Outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance your home’s beauty, increase safety, and extend the functionality of your yard well into the evening. But when it comes to choosing the right type of lighting, many homeowners are torn between two popular options: LED and low-voltage lighting.
Both have their advantages—so which is right for your outdoor space?
In this article, we’ll compare LED and low-voltage landscape lighting across the key factors that matter most, from energy efficiency to installation and cost. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to make the best choice for your landscape lighting needs.
What is LED Landscape Lighting?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is the most energy-efficient and durable option available today. These lights use semiconductors to emit light, producing very little heat and consuming significantly less power than traditional bulbs.
Benefits of LED Landscape Lighting:
- Energy savings of up to 75% over traditional lighting
- Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours)
- Wide range of styles, brightness levels, and color temperatures
- Very low maintenance
- Durable and weather-resistant for year-round use
What Is Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Low-voltage lighting operates at just 12 volts (compared to the standard 120V household system), using a transformer to step down the power. These systems can run either incandescent or LED bulbs, offering some flexibility.
Benefits of Low-Voltage Lighting:
- Lower upfront cost than LED-only systems
- Safer to install and handle outdoors
- Produces a soft, ambient glow ideal for mood lighting
However, low-voltage lighting systems using incandescent bulbs require frequent replacements and consume more power, which can lead to higher long-term costs.
LED vs. Low-Voltage: A Quick Comparison
Let’s begin with a table that highlights the differences across features:
| Feature | LED Lighting | Low-Voltage Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Highly energy-efficient, uses significantly less power. | Uses less power than traditional 120V, but not as efficiently as LEDs. |
| Initial Cost | Typically more expensive upfront due to advanced technology. | Generally, more affordable upfront. |
| Lifespan | Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours), reducing maintenance. | Shorter lifespan (1,000-2,000 hours), requires more frequent bulb replacements. |
| Brightness & Light Quality | Offers bright, customizable illumination with color temperature control. | Softer, more natural glow, but less bright and customizable. |
| Installation | Easier installation with fewer connections and less wiring. | More complex installation with transformers and wiring. |
| Durability | More durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting. | Prone to more wear and tear, though weather-resistant options are available. |
| Maintenance | Minimal maintenance due to long lifespan and durable design. | Higher maintenance, with frequent bulb replacements. |
7 Factors to Help You Decide
1. Energy Efficiency
LED lights consume much less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them an excellent choice for lowering electricity bills and reducing environmental impact.
Low-voltage lighting, while more energy-efficient than traditional 120-volt systems, still doesn’t match the efficiency of LEDs.
2. Cost
LED lights typically come with a higher upfront landscape lighting cost due to their advanced technology. However, their long lifespan and energy savings lead to cost savings in the long term.
On the other hand, low-voltage lighting systems tend to be more affordable initially, but they may require more frequent bulb replacements, which can increase costs over time.
3. Safety
LED lights generate very little heat, making them a safer option for households with children or pets.
Low-voltage lighting, though safer than high-voltage systems, can still produce some heat, posing a slight risk in certain configurations, especially if using incandescent bulbs.
4. Longevity and Maintenance
LED lights have an impressive lifespan, often lasting 50,000 hours or more. This longevity reduces maintenance needs and the frequency of bulb replacements.
Low-voltage lighting, particularly when using incandescent bulbs, requires bulb changes every 1,000-2,000 hours, leading to higher long-term maintenance costs.
5. Brightness and Light Quality
LED lights are bright, customizable, and energy-efficient. They provide superior control over color temperature and intensity, which allows for precise design flexibility.
Low-voltage lighting typically offers a softer, more natural glow, particularly with incandescent bulbs, but may not be as bright or customizable as LED options.
6. Installation
LED lights are easier to install compared to low-voltage systems. They require fewer connections and generate less heat, making them safer and simpler to work with.
Low-voltage systems require a transformer and more intricate wiring, making installation more complex, especially for large areas.
7. Durability and Weather Resistance
LED lights are generally more durable and resistant to weather conditions, which makes them a better option for long-term outdoor use.
Incandescent low-voltage lights, while also weather-resistant, tend to be more fragile and susceptible to wear and tear over time.
Which is Right for Your Landscape?
When choosing outdoor lighting for your landscape, consider your budget, desired effect, and maintenance preferences. While low-voltage lighting may offer a more affordable upfront cost, it can lead to ongoing expenses due to frequent bulb replacements.
On the other hand, LED lights provide bright, customizable lighting and require less maintenance, representing a better long-term investment.
In most cases, LED lighting is the smarter long-term investment—especially for homeowners who value performance, longevity, and design flexibility. But if you’re working within a tight budget or prefer a more traditional lighting look, low-voltage systems can still be a great fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
We Help You Choose the Right Lighting for Your Yard
Not sure which direction to go? Whether you’re looking for ultra-efficient LEDs or a charming low-voltage system, Hancock Landscape can help design, install, and maintain the perfect lighting setup for your outdoor space.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation for landscape lighting in Louisville, KY, —and let’s light up your landscape the right way.
