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Simple Additions That Make the Most of Outdoor Living Spaces

Summer is a time to be outdoors and share memories with friends, but if the neighborhood or friends group doesn’t have a regular place to gather, it can be difficult to celebrate. Homeowners can design a backyard space that is perfect for entertaining and will provide an atmosphere that breeds comfort and enjoyment with just a little thought and the help of an electrician.

Install Strategic Exterior Lighting

Outdoor lighting can be both practical and decorative. It helps keep the outdoor area visible, allowing the party to go well into the night, and exterior lights can also be used to create a festive mood. A few examples that fit both the practical and decorative categories are examined in the following paragraphs.

Motion-Sensor Lights: These lights are handy for driveways and backyard spaces that animals might use.

Pathway Lights: These are usually used along a sidewalk area to provide a good visual of the path and allow navigation.

Step Lights: These particular lights are often embedded in the steps leading up to a porch area to help people navigate the stairs, even in low light. They are usually placed vertically so that they shine out onto the step.

String Lights: While string lights are always great for a party look, they have the practical aspect of lighting up the yard while creating a romantic atmosphere.

Solar Lights: These outdoor lights are often seen in the gardening section of local department and hardware stores at this time of year. They save money using only solar energy and provide a nice LED light source perfect for lighting paths or flowerbeds.

Spotlights: These can be good for when a homeowner has to let pets outside or, as a decorative measure, to highlight certain landscaping areas, such as a tree.

Invest in a Generator

Even exterior lights can help save a get-together if there is a power outage. Summer is often when outages occur due to increased air conditioner usage. Not only are power outages inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous for vulnerable people who may depend on electricity to run certain things they require for their health. This is why homeowners with these concerns should consider purchasing a power generator. It can take the pressure off and keep a summer gathering going. The benefits of owning a generator are contained in the list below.

A generator keeps the refrigerator and freezer going, preventing food spoilage

A generator keeps the air conditioning going to keep the home cool

A generator keeps the lights on

A generator will power security systems and life-saving devices in a power outage

Take the Plunge for a Pool or Hot Tub

What could make a summer more perfect? The only real answer is a pool or hot tub. While these are significant financial investments, they are also a way to increase the value of a home and curb appeal. The main problem with a pool or hot tub is ensuring a professional safely and properly wires it. It must be done according to regulations and local laws to keep everyone safe from electric shock.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

With fully-stocked vehicles and 24-hour emergency response, Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has made a name for itself in Sun Prairie, WI, and the surrounding communities. Call them today for a 1-day lighting installation by professional, background-checked technicians.

Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer Fun!

Wisconsin summers are full of warm days and pleasant nights - perfect for relaxing in the backyard, grilling up a feast for family and friends, and sipping lemonade out on the porch. So as the sun goes down and fireflies come out, it would be a shame for the party to end just because no one can see where they’re going!

Fortunately, with the proper lighting, one can transform any backyard into a party paradise - one where no one trips in the dark and loses their hamburger or hot dog. Finding the right lighting setup isn’t always easy, however, so here are a few easy suggestions for creating the perfect resort-style atmosphere in the backyard without breaking the bank.

Illuminate the Night With Flood Lights

The first outdoor lighting idea is more of a practical solution than an aesthetic one. A common problem that homeowners face is not having adequate light in their backyards. Sure, just about every home has one or more lantern lights or sconces on their back porch or patio, but these only spread light so far - leaving the majority of the yard in a dead zone.

So after the sun sets, grilling, playing, or even taking the garbage out can be difficult - if not a little unnerving. Floodlights mounted in strategic locations can shine plenty of light on an otherwise dark patch of the yard. Many floodlights have optional motion sensors, so they can turn on any time someone walks through their range - a handy feature not just for convenience but also for home security.

Accentuate the Yard’s Beauty With Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is great both for improving safety and showing off the yard’s best features. Installing ornate lamp posts along common pathways may work well in some very large yards, but the miniature version is more appropriate for most homeowners. Adding a line of small, tasteful pathway lights along the edges of a footpath or garden can lend both safety and charm to any yard.

Discreet, carefully placed spotlights or wall lights can highlight trees, shrubs, statues, or portions of the home’s architecture. This can bring out the color and lend a sense of depth to the yard even after night has fallen. If installed correctly, these fixtures will hardly be noticeable in the daytime but turn heads at night.

Brighten Up the Back Porch With String Lights

Backyard string lighting is a popular option for livening things up outside, partially because it’s affordable and partially because it makes for a festive yet elegant atmosphere. They’re also extremely versatile. One can drape them around the porch or patio, wrapped around columns, or woven through tree branches. They can provide light just for the back deck or the entire backyard.

They also provide a warm and soft lighting profile, which is easy on the eyes and doesn’t create hard shadows. Outdoor string lights are available in many styles, from modern LED bulbs to vintage filament bulbs to Chinese paper lanterns. No matter the style or configuration, every backyard gathering will be a shining success with the right lighting!

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

A full-service contractor, Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning has been handling the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs of Sun Prairie, WI for over 35 years. They always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and get the job done right the first time. They offer 24/7 emergency service and beneficial membership plans. Call them now for lighting services!