Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House

Warm Solution for a Cold Room

I’m excited to share this solution with anyone who has a cold room in their home. Sometimes a room may be cold because it lacks a heating duct, is missing insulation, or is on a concrete slab. Whatever the reason, today I’m going to share with you a Warm Solution for that Cold Room in your house.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House bathroom

My friend Beth has a bathroom in her home that no one (including guests) want to use. Unfortunately, I experienced the shock of using this bathroom once before and vowed never again. The half bathroom, added onto their home, has always felt like an ice box in the winter. And as you know, a cold bathroom means a cold toilet seat. Need I say more?

Beth had accepted the fact that she couldn’t do anything about her frigid bathroom without tearing down all the drywall or adding a vent (which would be messy and costly solutions). Then I discovered these wall heaters from Broan. Being that I am a Broan-NuTone influencer, I reached out to Broan to find out if I could get a complimentary heater for Beth’s bathroom. Of course, they felt for Beth’s situation and gladly agreed to send me the Broan 170 Wall Heater.

Notes: A few notes about installing a wall heater. View the available heater options from Broan. The heater you need will depend on several factors. Contact Broan’s customer service department for assistance selecting a heater that is right for you. This tutorial is strictly for informational purposes. You need a licensed electrician to install the heater. You may need to pull a permit when adding a supplemental heater to your home. Check with your local building and permit office to find out what the requirements are.

Finding a Location for the Wall Heater:

Locate a good location for the heater. Ideally you want an interior wall that doesn’t have insulation. Check to make sure the wall studs are far enough apart to allow the heater housing box to fit inside the studs. (Need help locating your studs? Here are 5 Ways to Locate Wall Studs without a Stud Finder.) Make sure that the location for your heater does not have any flammable items nearby. (Curtains or towels located near the heater could pose a fire risk.) Finally, assess the air current direction from your heater. You need the air to flow freely into the room and not be blocked by doors or other items.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House

Preparing the Wall for Installation:

After locating an appropriate space for the heater installation, use the metal housing box to trace the opening size onto the wall. Cut through the drywall with a drywall saw or oscillating tool.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House Drywall

Check to see if the housing will fit in the hole you just cut. Make any adjustments as needed. (Beth’s wall studs provided the exact opening for the wall heater (lucky us!) If your wall studs are further apart, you can use the mounting brackets that come with the heater.)

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House heater install

The location for Beth’s heater just happens to be underneath two switches, but we needed to run new wiring to accommodate the electrical load the heater needed.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House switches

Adding Dedicated Electrical for the Heater:

**The power should be shut off during installation of the wall heater.**

We drilled a hole through the bottom of the wall plate inside the cavity.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House wall heater install

As the electrician went into the crawlspace, I shone my flashlight down through the hole to assist with locating the newly drilled hole.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House inwall heater electrical

The electrician fed wiring up through the hole. . .

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House electrical wiring

. . . and ran the other end of the wiring to the circuit breaker. After fishing the wiring into the space below the circuit breaker, he fished the wiring into the circuit breaker box (not shown below.) Depending on your circuit breaker, you may need to have a split breaker added if you don’t have room for a new breaker.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House wiring circuit breaker

The electrician should handle installing the new breaker and connecting the wiring inside the breaker box.

Installing the Wall Heater:

The electrician inserted the electrical wiring through the bottom knock out hole in the housing box and then set it into the wall.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House housing box

He secured the housing box with mounting screws into the studs (or he could have used mounting brackets if the studs were further apart.)

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House installation instruction

The electrician wired the heater to the house wiring following the installation instructions and wiring diagram that came with the heater.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House electrical install

Then he attached the grille to the heater with the two screws provided.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House cover install

The thermostat knob was pressed onto the thermostat stem.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House install complete

The electrician turned the power back on and I tested the wall heater.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House wall heater test

Oh my! The warm heat blowing out of the heater was an immediate improvement in this cold bathroom.

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House wall heater complete

Beth and her family are so happy with the new heater. She told me, “For ten years, our bathroom was labeled the Cold Bathroom. Today, my son announced the bathroom has a new name: the HOT BATHROOM.”

Warm Solution for Cold Rooms in Your House

Now when Beth and I take our walks with the dogs I have no qualms about running in to her house to make a quick pit stop. LOL.

Do you have a room in your house that is more like an ice box than a climate controlled room? Did you know you can add a supplemental heater? Check out all these Broan heaters that could solve your cold issues.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Broan. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I was compensated for my time and efforts to create this tutorial. As always, I am very particular about the brands I represent and you will always be notified when you are reading a sponsored post on PrettyHandyGirl.com.

