Strategic placement key to exterior lighting

Outdoor lighting has long been considered a great way to make the outside of your house more secure, but outdoor lighting is also a great way to add drama and curb appeal to your home. Strategically placed fixtures with state-of-the-art outdoor bulbs create beautiful focal points and highlight areas of interest within your landscape.

The same principles of layering light that apply to the interior of your home can be translated to the outdoors, according to the lighting experts at GE. Ambient light, which provides overall illumination, includes yard lights and porch lights. Task lighting consists of low-voltage lights along sidewalks and paths -- it can even include lights that keep insects at bay. Accent lighting includes spotlights and other forms of special-interest lighting to dramatize water features, outdoor sculptures or art.

Use GE outdoor bulbs for their unique all-weather construction, which is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. For a full, balanced effect, use a variety of subtle lighting techniques with multiple levels of brightness.

Uplighting is the perfect way to add depth and drama to trees, landscape features and architectural elements. Uplighting is achieved by placing lights at an angle and lighting objects from below. For heavy-duty, all-weather bulbs that will stand the test of time, choose halogen floodlights. They produce broad beams of light for creating dramatic effects.

Backlighting creates beautiful silhouettes by placing objects of interest in front of a lit surface. Instead of directly lighting a tree, shrub or a statue, angle the light against a wall or fence behind the object. Outdoor halogen spotlights are a great choice for this eye-catching effect.

Use accent lighting to enhance the beauty of your home. For a bright, white light that is long lasting and designed to make your home look its best, try halogen postlights.

Security

Purchase lighting fixtures that are UL-listed and designed for outdoor use.

Light decks, patios, porches and other outdoor living spaces well, especially steps. These areas can be prime tripping hazards for those unfamiliar with the landscape.

Use motion-sensing fixtures with floodlights and get light only when you need it.

Check the motion sensor regularly to ensure it isn't being triggered by moving pets, wildlife, gates, tree limbs or plants.

Conserving energy

To save on energy costs, select Energy Star-qualified GE Energy Smart compact fluorescent lamps for outdoor use, which are available in a variety of shapes and styles. These lamps use up to 75 percent less energy and last eight to 10 times longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs.

Outdoor timers paired with incandescent or halogen bulbs will also help you save energy by turning the lights off even if you forget to flip the switch. Motion sensors also conserve energy since they are only activated by movement.

To ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit and effect from your outdoor lighting, clean exposed bulbs several times during the season. Dirt and pollen can build up on bulbs, causing a light loss of up to 40 percent.

For more information visit www.GELighting.com and click on the new Design With Light section for helpful lighting tips throughout your house.

Courtesy Family Features