Exterior illumination is a very important elements for a home’s after dark presentation. After the expense of design, construction, decoration and furnishing of the home, this is not the place to skimp on the investment. For anyone thinking of switching to low voltage outdoor lighting – why it makes sense is because of it’s cost efficiency, small environmental footprint and its pleasing aesthetics when viewed by owner and visitor.

The exterior lighting serves several purposes. Firstly is the security and safety of the home and it’s surrounding areas. Criminal acts like burglary, car theft and assault are statistically much lower in areas with adequate light. Accidents like falling from elevations, stepping into depressions, twisting or breaking ankles, walking into building protrusions or landscape features are far less likely to occur. Through illumination of objects and walkways a safe environment is created.

Conversely, too much, too bright or misdirected light can cause temporary blindness creating the same problem as no light at all. Inadequate safety and security at a home can cause serious results such as medical bills, disabilities, inability to work, lost income and liability for injuries to guests, or even trespassers on the property.

Low voltage fixtures produce superior effects in maintaining the home’s safety, as well as that of streets and driveways. The illumination they produce is more natural and better quality than higher voltage alternatives. It is easily directed exactly where it is needed while not diffusing, or flaring into areas where it is unwanted. A lower intensity will create visibility, while not blinding or overpowering. There is less contrast between dark areas and illuminated ones so the shadows are less dark. Clearer, sharper images are the result, and grater visibility.

There is not the same problem with light pollution that is is with traditional fixtures. Illumination is easily directed where wanted and does not intrude onto neighboring areas or into the night sky where it is wasted while obscuring the spectacle of the stars in the heavens.

A clean, crisp effect is produced, which enhances architecture and landscaping. Whether used as ambient, general light, or to accent building or landscape features, through down, up, front or back light, the resulting effect is artistic. It is more effectively used in recessed areas and alcoves, or as highlight directing people toward focal points or entrances. For task lighting it produces better performance with less eye fatigue.

There is a much greater variety of fixtures available. About 100 options verses about 12 for conventional styles.

Lastly, these fixtures operate at approximately 1/3 the cost of traditional ones. When LED bulbs are used about 10% of the energy that incandescent bulbs use is consumed. With florescent 20% or incandescent is used, and energy saving halogen bulbs use 70 %. Bulb life is extended so maintenance is much less expensive.

When considering switching to low voltage outdoor lighting – why it makes sense is that better quality and more useful, pleasing light is produced. At the same time, less energy is used, less maintenance required and less environmental damage caused.

Ed Pedicine

NJ Low Voltage Lighting, NJ Landscape Lighting

There is no denying that a well-tended, wide expanse of green landscaping is beautiful and inviting. Creating and maintaining a beautiful garden is one homeowner task that demands a lot time and effort, as well as a good supply of water. A year-round green lawn often comes at a substantial cost. The typical NJ lawn sprinkler installation customer not only wants a healthy-looking landscape, but needs to save money as well.

Ignoring Mother Nature’s seasonal changes is a relatively new phenomenon that originated in the birth of suburbia at the end of the Second World War. New tract homes sported yards both in front of the house and in back. Utilities at that time were relatively cheap, and no one really worried about the availability, cost, or sustainability of unlimited water use. People simply turned on a sprinkler and let it run.

Things have changed, however, and we know now that water is a finite resource, especially in dry climate regions. Some cities have very strict water regulations designed to stop waste. An irrigation or sprinkler system designed specifically for the needs of a particular home can keep the landscaping alive and beautiful, but also is able to conserve water much more efficiently than the old oscillating devices.

A professionally installed and maintained system can cost more initially, but in the long run saves money and resources. Modern system components are designed to deliver a precisely and accurately measured soaking whenever needed. There is truth to the conventional wisdom that lawns can be over-watered, even in arid regions. They can be fine-tuned to minimize waste while maximizing coverage.

Typical automatic systems rely on a timer and computerized controllers. The silicon-chip brains of a modern system not only know what day it is, but know when to turn the water on, how much to deliver, and when to shut down. We’ve all seen sprinklers running aimlessly in the pouring rain, but many modern systems can sense the weather condition, and can cancel a scheduled watering if it is raining.

