Many homeowners use their garages for more than just storing vehicles. So whether you are building a new home here in the Houston area, or just want to remodel or redesign your garage, your garage lighting should be something you consider. There are lots of ways to light your garage, making it more useful and safe. Let’s look at some ways you can improve your garage lighting.
New Garage Door Opener
If you are building a new house, or have a garage door opener that is over 10 years old, then why not look at a garage door opener that solves more than one problem? There have been some exciting advancements in the world of garage door openers. One is the incorporation of the 360-degree light ring like in the LiftMaster 87504. The 360° light ring uniformly brightens every corner of the garage with 2,000 lumens of the long-lasting LED light. If this is an option you would like to explore, Spectrum Overhead Door has been installing garage door openers since 2006. Give us a call and we can give you a free quote.
Wraparound lights
Wraparound lights are the most common type of garage light. If you like your current lights, but they aren’t providing enough light, consider replacing them with high-efficiency wraparound lights.
High-efficiency wraparound Fixtures
These fixtures use highly efficient T8 bulbs. They’re easy to install and provide more than twice the light as standard fluorescent lights. These fixtures are available in lengths from 2 feet to 4 feet and come in flush or surface mount styles. They can be installed on ceilings or walls, and some come with pull chains for easy on/off control.
LED wraparound fixtures
LED lights have a long life and use little energy compared to fluorescent lamps. Some models are dimmable and come with a color temperature of 3000K (warm white) or 4000K (cool white).
High bay lights
High bay lights are ideal for garages with ceilings that are over 20 feet high. They’re suspended from the ceiling, and most of them need to be hardwired into an electrical system. You can find high bay lights in a variety of styles, from traditional to industrial. Some have a motion sensor that automatically turns on when you enter the garage, and others have adjustable heads so you can direct the light where you want it to go.
Recessed lighting
Recessed lighting, also known as can lighting, is one of the most common types of garage lighting. It’s a cost-effective way to light up your garage without taking up any space. Recessed lights are great for task lighting and can be installed in rows, in a grid, or in a combination of rows and grids. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can customize them to fit your style.
Utility lights
Utility lights are the cheapest and easiest to install. They are simply a wire that’s connected to a power source, with a light bulb attached at the end. Since they’re not hardwired, you can move them around as necessary or even take them with you when you leave. Just be sure to disconnect the wires first.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can create a sense of security. Have you ever taken a walk in your neighborhood at night and wondered if you were going to be mugged by someone hiding in the bushes? With outdoor lighting, you don’t have to worry about that happening. Examples of outdoor garage lights include:
Motion sensor garage Lights
There’s nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark when you pull into your Houston garage doors late at night. Motion sensor lights will automatically turn on when a car pulls into the driveway. Plus, they’ll stay on until you turn off your car and exit your vehicle.
You won’t have to worry about leaving them on all night and wasting electricity either. Most motion sensor lights can be set to turn off after a certain amount of time (anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes).
Garage coach lights
Garage coach lights are outdoor lights that resemble a carriage or coach lantern. They’re ideal for installing on the exterior of your garage since they are low enough not to interfere with opening the garage door. You can find garage coach lights in most hardware and home improvement stores.
Solar-powered garage coach lights are a good choice if you don’t want to wire any new lighting. These lights include solar panels that collect energy from sunlight and store it for later use. You can even add a motion sensor to the light so that it turns on when someone walks by.
To install, simply mount the light fixture on an eave above your garage door using suitable mounting hardware. If you’re installing solar-powered lighting, be sure to mount it in a location where it will get direct sunlight during daylight hours.
Bulbs that can be used in outdoor lights
Some lights are only meant for indoor use, so you have to find bulbs that can be used in outdoor lights. Here are some tips for finding the right bulbs for your garage door lighting:
- Look for a weatherproof rating: Lights that are rated IP65 or higher are protected from dust and water, so they can handle the elements if they’re mounted on an outside wall.
- Use shatter-resistant bulbs: Bulbs with tough shells can survive a fall to the ground without breaking, which minimizes cleanup time if the light is accidentally knocked loose.
Examples of bulbs that can be used outside:
Fluorescent bulbs
The modern fluorescent bulb is the most efficient and cost-effective light source for garage lighting ideas. The fluorescent bulb is by far the most versatile type of bulb available. There are many types of fluorescent bulbs available, including high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs.
These bulbs can also be used in outdoor lighting applications such as security lights or landscape lighting. The only downside to these types of bulbs is that they are expensive to purchase and maintain. Another disadvantage is that some of them do not operate at full brightness without a special adapter.
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs are known for their high-intensity output and their ability to be used in outdoor lights. Halogen bulbs will last longer than other types of bulbs, meaning that they require less maintenance because they have to be replaced less often. They also use less energy than other types of bulbs, meaning that they will allow you to save money on your electric bill at the end of each month.
Incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are a classic choice for outdoor lights, but they do not provide as much light as halogen bulbs do. Incandescent bulbs also require more maintenance because they typically burn out faster than halogen bulbs do
These are a few of the best garage lighting ideas you can try in order to have a nice and well-lit garage space. The most important thing with lighting in your garage is to maximize light output, so you don’t get tripped up, especially when working in the dark.
If you are considering a garage door installation in Houston, Call us at Spectrum Overhead Door LLC and we can help you design the door and give you a free, no-obligation quote. Main Office: 281-748-9542, East Houston 713-557-3407