 

15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas

15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas - pinnable collage image15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas

Lighting can make a dramatic statement in any room and is a crucial element of good design. A great light fixture not only adds style, but it creates a mood and vastly impacts how you feel.

One of the biggest benefits of DIY Lighting is you can choose your own materials to meet your desires:

  • number and wattage of bulbs
  • material (metal, fabric, paper, wire, glass, concrete, wood, tile, etc.)
  • color
  • shape
  • style (farmhouse, modern, traditional, vintage, eclectic, industrial)
  • mounting (pendant, flush mount, semi-flush, wall mount)
  • shades (solid, translucent, semi-transparent, perforated, open)

With DIY Lighting, the style options are endless. There are so many choices and ideas out there at all different price points. The great news is that you don’t need a large budget to have great lighting for your home, you just need a few supplies and some basic handy skills!

Here is a round up of 15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas to inspire you to brighten up your home!

DIY Button Pendant Light - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Do you have a button collection? Use it to make this amazing DIY Button Pendant Light . It’s whimsical, sparkly, fun and is sure to be a great conversation piece when you have guests visit.

 

This Circle Diamond Pattern Light was created by updating an old brass light fixture. The tutorial will show you how to change out an old fixture and add some pizzazz to your room or hallway. You’ll have to see the pattern it shines onto the walls — beautiful!

 

Converting Recessed Light to Pendant Light - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Learn how to Convert a Recessed Light to a Pendant and add a little character to your room with a great light fixture! Recessed lights are great, but sometimes you need a fixture to finish off that great room design. This tutorial will help you change out your recess light in 5 minutes or less!

 

New Painted Foyer Light Fixture

Another update, but this time you’ll learn how to make a Pottery Barn Inspired Hanging Light. See how to make a quick cosmetic change to an old fixture. No dated brass fixture will be safe after you read this tutorial.

 

DIY Copper Pendant Light - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Check out these unique Farmhouse Style Copper Metal Pendants. Would you believe they were made by updating some UFO-like lights with storm collars, and spraying high heat spray paint?

 

Vintage Map Lampshade - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

For the ultimate traveler, this Vintage Map Lampshade creates a warm glow and would be a wonderful addition for any living room or office. Plus, you can customize it with maps of places you’ve been!

 

Glass Bowl Fixture - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

What do you do when the light you really love is sold out? You DIY it, of course! You’ll be amazed at how this knock-off DIY Glass Pendant Light by Ugly Duckling House was made. Hint: you may have one in your kitchen cabinet.

 

Ombre Paint Chip Lamp - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Don’t run to the store now, but you know those free paint chips they give out at the paint store? This Ombre Paint Chip Lampshade is made using those freebie paint chips. Next time you have a bunch of extras after you’ve finished your painting project, consider reusing them to make a great lampshade!

 

Chicken Wire Pendant - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Don’t you love this Chicken Wire Anthropology-Inspired Pendant in all its simplicity? If you love rustic or farmhouse style decor, this pendant is for you.

 

Minnow Trap Light Fixture - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

Whether you love to fish or not, these Minnow Trap Light Pendants are a great DIY option. They look great, give a lot of light, and set a casual mood.

 

Capiz Shell Light Fixture - Best Lighting DIYs - Pretty Handy Girl

This DIY Capiz Shell Light Fixture has a beautiful feminine and modern look. Build a quick frame; add some strings of capiz shells; and you have a beautiful new light fixture!

 

Twinkling Pendant Light - Best Lighting DIYs

The light pattern that this DIY Twinkling Pendant Light  shines onto the walls is so pretty and adds some fun and whimsy to any room. Bet you can’t guess what this pendant was in a former life!

 

Mosaic Glass Tile Lamp - Best Lighting DIYs

This Mosaic Tile Lampshade is gorgeous! With just a few supplies, you can add style and bling to your room without spending much money at all.

 

Industrial USB Charging Station - Best Lighting DIYs

Feeling super handy? This Industrial Light and USB Charging Station would be a cool addition to any room, and we all know you can never have too many charging stations these days.

 

Rustic Jar Pendant Light over kitchen sink - best lighting diys

Last but not least, learn to Convert a Recessed Light into a Hardwired Light. This gives you the option to hang pendant lights over a kitchen sink. . .or really anywhere else in your home. So many options!

I hope you enjoyed this round up of the 15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas and found some inspiration for your home!