When the weather is dry, however, an automatic system will guarantee the delivery of a gentle, even amount of water at a speed that sinks into the root systems properly. Random watering with a hose often simply evaporates, or runs into a storm drain, inefficiently wasting a resource and running up a large bill. Such methods cannot match a regulated, professionally installed system, which not only minimizes waste, but stays out of sight when not in use.

Installation of an environmentally and ecologically efficient system often requires hiring the best-qualified contractor. Not only will he or she help with the initial system design, but can establish a maintenance schedule, while making sure that the controller settings remain at their most efficient levels. For help finding a certified and experienced technician, check with the Irrigation Association, or EPA WaterSense group. Both groups are happy to make recommendations.

A qualified contractor will know what the typical lawn sprinkler installation customer really needs, and may accurately estimate the cost of any new system. In addition to system design and maintenance, a professional will be available for periodic system tests, and can provide information on the best daily settings for environmental efficiency. They can demonstrate how to keep landscaping green by saving, storing and reusing waste water and rainfall.

Ed Pedicine

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When choosing outdoor lights for a home, there are some key points to think about. These design techniques may help someone figure out how to place fixtures around the property and what style to get. Principles of design for outdoor lighting for a home may include ideas around style, function and proper location. Learning how to pick and choose the right item may enhance a home’s worth and function.

Every style of home will have its own feel and style. There are listings where the overall impression is a country look. Suburban homes will have a certain style, as well as modern and trendy looking houses. Figuring out what type of property has to be designed, will help a customer pick out the right style for them.

Most stores will carry several sections of units. These units may be divided into several categories that influence where they would be placed in a home. A section could feature modern lights, country designs or be separated by brand or location at the home. The store may separate the front lights from the backyard ones.

Modern looking lights will have a certain look and feel to them. They may offer an abstract look with sharp corners and a simple design. The simple and medium sized units will create the perfect balance of style with a similar designed property.

In a country styled home, units for lighting may be designed in a brass finish. The brass design may also have large features that help it to blend in a country home. Most country units offer large bulky fixtures and features where the lighting should match the style.

The front of the property is where guests and home owners will see first when approaching the home. Typically these fixtures would be placed on either side of a double door. In a smaller property where there is only one door, a fixture could be placed on either side of the door frame. The style and size of the house may impact where the lights will go around the door.

When there is a garage attached to the home, most people will place lights there to help the area stand out. A single door may allow for a fixture to be placed over top. A double door design may have a single fixture over each door panel or have a fixture placed on either side of the doors.

There are other places that these fixtures can be hung or attached. A pole with a separate light could be placed in the front or back. These units could offer the same modern or country look that is desired. Lights in the garden could help to bring out the landscaping and showcase a pathway to walk around. Spot lights are great for security and lighting up a home.

Principles of design for outdoor lighting may be used when picking out units. These units could be placed over a door, garage or in a garden. There are many different kinds of styles to pick from. Most stores will offer some help when it comes to picking out the right model and style for a home.  However, we will do much more than that!

Ed Pedicine

NJ Outdoor-Landscape Lighting

When someone is thinking about getting a sprinkler device, they may wonder if they can do the task themselves. Setting up a project under the lawn may take some work and careful planning. Knowing what to do and what methods work best, could make it a successful project. While contacting a professional may be best, others may try to tackle the job on their own. Reasons why you should not install a sprinkler system on your own could include a few ideas.

There are some steps toward placing a unit into a house. The first step may include placing the connections to the pipe that connects to the house. The connection will begin close to the house where a connector will link the outdoor pipe to the special sprinkler divider. If it is not connected properly, it can cause flooding to occur too close to the house.

A swivel manifold device will have to be placed in the ground under the soil. The required depth has to be perfect in order for the system to work properly. Often people do not place the item far enough into the ground. When it rains over time, the unit can be exposed.

Pipes will be placed in a certain order under the ground. The map of pipes will be laid out in a certain order. Professionals can determine how to map out the pipes to suit the backyard space or front yard space. The layout and size of home may also impact where the pipes go. There are special things to consider when laying down the pipe work, those experts may know what methods to use to effectively place them under the ground.

