting to all your desires.
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One Impressive longevity up to 10 years of life, or more.
While LEDs cost a little more to buy than conventional bulbs, you're largely on time, reducing your bills and replacements.

Switch to solar lighting
It's hard to make it more practical and economical! Solar lighting uses free and inexhaustible energy In the daytime, solar cells capture the rays to convert them into electricity, which they restore as light once the night falls. With this type of lighting, you don't have to worry about your electricity consumption anymore, because you simply don't spend any! Besides, there are many options: solar terminals, spots, solar wall panels, Solar lamp to be installed, etc. You can light up every corner of the garden, even in the absence of electrical installation! A beautiful light, easy to install, without any invoice: who says better?

Opt for connected outdoor lighting
Connected lighting, This is the smart option to combine practicality, comfort and energy saving. With him, you have Total control : Adjust the intensity, schedule the ignition schedules, or turn off your lights remotely... These devices optimize your consumption by avoiding unnecessary lightingLumihome offers you a range of connected luminaires, whether it be built-in spots connected, like ours connected spots series LoRa, of spot picket, like ours RGB CTC FUTC08 LED spots, or dampoules.

Think about the motion sensor
What's the point of this? your outdoor lighting only lights up when necessary. Our Pyramid terminal, for example, has a twilight and motion detector, adds Christophe Coelho. Unlike the lights that remain constantly lit, it automatically lights up 500 lumens as soon as night falls. Depending on the chosen method, the intensity increases to 1,000 lumens in case of presence detected. You light up your alleys or terrace only if you need it, avoiding any waste.

Plan your outdoor lighting
There is no need to install lighting solutions in all the corners of your garden. Beautiful outdoor lighting is subtle and well thought out lighting. So:
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Target critical areas : Only light up the necessary places (entry, driveway, terrace) and leave the rest in a soft shadow.
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Set the intensity : a dim light for the atmosphere, a stronger light for safety. It is the secret of elegant lighting.
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Exploit what's around you Use clear walls or surfaces to reflect the light and amplify its effect. No need to put it in full everywhere, good positioning is enough.
How to reduce your energy bills by re-thinking your outdoor lighting? Bonus tips
You now have all the cards in hand to review your outdoor lighting, focusing on the solar lamps for the garden to reduce your energy consumption. And to go further, don't forget to:
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Opt for sustainable and quality solutions Many outdoor lighting solutions are disappointing in terms of quality, and they are not resistant to weather, weather or wear, which requires regular replacement. Not only is this not ecological, but it also cancels the savings expected. On the other hand, investing in sustainable equipment, such as those offered by Lumihome, guarantees an increased longevity.
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Maintain your installation : the exterior lighting is subjected to the whims of the weather. L , to maintain it regularly, also is to keep it longer.
Rethinking your outdoor lighting is really worth it?
Let's take a simple example. If you replace your five old halogen light bulbs (50W each) with LEDs (10W each), and they work on average 5 hours per night, you save 100 kWh per month. At a rate of €0.20 per kWh, it's 20 euros less per month... or €240 per year. And this is just the beginning: with solar lamps or a motion sensor, the economy is still climbing! And the ecological impact? By reducing your consumption, you're also reducing your CO2 emissions. It's your contribution to a more sustainable world, while saving.
Reducing energy bills by re-thinking its exterior lighting is possible, and it starts with a few simple gestures. By opting for modern technologies, well-thought-out facilities and clever management, you transform your exterior lighting into an economical and ecological ally. So, ready to take action?