Installing outdoor lighting serves a wide array of purposes from increasing home security to adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. The good news is, when it comes to lighting options, the choice list is pretty expansive.
An option that is energy efficient and meets all the criteria mentioned above, consider motion activated lighting.
What Exactly is Motion-Activated Lighting?
While it goes by many names, such a movement lights, motion-sensor lights, motion activated lights and more, it still does the same job. Regardless of what you choose to call it, motion lighting does just as the name implies – detects movement. When triggered, the light comes on, illuminating the area nearby in a radius, cone, or another shape.
This type of lighting system is usually marketed as being a security lighting system. While this is the case, the lights are usually ignored for their more practical function, which is the homes and person’s safety.
Should You Choose Motion Activated Lighting?
If this type of lighting fits what you are looking for, then motion activated lighting is a great option. In fact, it is one of the best ways to add safety and function to your home, while providing an array of other benefits. Some of the specific benefits offered by installing this type of lighting can be found here.
Improved Safety
The main purpose of lighting is to illuminate. When it comes to your landscape, yard, or driveway, dark invites all types of mishaps. Falls and tripping are all attributed to a large number of home injuries, with many of these happening while trying to navigate through the dark. With motion lighting, you have a functional source of light any time you need it, without having to do anything to activate it.
Increased Security
There are also a number of benefits related to security. Motion lighting acts as a deterrent of vandalism, along with similar crimes by startling would-be intruders. However, it’s a good idea to make motion lighting just a part of your complete home security lighting. While they work well with other lighting elements, if this is your only lighting installed, they can be circumvented.
Higher Energy Savings
One of the main drawbacks of the majority of outdoor lighting, regardless of if it is automated or switch activated, is that it consumes quite a bit of energy. While some decorative lighting is great, if you are trying to rely on the same light source that illuminates a hardscape feature to remain on for navigation purposes at night, this is going to result in some serious energy costs. However, with motion lights, they are only activated and come on when motion is detected.
If you want to install motion lights for your home, then it is a good idea to hire a professional electrician to help with the process. They can ensure the lights are installed properly and that they work, as needed, when needed. In most cases, this should not be a DIY project.