If you like this collection, please share by pinning the image below.

15 Amazing DIY Lighting Ideas - Large pinnable image collage

Friends don’t let friends buy light fixtures if you can DIY them! Share this post with a friend.

Now that you have your ideas for creating that light fixture, do you know how to install a hard-wired light fixture? I’m happy to show you how, it’s very easy!

Fall Decor in a Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen | Pretty Handy Girl

 

Add Energy Efficient LED Fixtures in Recessed Can Lights | Pretty Handy Girl

If you’re like me you are in tune with saving money and saving the environment. Over time I’ve been switching several light fixtures and bulbs in my house to more energy efficient LED bulbs. During the past few years there have been many developments in LED light technology. Recently I discovered a two pack of retrofit LED fixtures for recessed can lights and knew I had to try them. Stick around to learn How to Add Energy Efficient LED Fixtures in Recessed Can Lights!

In the past I’ve tried several CFLs when they were in vogue, but I hated the light they cast and they didn’t last as long as I had hoped. Plus, they were a pain to dispose of. Luckily LEDs have taken over the light bulb space in a big way. Although some of the LED bulbs had a purplish cast to them in the beginning, I’ve found some bulbs that I like and do a fairly decent job of imitating traditional incandescent bulbs. Then there’s these light bulb beauties:

12 Stylish Energy Efficient Bulbs | Pretty Handy Girl

But, let’s not get side tracked. I want to show you how you too can Add Energy Efficient LED Fixtures in Recessed Can Lights! Let’s get started because this should only take 2 minutes!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

Measure the diameter of your recessed can to make sure you have the correct sized retrofit lights. (Our cans are 4 inch diameter.)

Turn off the light switch. Remove the bulb. You may also need to remove the trim kit (usually held on with clips or springs.)

Locate the screw base from the LED retrofit kit. Screw it into the socket where the light bulb would be inserted.

Locate the LED retrofit light fixture.

Snap together the wiring clips.

Feed the wires into the recessed can.

Press the retrofit light energy-efficient LED light into the recessed can.

Turn on the light switch to test that the fixture is working. Enjoy many hours of savings as you use less energy and enjoy bright warm light.

Add Energy Efficient LED Fixtures in Recessed Can Lights | Pretty Handy Girl

That was an easy tutorial, right? You may also like my tutorial to convert any recessed can light into a junction box for a hard-wired light fixture.

Convert a Recessed Light to Accept a Hardwire Fixture | Pretty Handy Girl

Or the 5 minute way to add a pendant light to your recessed light can.

There’s no more excuse for looking at ugly recessed can lights! 😉

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

I’m super excited to share you How to Install the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan I Ever Laid Eyes Upon! You remember last month when I gave my stepmom’s screen porch a drab to fab makeover, right? Well, I didn’t really complete the makeover. I strategically cropped this ugly ceiling fan out of the shots:

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

That ceiling fan isn’t just ugly. . .it’s truly F-U-G-L-Y! And we won’t even talk about the layer of black goopy dust on top of the motor and blades. Just thinking about it brings up the bile in my throat.

My stepmom and I knew we wanted to ditch the existing ceiling fan, but I wanted to replace it with an attractive ceiling fan. (I know, that seems like an oxymoron.) And then it happened, I saw a photo on Instagram that made my heart skip a beat. Our Fifth House posted a photo of her Haiku H Series Fan on her screen porch.

OurFifthHouse Instagram Photo of Screen Porch

That’s when I knew I had to install a Haiku Ceiling Fan on my stepmom’s screen porch. I approached Haiku Home (owned by Big Ass Solutions) about working with me on the screen porch makeover. They graciously agreed to supply the fan if I would supply the words and photos in this post. NOT ONLY THAT, they offered to give one of my readers a Haiku L Series Fan as well (read to the end of this post to enter.) Deal! Now that you know the back story, I present to you the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan I Ever Laid Eyes Upon:

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Isn’t that the most gorgeous ceiling fan you’ve ever seen? The motor is tiny and hidden by the beautiful brushed copper air foils. This fan is shiny, sleek, and modern. Best of all, it works great!

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

My stepmom had one switch that controlled her ceiling fan before. The switch was inside the house, not even remotely close to the door she uses for the porch (stupid!) We solved that issue by requesting a remote control for the Haiku Luxe Series Fan. Now she can sit on the screen porch and control the ceiling fan without walking through the house to turn it on.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Want to see how easy it is to install the Haiku Ceiling Fan? Let’s get busy.

