Painting with Light: Landscape as Art

Your home and garden can be a work of art; you just need to put it in the right light.  “Painting with light” is no longer terminology used in the photographic arts.  It can also be used to mean that something is featured with light in a way that can resemble a work of art!

Landscape lighting, when done correctly, can highlight features in the landscape and architecture that you never knew existed.  Or, at least you did not know it existed after dark.  Landscape lighting is not reserved to the walkway or stairway (although we should not discount the importance of those!).  Trees are a wonderful creation – each unique and lending its own to the scenery.  Your home, usually the biggest part of your investments, has a right to be seen in a new light.

White, yellow, blue, green, red.  Colors and tones of landscape lights are endless.  But in the hands of a landscape lighting expert, these are all colors on our palette just awaiting a canvas.

Wellbrite Rocks San Marcos

Outdoor Lighting at KRC Rock in San Marcos, CA Installed by Wellbrite

Stoned excited, that’s what we are!  Wellbrite had the privilege of installing outdoor lighting at KRC Rock in San Marcos, CA.  KRC Rock (www.krcrock.com) is California’s leading supplier of landscape and masonry materials. 

As soon as you walk into KRC Rock's courtyard you have a new sense of the landscape surrounding you.  The courtyard features designs from local designers and contractors (such as pond builders and outdoor kitchens, etc.), but our lighting design brings a whole new cohesion to the courtyard: 

·         The walkways are better defined. 

·         Open areas are properly lit to encourage gathering. 

·         Landscape features are highlighted to show interest and depth to the landscape designs.

All of this is accomplished with the installation of the right lights in the right places!

This installation comes at a great time, too.  Just in time for the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) San Diego Rocktober event hosted by KRC Rock.

Photos coming soon…

Keeping Up with Technology: Dimmable Outdoor LED Lights

When Dimming is a Brite Idea

We have mentioned these lights before, but we wanted to share a little bit more about the dimming feature and why a dimmable light is attractive for outdoor lighting.

Wellbrite recommends and utilizes Ecolink’s landscape lights (www.discoverecolink.com/led) for the ease of installation, the quality of the light, and the cost that is less than comparable lights on the market.

Specifications:

-Finish is a durable powder coated, anodized aluminum alloy.  This gives improved durability, even near coastlines.

-Each light can be independently tuned with a magnet providing the right light intensity where you need it.  There is no need to open the light to dim or brighten (tune) the light.

-Accent light comes with two drop in lenses to convert the standard 33 degree beam to either a 60 degree flood or a 16 degree spot. 

-Uses the latest technology to get the brightness of a 35W bulb, but only consumes 10W of power.

Why a Dimmable Light?:

The energy benefits of LED lights are evident.  But why a dimmable LED light?  The answer: Some landscape elements look better under different light tones.

A customer needed less light on an olive tree because the bark was more reflective than other trees in the area.  The light can be dimmed on the spot to make the proper intensity. 

As the landscape matures it is also important to have lighting flexibility.  As your landscape changes you can retune the intensity or simply drop in a new lens instead of replacing the fixture.

You can also see how the dimming feature works in Ecolink’s YouTube video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgzus5gxM9I

Starlight, Wellbrite

Starlight, Wellbrite, First Star I See Tonight

The kids are back in school and dusk comes earlier each day as we make our way in to autumn.  San Diego weather allows us to stay outdoors longer than in most areas of America.  With requests from the power company for us to reduce our energy use (especially on the hotter days) we do everything we can to do our part -- including spending evenings outside to stay cool.

Now is a great time to look at that landscape lighting once more. 

-          Have the panel and wiring checked;

-          Check each light to make sure they are lit and working properly;

-          Consider LED landscape lights

Don’t forget those kids who will soon be walking onto your property for Halloween treats.  Keep them AND your home safe by lighting walkways and installing wireless sunset and motion sensors.

Keeping Up with Technologies - ABT Wireless Zone Control

ABT Wireless Zone Control

We found a gadget that is great for controlling which outdoor lights you want to turn on.  Instead of turning on all the landscape lights with a light switch, you can actually divide the lighting into zones. .. three zones to be exact.  And you don’t have to install another transformer to do it!

ABT Wireless (www.abtwireless.com) has created Zone Control™ .  The Zone Control is connected to your transformer* dividing the lighting areas.  The wireless remote is then programmed to the three zones.

Wireless remote?  Yes! 

This system also has a key fob wireless remote available.  It is about the same size as the remote you use for your car.  The wireless system is much more convenient and cost effective than wiring in more light switches.

So why do I want to divide my lights into zones?  We are so glad you asked! 

You can turn on only the lights you need to use which helps you save money on your energy bills.

-Keep on those lights that add safety and security to your home. 

-Turn on the lights around the pool or patio when those are in use. 

-And, finally, you can turn on and off the lights that highlight the perimeter of your property that are best for when you entertain.

Of course, these are only suggestions.  Your set up requirements may vary.