Valves can be wired back to a sprinkler main project. The connections need to be tightened properly to avoid complications in the future. A flood in one location could cause a backup that may cause foundation trouble or garden issues.

Waterproof electrical wires are also hooked up to the map of pipes. They have certain spots to go so that they will work when needed. These wires are also attached to the timer control switch. People installing their own system may need help with the electrical wires and switches.

With so many things that have to be set up, it may be impossible for a beginner to actually install it properly. That is why hiring professional may be a good idea. An experienced company will use effective tools and strategies for installing a sprinkler device.

Not only will experts be able to grid the right map of pipes, wires and connectors, but they will also know what tricks to use and what things to look out for. Through experience they may be able to use clever ideas and strategies to do the absolute best install.

Reasons why you should not install a sprinkler system on your own may include a range of ideas. A system needs to be set up correctly for it to work and for it to last. While a new person may be able to set one up, they may not do it right and it could fall apart or break within a short span of time. If leaks or backups do occur in the water system, it may damage the home or cause leaks in the foundation and home.

Ed Pedicine
NJ Lawn Irrigation, NJ Lawn Sprinkler Installation, NJ Sprinkler Repair

Lawns are not only relaxing, their outlook is a show of your aesthetic sense and provides enjoyment and contentment to your guests. One needs a lot of time and some money to achieve a beautiful lawn and garden. It is essential to have an irrigation system during the hot summer months or you will be the irrigation system. It is also important to hire a professional company for installing the sprinkler system. Hiring a reputable lawn installation company will ensure you get the proper zoning and coverage for your lawn.

Hiring a professional NJ lawn sprinkler company requires some research. Find out if they are licensed and insured by the state of NJ. This will exempt you from any liability while the work is being done on your property. A professional company will provide you with customer testimonials.

A professional company can provide you a list with work details of past customers, as most of them have the portfolios or even videos on hand. Before going to hire an expert you must consider some important factors if you want professional work. Installing the system requires great skill and experience. The water supplies between your garden and backyard and even plant to plant must be proper as per the need of that plant or area of grass.

Talk with friends, co-workers or get anyone’s opinion you think is valuable that can help you make the right choice. Your choice of a lawn sprinkler company will have a lasting affect on your lawn as all sprinkler systems require some protection and maintenance.

Before the first winter period, it is crucial to winterize the system. Any water in the piping will cause a problem, when it freezes, expands and results in cracking of the piping.

These are just a few things to consider once you start looking around, which is typically around this time of the year.

Ed Pedicine

NJ Sprinkler System, NJ Lawn Irrigation, NJ Sprinkler Installation

Learning how to hire a landscape lighting contractor begins with becoming knowledgeable about possibilities, and imagining some effects you might want to explore further. From there, progress to finding and interviewing, knowledgeable, experienced professionals. Designing needs to be a collusion between you and the artisan.

Many are not aware of how far this industry has evolved past the utilitarian, functional approach still associated with it. Safety and security are still important, but they are done better now. Low volt lighting allows safe passage along walkways, changes of direction, and elevation to the destination. Crime is still deterred, entrances highlighted. But this is accomplished more effectively and aesthetically.

This can be one of the best investments you make in your home. By extending your usable living space into the outdoors during the evening hours and enhancing the aesthetics of your home’s architectural and landscaping features, you increase the property’s value. You will be making the space more useful, more comfortable and relaxing.

Through properly designed systems you will have a functional, but artistic effect, tastefully using light to enhance form and shadow with color combination and texture. The result can be theatrical.

Professionals can be located through referrals from happy customers, by discovering who designed appealing projects that you have seen, or through advertising. In interviewing these vendors find someone you are comfortable with and trust. This person should have communication and customer service skills. He will listen carefully to your desires and concerns rather than just forge ahead with what he thinks you should have. He will have ideas and suggestions for you to consider, and will point out potential problems or mistakes that may leave you unhappy with the results in the end.