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

Instructions:

Shut off the circuit to your ceiling fan. (Turn on the fan, then shut the circuit off and check that the fan doesn’t have power.)

Begin by removing the fan blades from the old ceiling fan.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove the canopy covering the wiring. (All ceiling fans are different, look for screws or rotate the canopy to remove.)

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Use the voltage tester to check for power. The green light means it’s safe. Red light (and/or an audible alarm) means the power is still on.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Disconnect the wires starting with the black “hot” wires. Then disconnect the white “neutral” wires and finally the bare “ground” wires.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Have a friend support the fan as you remove it from the mounting bracket.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Time to prepare the Haiku Luxe Series Fan for installation. Be sure to follow the installation instructions included with your fan.

Remove the shipping screws and shipping cap.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Locate the screws and grommets to attach the airfoils (fan blades).

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Match each airfoil with the color dot on the motor. Attach the airfoils using the screws and grommets provided.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the lower cover in the center of the airfoils.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Locate the rubber bumpers and slide them onto the extension brackets.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the mounting plate to the ceiling box with screws from your ceiling junction box.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Locate the mounting brackets (outlined in yellow below) and loosely attach them to the mounting plate.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the safety cable to a secured hook or stud in the ceiling (our junction box had a hook bolted to the ceiling joist which was a perfect anchor point.)

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Wire the ceiling fan by attaching the wires in this order: 1. Green/yellow to bare “ground” 2. Blue to white “neutral” 3. Red to black “hot”.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl
Tighten the bolts on the mounting brackets.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Secure the wire cover with screws provided. Slide the rest of the wiring cover up to cover the extension tube. Snap the cap on the side bolt.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Now sit back and admire the view! Then use your remote control to turn the fan on and enjoy the breeze!

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

The Haiku Luxe Series fan is truly a thing of beauty. My stepmom and I love how it looks.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

It is definitely a show stopper. Especially if you remember the old fan that was there.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

Big coppery bling improvement!

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

I think this fan needs to be in an art museum. . . but that’s just my opinion.

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

I’m thinking I might need to replace a ceiling fan or two in our home now. You should see all the options Haiku Home has:

Haiku Home Fans

Sorry, the giveaway has ended.

I have one question for you before you go, isn’t this the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan You Ever Laid Eyes Upon?

Installing the Most Beautiful Ceiling Fan | Haiku Copper Luxe Ceiling Fan | Pretty Handy Girl

I’m definitely a fan! LOL. . . get it?

PHGFancySign

Disclosure: Big Ass Solutions sent me the Haiku Home Luxe Fan for this project. I was not paid to use the product. I was not told what to write about their product. I approached Big Ass Solutions about working with me because I know they make quality products. As usual, I’m vary particular about the brands I mention on the blog. 

 

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How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Pop Quiz: How can you beautify your yard AND repel mosquitoes at the same time?

Do you give up? Introducing the new NuTone Haven Backyard Lighting & Mosquito Repellent System.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

As a resident of the North Carolina, we fight a losing battle against mosquitoes for a better part of the year. My son and I seem to be especially attractive to those pesky suckers. With the Zika virus in the news, I was thrilled when NuTone asked me to install and review their Haven lights (via a sponsored post.) Today I’ll show you how to install these low voltage landscape lights (similar to most landscape light installation.) At the end of the summer I’ll check back in to let you know how I like them.

Ready to learn How to Install Landscape Lights and Repel Mosquitoes?

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

Unpack your Haven Light & Repellent system from the box. Pull out the stake, stem and light to assemble.

Assembling the Fixture:

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Loosen the screw on the stake.How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Loosen the screw on the stem.loosen-screw-on-post

Feed the wires from the light fixture through the stem.How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Pull the wires through the other end of the stem.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl
Loosen the screw on the light fixture base and insert the stem into the light fixture. Tighten the screw.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Feed the other end of the stem into the stake and position the wires into the open slot in the stake.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Tighten the stake onto the stem.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

How to Install the Repellent:

Locate the bottle of repellent. Remove the green protective cap. Attach the locking adaptor cap onto the bottle (make sure the spurs are at the bottom.) Twist the locking cap until secure.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Loosen the screw just below the white shade on the light fixture.
How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Tilt the fixture open to expose inside.
How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Insert the repellent into the light fixture. The wick fits into the hole in the center of the fixture.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Twist the bottle 30 degrees to secure in place.
How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Close the light fixture and tighten the screw.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Repeat for any additional fixtures.

