Keep your home safe with proper lighting

Security lighting around your home in New England for Safety is crucial. Lighting designed for security and safety should not be confused with string lights on your patio. Accent landscape lighting looks nice but will not deter intruders from trying to break into your house; bright lights will.

According to a study, increased lighting levels led to a 7% overall reduction in crime. The darkness provides a layer of protection for criminals.

What are the benefits of installing security lighting?

First, why should you add security lighting if you already have landscape lighting? Crime levels increase after dark, so installing security lighting can reduce your home’s risk of being broken into and vandalized, among other benefits.

The bright lights will deter intruders since there are fewer shadows for them to creep around in, which is why security lighting will increase security around your home. If you’re away for the night, your neighbors can also keep an eye on your home better with security lighting.

You do not want to find a raccoon wreaking havoc in your trash can. Motion detector lights can scare off animals that can damage your house. You can keep your garbage can, wires, and other outdoor items safe from hungry little mouths.

Landscape lighting will increase curb appeal, but security lights will increase property value. Your insurance company may even give you a discount for installing motion sensors and flood lights.

You can also use security lighting to prevent accidents rather than scare off burglars and critters. If you live in a dark neighborhood, your yard will likely be prone to accidents. If you properly place security lighting, you won’t trip over a watering can left on the lawn or up dark steps.

Methods of security lighting

If you choose a style, it’ll help you narrow down what’s best for your home.

Continuous lighting: Generally speaking, continuous lighting is the most common type of security light because it floods an area with constant light.

Lighting on standby: Unlike continuous lighting, standby lighting is only activated when suspicious activity is detected.

Lighting that can be moved: This type of security light is usually used in construction sites. It is typically manually operated and uses floodlights.

Security light types

You have many options when it comes to Security Light type.

Sensor for motion: When you think of safety lights, you probably think of motion sensor lighting. As a result of a motion detector, motion sensor lights turn on when something moves in front of them. As a result, they are excellent for detecting intruders and other safety concerns and deterring the creatures we discussed earlier.

The sensors have sensitivity settings that ignore small animals or debris while focusing on home security if you’re worried about motion lights going off too often.

Lights for floods: Flood lights are another popular option besides motion sensor lights. Floodlights will illuminate the exterior of your home, so your neighbors can also keep an eye out for suspicious activity. As the name suggests, these security lights flood the chosen area with light and keep it well-illuminated.

In addition to helping visitors navigate your property safely at night, floodlights will help you work outdoors once it’s dark. If you leave flood lights on all night, they use a lot of energy because they use a higher voltage, so you should keep that in mind.

Lighting on tracks: It’s becoming more popular to install track lighting as a night light. You can move them around quickly, and they’re great for illuminating walkways at night.

Lights on a timer: A timed light is another way to keep intruders out of your property. Your property will still be illuminated throughout the night without you having to manually turn it on and off. You can set them to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. It is more energy efficient than intense flood lights.

Lights powered by solar energy: You won’t have to worry about wires getting unplugged or chewed on by critters with solar lights. They charge during the day and are ready when you need them at night.

Lighting for soffits: You can also install recessed lighting to improve security around the house. Soffit lighting can also serve as landscape lighting on the roof and porch.

How should I choose a bulb for my security lights?

As for bulbs, it depends on your preferences regarding energy efficiency and type of DIY outdoor lighting. To find the correct bulb, you must understand the differences between different bulbs. You should also keep in mind the number of lumens. Security lights should be brighter than regular outdoor lights.

Incandescent Bulbs:

Using incandescent bulbs in your security lights is tempting if you’re on a budget. Incandescent bulbs are cheaper than other lightbulb options, but their lifespan is short. Incandescent bulbs are not recommended for long-term use.

Bulbs that emit fluorescent light: For flood lights and security lights, fluorescent bulbs provide white light that can be useful. However, they may have a shorter lifespan than LEDs or other energy-efficient options.

Lights made from LEDs: Regarding energy efficiency, LED lights are the most energy-efficient option for security lights. They can be used in most types of outdoor security lighting and have the most extended lifespans of all bulbs available.

Techniques for security lighting

Having a plan for your DIY outdoor lighting will set you up for success. Once you plan, you can pick the proper lighting for your project.

Dark areas should be focused on.

Check your property at night to determine what areas are darkest. Place security lights in areas with a lot of shadows.

Lighting walkways is a good idea.

In addition to keeping intruders away, walkways should also have security lights. It will prevent you from tripping and falling.

Motion sensor lights should be kept from being relied upon. It would be best to rely on something other than motion sensors for your outdoor security lighting. Motion sensors won’t deter every intruder, so it’s vital to have other outdoor security lights available.

Consider your neighbors’ needs. Additionally, it would help if you considered the neighbors. While you want to have plenty of outdoor security lights for safety, you shouldn’t blind them. The last thing you want is to end up on the neighborhood watch page. The lights should be bright enough not to distract the neighbors but not too bright.

Safety Northeast Insurance’s team of professionals keeps up with the latest trends to improve Safety and Security. Our team provides Residential and Business Property Insurance.

Please reach out if you have any questions regarding Property Insurance!