Above all communicate a budget to this person early on, or your project could quickly get out of control, costing many times what you wanted to spend. At some point there are diminishing returns on your investment. Conversely your budget should be realistic and the installer must use quality materials and equipment if you are to be satisfied with function, maintenance and lifespan of the work. New LED bulbs will operate with 1/3 lower energy cost and will last much longer.

A detailed design plan should be developed with the installer. Expect him to have a passion for this work. He should be thoroughly versed in all possibilities that are available, and be imaginative. He must be up to date on innovative new products becoming available. He needs to be able to solve problems that may be presented by your project, and devise solutions. He should not only be technically competent but have a creative personality as well.

The installer should appear to have fundamental business skills and be organized. His business practices should be ethical and fair. His crew should be skilled and professional.

How to hire a landscape lighting contractor is a multiple step proposition. It entails knowing what you want, what to expect, and how to obtain it. Do not expect the right installer to be a perfect human being. You can, however, find one with the necessary qualities.

Ed Pedicine of Emerald Lawn Sprinklers
Landscape Lighting, NJ Outdoor Lighting

The pros and cons of low voltage lighting have been an issue since just after the light bulb was invented. The alternating current distribution system, and high voltage soon won the debate. Their capacity to transmit electricity great distances with less loss of energy along the way was a determining factor. The alternative system did and still does offer some clear advantages, though.

After inventing the light bulb Thomas Edison began using direct current systems to light individual houses. Later Nikola Tesla invented the transformer. This allowed alternating current electricity to be stepped up to high voltages and transmitted longer distances, and stepped back down to lower voltages to be safely used.

A bitter argument followed, with Edison arguing that his competitors were promoting a system dangerous to the public. To make his point he even helped to develop the electric chair to be used in public executions in public, to demonstrate the potential dangers.

Another known disadvantage is the thermal effect, whereby heat is generated in equipment at high voltage, causing fire risk. Another is surging, or over current which is a risk to electrical equipment. Also present is electrical disturbance whereby radiation can interfere with signal reception. It is also demonstrated statistically that electromagnetic fields are a risk to the health of persons in close proximity to the electrical line.

When considering a 12 V system we can see that there is no risk of injury or electrocution from the current. Meanwhile a 120 V or 220 V systems in use in the US. Their long history of deaths caused by electrocution from accidental contact with lines demonstrates that. Expense of operating can be 1/3 lower and LED bulbs have a much longer life as well.

A system using direct current could also be used in rural areas lacking distribution line access. It can also be used if the user wishes not to be dependent on the grid, which can fail to to deliver electricity at times, or if he does not want to pay monthly bills to the utility company. In situations like this electricity may be produced by solar panels, hydro power, wind turbines, geothermal, or fuel burning generators. Banks of batteries are used to store power for eventual use, as needed.

The light produced is of a different quality as well. Low volt bulbs produce a warmer appearing light. It can produce a more dramatic effect in architectural or outdoor landscape applications. It is sharper and clearer, making it suitable to direct specifically where wanted, or used as an accent. The quality is more natural looking and can also be used under water.

Meanwhile, high volt bulbs produce a more diffused light, which tends to scatter. It is harder to control and focus on specific areas. Much of it is lost into the atmosphere, causing light pollution of night skies and obscuring the stars from view.

The pros and cons of low voltage lighting should be weighed, balancing the desired effect, the cost, and safety. In considering all this it may become apparent that low volt lights have some distinct advantages, in your application.

Ed Pedicine

The process of starting up a sprinkler structure after a long period of shut down or after winter can be very difficult. If not well handled, one might end up breaking down the whole structure.

One of the effective procedures is getting your contractor to take you through the process. This will ensure that the system is working properly. This can prevent cases where you risk damaging the whole equipment.

You ought to collect spare parts before you go ahead to start the equipment. This will help you in case of any breakages. It is easier to have the tools on the stand by than to start getting them when you detect a problem. This saves time and allows you to react quickly when a fault is detected.  However, although we are empowering you here, its best to leave it to the pros to protect your costly investment.

When opening up for the water to flow in the pipes, open it slowly. Let the water first fill in the pipes before you increase its pressure. This ensures that pipe attain normal conditions first before pressure is increased. When you start by filling them up under high pressure, the pipes might burst and bring you unnecessary costs in replacing them and paying for the wasted water.