Installing Landscape Lights in Your Yard:

Set the fixtures in your yard and adjust the spacing (leave approximately 10 – 12′ between fixtures.)

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

When you are happy with the layout. Choose a location for your transformer (must be able to plug into a covered GFCI outlet.) Choose a path to connect your lights. (Ideally you’ll want to use the least amount of wire possible.) Run the first line of 12/2 low voltage wire from the transformer and around each light.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Loosely loop the wire around each fixture. It’s best to allow some slack in the wiring in case you have to move anything. Or to prevent connections from coming undone should someone pull the wire. Wrap colored duct tape around this wire near each fixture. This will label your first wire as the lighting wire.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Run a separate 12/2 low voltage wire around each fixture. Do not put tape on this wire.

Loosen the screw in the stake and remove the light fixture. Place the provided cap on each stake.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Hammer the stakes into the ground until they are flush with the soil.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Replace the light fixture into the stake and tighten the screw.

How to Wire Low Voltage Landscape Lights:

Please note that low voltage landscaping light connectors will differ. They are all similar in that there is a connector that has metal prongs to puncture and connect to the low voltage wire cable. The NuTone Haven Backyard Lighting & Mosquito Repellent System requires two separate wires (one for lights and one for repellent.) The Mosquito Repellent-Only fixtures (and most low voltage lights) only require one wire.

Locate the wire that was marked with colored duct tape.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Place some dielectric grease on the wire where you wish to connect the fixture.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Locate one connector. Unscrew the connector. Press the wire firmly (grease side toward the prongs) into the lower portion of the connector (has metal prongs). (I’m not sure if this is necessary or not, but I made sure the negative prong for all my fixtures was on the side that has writing on my low voltage wire cable.)

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Thread the upper half of the connector onto the bottom portion.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Twist the ring until the connector is tight. To help get a good connection. Tug at the wire to help the prongs pierce the wire insulation. Then tighten the ring further.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Squeeze some dielectric grease into both holes on the connector.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Firmly press the lighting wires into the slots.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Repeat these steps to connect the repellent wires to the non-marked low voltage cable wire. Connect all your fixtures to the light and repellent cable wires.

Installing the Low Voltage Transformer and Controller:

Install the controller and transformer near a covered GFCI outlet. For ease of connection, you may want to remove them from the mounting screws during wiring. Make sure the transformer is unplugged.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Locate the light sensor. While pressing down on the green buttons with a screwdriver, press both wires into the green “CDS” slots on the controller. Release the buttons and tug gently on the wires to make sure they are secured.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Cut a 12″ length of 12/2 low voltage wire. Split the two wires by scoring the center with a utility knife. Repeat on the other end.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Remove about 1/4″ from the end of both sides of the wire.How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach one end of the cable wire to the transformer. Make sure the screws are tight over the wire ends.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Attach the other end to the “AC 12V” screws on the controller. This will supply the controller with power.How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Connect the light wire cable to the “Light” screws on the controller. Connect the repellent wire cable to the “Repellent” screws.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Time to test your lights! Plug in the transformer and turn it on. Turn on the lights by pushing the light on/off button on the controller. Look around your yard and make sure all the lights are lit.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Turn on the repellent by pushing the “Repellent On/Off” button. Check to see if the green light is illuminated at the base of each fixture.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

If you have any fixtures that are not lit, check that the connections are tightened completely.

If everything is working, program your timer/controller per the instructions provided with the controller.

Burying the Landscape Wires:

Use the garden shovel to dig a trench 6″ deep next to the landscape wire (be very careful not to slice the wire.)

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Press the landscape wiring and connectors into the trench and replace the dirt.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Now stick your tongue out and say “Nah Nee Nah Nee Boo Boo, You Can’t Get Me!” to all the mosquitoes.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

And enjoy your beautifully illuminated yard!

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl
How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

According to the manual that came with the Haven Backyard Lighting and Mosquito Repellant, the repellant will last approximately 215 hours. You control how many hours the repellant is emitted per day which will either extend or shorten the number of days until you need to buy refills.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

I definitely like the look of the landscape lights when they are lit…

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

…and not lit.

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights (that also repel mosquitos!) | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you have a yard that could use some mosquito protection? NuTone has a stand alone repellant fixture. But, personally I like having the 2-in-1 fixture, because who doesn’t love having an illuminated yard at night.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for NuTone. I was provided with the landscape lights and compensated for my time. I was not told what to write. All instructions and opinions are my own. I have not had time to test these fixtures fully, but will write a review at the end of the summer.