Most times Zone Control can be connected to an existing transformer, but a thorough system check is recommended before making any additions or changes to your landscape lighting system.

From time to time we will come across technologies that we just have to share!  Stay tuned for more Keeping Up with Technologies posts in the future.

ABT Wireless is a part of the Secure Wireless family of companies.  ABT landscape controls can only be purchased through authorized dealers for contractors.

Take Advantage of Low Voltage Lighting

Why You Should Take Advantage of Low Voltage Lighting

Add outdoor lighting for safety and security

• Light up walkways for safe access from the driveway to the front door
• Deter intruders by lighting the landscape surrounding your home

Improve your curb appeal

• Highlight architecture
• Focus on landscape features
• Increase the value of your home

Save money by replacing old lighting systems

• Lower voltage and wattage means using less power and saving on energy bills
• Check your local utilities provider and/or community to see if you qualify for rebates for installing low voltage lighting systems!      

     Lighting Packages Available Through Wellbrite!

Lighting Package A: $3800.00

-6 Path Light* (Anodized aluminum w/ powder coat finish)

-8 Accent Lights* (Spot/Wash)

-Wireless Motion Sensor OR Wireless Sunset Sensor

-Zone Control with Remote (splits transformer up to 3 zones)

-300 Watt Transformer

-Installation

Lighting Package B: $4200.00

-6 Path Lights* (Brass finish)

-8 Accent Lights* (Spot/Wash)

-Wireless Motion Sensor OR Wireless Sunset Sensor

-Zone Control with Remote (splits transformer up to 3 zones)

-300 Watt Transformer

-Installation

*LED Path and Accent light feature magnetic dimming technologies by Ecolink Intelligent Technologies

Lighting controls by ABT Wireless

Price does not include applicable taxes

San Diego County only

Troubleshooting Landscape Lights: When to Call a Professional

Let's face it.  It is annoying when landscape lights go out.  The outage can cause a lapse in the security of the home or just make the landscaping look undone.  Here are a few things to check on your own. 


If these steps don't work or you are in doubt, please call a professional!  There is no need to jeopardize your personal safety.

If no lights come on, check the following:

1. The transformer for power.  Is it plugged in properly?
2. The circuit breaker to make sure switches have not been tripped.
3. Timers to make sure they have power and they are set for the appropriate times.
4. All visible cables between the transformer and the lights for bare or cut wires.
5. Connections inside the lights.

If some lights are out or are dim, check the following:

1. The bulb.  Replace burned out bulbs as soon as possible.  Depending on how your lighting is set up, a burned out light can send more voltage to other lights causing them to burn out faster.
2. The fixture for water or moisture.  Make sure the power is turned off before attempting to deal with water in fixtures!  Make sure the fittings are dry and tightly connected.

When the troubleshooting does not identify the problem, it is time to call a professional.  There could be a variety of reasons why the lights or lighting system may be compromised.  Here are just a few reasons:

1. The transformer is bad.
2. The load on the circuit breaker is too high and/or system was installed improperly.
3. There are breaks or cuts in the line - either above ground or underground.
4. Lights are broken and need to be replaced.

A professional can target the problem and fix it correctly and safely.  He can also recommend other solutions for safety of the home, lighting enhancements, saving on power and more!

Las Olas Mexican Restaurant and Wellbrite Lighting

Las Olas Mexican Restaurant Goes “Greener” with Lighting by Wellbrite



During the day the lights are unobtrusive.  At night they really shine!

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA, July 18, 2012 – Las Olas Mexican Restaurant on Pacific Coast Hwy can claim they are more “green” than ever!  By installing LED lights throughout their patio and outside their building they are saving energy.

 “We were recycling before green was the ‘In Thing,’” says Nick Fierro, General Manager of the Las Olas location in Cardiff.  With low-voltage wiring already existing at the restaurant, LED lighting was an easy choice.  Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) use up to 70% less energy and can last 25 years or more.  Although saving energy is a great feature, they were really looking for the right ambiance. 

 “Before installing the LED lights you couldn’t see the details of the restaurant from the highway and there were a lot of dark corners in the patio,” says Fierro.  “We also like the dimming feature of these lights.  I didn’t know there was such a thing. I thought (LED lights) were either ‘on’ or ‘off.’” 





Fierro is referring to the dimming feature of the lights installed by Scott Nuschy of Wellbrite.  The intensity of each light can be changed by the touch of a magnet which allowed them to fine-tune the lighting over a couple weeks to create the perfect ambiance. The entire room does not have to be dimmed or brightened at the same time. 

Wellbrite’s Nuschy installed Ecolink’s accent lights at Las Olas.  “These lights give a lot of flexibility for setting the right mood whether in a restaurant or in a residential landscape,” comments Nuschy.  “I also like to use their lights because they are a local company (based in Carlsbad).”

Fierro admits that customers have yet to comment specifically on the new lights, but it “takes a few visits before they notice something has changed.”  With hundreds of reviews for Las Olas available on the Internet, there is no denying that the atmosphere is one of the reasons people keep coming back!