After opening the water under low pressure, it is important that you go through each station and ensure that every valve is functioning properly. This will give you the time to correct faulty valves before you can allow water to flow under full pressure. You should note that correcting faults is easier when water is under low pressure.

When everything has been confirmed to be functional and the faults corrected, you can now start your irrigation process. You can increase the pressure and all is good to go. You should make sure that you will always follow the process when you need to start it up after a long period. Proper servicing ensures that you get a long working life from the machine.  Lastly but most importantly, getting your system and maintenance from us along with our 5 year warranty makes life much easier.

Ed Pedicine

Emerald Lawn Sprinklers

So, you want to go into the lawn sprinkler business?  Well, people can get quite innovative in their quest to earn income and one way to do this is to get involved in a lawn sprinkler business. Before finding clients it will be necessary to obtain the tools of the professional lawn sprinkler contractor. Entrepreneurs are able to find these at most do-it-yourself stores.

Some might say it is counterproductive for me to give such advise, since I own a lawn sprinkler company after all but this is an educational blog.  Besides, it takes a heck of a lot more than a blog post to get started in this business so I can afford to part with this knowledge, just in case you were curious.

In terms of marketing, it will be a good idea to get a website and ensure that it is optimized so that people in the area are able to find the business. Advertising in local magazines and local classified newspapers is bound to get the phone ringing as well. Advertising is important as the best business, employees and equipment are meaningless without clients.  This very site you are on is one of a few outlets used to teach folks like yourselves in addition to attracting new clients.

There are certain websites that specialize in selling the components that are needed to do this kind of work. Many of the websites have self help sections that give advice on what is needed and how to go about getting the job done. All the necessary parts will be available for people to buy for personal or commercial use but beware, competition is stiff with players who been around for decades.

Some of the components include back flow devices, valves for sprinklers, tubing, irrigation tools, sprays and a host of other accessories. Information on various designs are available from the outlets and it is possible to get a sprinkler installation manual. Advice on protecting the system during the colder months will be available as well.

Some homeowners are technically minded and might enjoy installing their own system. They too, will need all the equipment to do the job. It is possible that they may need a little more technical support than someone who does the work for a living.  If all this seems a bit daunting to you, you are always welcome to let us do the job for you!

While it is great to have the tools of the professional lawn sprinkler contractor and installing this in your yard, please be mindful to save water. All of these issues can be discussed with the retailer. Systems such as these are much more convenient than having to stand and water the yard and the flowers.  If this is your quest, I wish you a good journey!

Ed Pedicine

Emerald Lawn Sprinklers

Outdoor lighting for decks is one way to successfully let your indoor living area flow into your outdoor entertainment area. Beautiful decks enhance the garden of any home, but with the proper lighting, can and do look absolutely stunning.

Apart from using these lights to beautify your outdoor living space, they also add to the safety and security of your home as well, for you, your family, and your visitors. Having lights at strategic points outside your home makes it a little more difficult for intruders to gain access to your house.

There is nothing better than spending a warm summer evening outside on your deck entertaining a few friends. It is essential to have the correct lighting in place, not only to create the right ambience, but for safety purposes too.

For instance, having a light at each corner post of the deck will highlight the area just enough to allow your guests to walk around safely. These lights will give a subtle glow, perfect for that summer night barbecue. Illuminating the deck area will make your guests have no doubt as to where the entertainment is to be held!

Lights can be installed at the base of the corner posts as well. These are very soft lights that are extremely effective in highlighting the floor area of the deck. Your guests will be able to walk around freely, and have enough light when sitting at your deck furniture.

There are always walkways to a deck, and very often a few stairs as well. These look fabulous in the day time hours, but can be risky areas at night. Apart from using lights in these areas for safety purposes, the overall beautiful effect they create is really lovely. If you have umbrellas on your deck, these are catered for as well with the rechargeable umbrella lights that are available.

We are here to serve you if you are located in North NJ or Central NJ.

Ed Pedicine

Emerald Lawn Sprinklers