Encinitas based Wellbrite has over 25 years of experience in landscape lighting design, installation, repairs and lighting controls.  www.Wellbrite.com

Las Olas Mexican Restaurant has been serving North San Diego County since 1981 with locations in Cardiff by the Sea and Carlsbad. http://www.lasolasmex.com/

Update:  See us mentioned in El Restaurante Mexicano Magazine, page 19.  http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=120250

Keeping Outdoor Lights Well and Bright

June 6, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

 





Don’t stay indoors after the sun sets!  Now is a great time to make sure that outdoor lighting is in place and working properly to take advantage of outdoor living well into the night. 

Landscape lighting companies, such as Wellbrite, have a network of knowledgeable, professional, experienced service people who can  help with everything from changing out a landscape fixture bulb to checking the entire outdoor lighting electrical system; designing to installing.  “Maintaining landscape lighting helps to show off and enhance a property.  But it also lets homeowners extend their living areas to the outdoors,” says Scott Nuschy, President of Encinitas based Wellbrite.  Wellbrite installers can determine the best place for lights and the right types of lights to maximize lighting effects and also improve home safety and security. 

Lighting up the outdoors does not have to come with a hefty price tag.  With energy bills continuing to rise in Southern California, how can we afford to leave the lights on?  The Wellbrite network of installers has solutions for that, too.  LED landscape lighting is just one solution for keeping those energy bills in check.  LED technology has improved so they look like halogen lights… and the prices are dropping significantly.  “It used to be that LED lights were so expensive that it would take almost half the life of the light to recover the cost of the fixture through saving electricity,” says Nuschy.  “With the price of lights, like those we use from Ecolink being almost the same price as regular lights, people will see the savings immediately.”

At the end of the evening or outdoor festivities, homeowners don’t have to worry about remembering to turn the lights off.  There is a solution for that, too.  Wellbrite installers are certified for installing timers and Zone Controls to automate outdoor lighting. 

Not having to worry about outdoor lighting gives you plenty of time to start planning your next outdoor party!

Encinitas based Wellbrite has over 25 years of experience in landscape lighting design and installation offering landscape lighting design, installation, repair and lighting controls.  www.Wellbrite.com

Located in Carlsbad, CA, Ecolink develops, manufactures, and sells technologies and products for intelligent outdoor and indoor lighting, water management, and HVAC control worldwide.  www.DiscoverEcolink.com

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Save on Energy Bills by Using LED Landscape Lights

As you slowly replace the conventional light bulbs inside the house with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save energy, you may not be applying the same strategy to your landscape lights.  Or, if you have taken the step to replace burned out landscape lights with other “energy saving” bulbs, they have rewarded you with sub-par performance and more maintenance than the original lights.  With all the hassle, it seems almost easier to just leave the landscape lights off!

When you installed your landscape lighting you may have installed a low-voltage system and you may believe that you are saving as much energy as you can.  However, you still have the potential to save more with a different type of light.  It all comes down to the wattage of the bulb.  Many landscape lights use a 20 -35 watt bulbs.  It is very easy to assume that reducing the wattage also reduces the light output.  But, reducing the wattage without compromising lighting effects is now possible. 

There is no need to compromise your safety or investment in your home. 

Keep the lights on with LED landscape lights.

Carlsbad, CA based Ecolink, developer of a new, cutting-edge LED landscape luminaire, breaks down the difference in energy usage between halogen bulbs used in landscape lights and their dimmable LED Accent Light at three different settings.

                                                                                Annual Energy                    Annual

Fixture Type                          Power [Watts]      Consumption [kWh]*           Cost [$]**

MR-16 Halogen                       35                               76.65                             $10.73

Ecolink Accent Light- High    10.5                            23.00                              $3.22

Ecolink Accent Light- Med     4.9                             10.73                              $1.50

Ecolink Accent Light- Low     2.5                                5.48                              $0.77

*Assuming 6 hours of nightly usage

** Assuming $0.14 / kWh energy cost

Source: Ecolink, March 15, 2012

With LEDs (light-emitting diodes) you can realize a 70%-93% savings in both energy usage and cost. 

Tired of replacing bulbs?  LEDs also last up to 50,000 hours (approximately 30 years) which means the cost of replacement bulbs is virtually eliminated. 

So what keeps us from upgrading to the LED landscape lights?  Cost of the fixtures?  The bright “white” LED light?  Well, Ecolink has taken care of those concerns, too.  Pricing has caught up with technology so the pricing of the fixtures are more economical than many lights on the market.  Also, the LEDs they use in their fixtures have a “warm” color to mimic halogen light sources.  Add the dimming feature to get that “just right” light for any part of your landscape.

Do you have any other reasons for not upgrading your landscape lights to LED?  Tell us what you think.

Wellbrite landscape lighting: Repairs and Replacements, Upgrades and Lighting Expansions, Lighting Design and Controls. 

Ecolink LED lights are only available through professional landscape contractors, landscape lighting technicians and electricians.