According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, a burglary occurs every 30 seconds in the country. The data also shows that summer is the most popular season for break-ins. This is when homeowners leave doors and windows open to let in a cool breeze to lower the internal temperatures. Summer is also when most homes are vulnerable as their owners are on vacation.
Looking at these statistics, one can’t help but wonder: “Is it safe to leave the lights on while traveling for a couple of days?” Some experts argue that leaving your lights on can boost security. But it also comes with certain risks. For example, halogenic and incandescent bulbs can cause fire if left on for 24 hours or more. Ultimately, this makes them potential fire hazards and is not the best way to keep burglars at bay.
Is It OK to Leave the Lights on While Away for a Few Days?
The advancements made in the lighting industry have made bulbs safer. With it, modern lights, especially LED bulbs, are safe to leave on for up to seven days, though this isn’t advisable. According to the electricians at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, LED bulbs are best for use at home as they pose a reduced risk of fire even if you forget to turn them off. Additionally, these bulbs are less likely to overheat, start a fire, or trip the electric wiring.
However, the same can’t be said of fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent bulbs. These are bulbs that overheat easily and may cause a home fire if left on for too long.
If you feel that you must leave the internal or external lights on for added security, consider installing a security timer on the lights. A properly configured or automated security solution will turn on and off at a pre-set time. For instance, you can configure the porch lights to turn on when the sun goes down, giving the impression that the home is occupied.
Investing in a smart home system can also help address your lighting concerns. All smart home solutions come with an automation feature that helps you determine how the lights operate. This feature can turn the lights on and off in different rooms at predetermined times. This way, you give the impression of someone moving from room to room. For this, you can look into options such as Google Voice Assistant, which our electricians can help you set up.
Should You Leave the Lights on While on a Long Vacation?
It’s best to never leave the lights on when going away for an extended time. Besides being a serious fire risk, leaving the lights unattended for seven to 14 days will lead to significant energy waste. This will, in turn, cause a substantial spike in your electric bills. Instead of leaving the lights on, you can consider implementing security measures to keep potential burglars and home intruders at bay.
Examples of security measures you can implement include:
- Installing motion detection lights
- Investing in a smart home system
- Fitting home security cameras
- Using interior lamp timers
Installing outdoor lighting is among the easiest ways to safeguard your home, even when away. Some of the best places to install outdoor lights include the driveway, front door, garage, and back doors.
Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric Has You Covered With Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting helps brighten your front and backyard and boosts safety. If you’re planning to travel for vacation, we recommend looking at our comprehensive list of outdoor lights. These lights range from conveniently placed motion detectors to tasteful accent lighting. And no matter your choice, you can trust that the lights will illuminate your outdoor space and help boost safety.
Can Leaving the Indoor and Outdoor Lights on Deter Intruders?
As we mentioned earlier, leaving your lights on for extended periods is ineffective in preventing home intrusion. Look at it this way: if a passerby notices that the same light never goes off, no matter the time of day, won’t they become curious? Their curiosity will make them want to confirm whether the house is occupied or unoccupied. Therefore, leaving the lights on will draw attention to your home, making it a likely burglary target.
We recommend looking into other security solutions, such as security cameras, instead of leaving the lights on. Well-positioned security cameras backed by motion-detecting lights can capture the face of everyone approaching the house.
Moreover, there’s a need to exercise caution when it comes to the people you tell about your plans. Burglary estimates provided by the Bureau of Justice show that 65% of home burglaries are executed by people who know the homeowners. Of these, 50% are by friends, relatives, colleagues, and well-known acquaintances. If you tell someone your plans, only tell those closest to you. While at it, refrain from making social media posts and sharing your location information, indicating you’re away from home.
Can Leaving the Lights on for Extended Periods Cause Home Fires?
Leaving outdated bulbs on for more than 24 hours will cause them to overheat, resulting in an accidental home fire. Our in-house lighting experts say LEDs and fluorescent bulbs are the safest. They’re unlikely to cause a fire unless they’ve been fitted incorrectly. Incorrect fitting typically occurs when a homeowner decides to take on a DIY installation project instead of calling a professional. To reduce the risk of a home fire, whether using an incandescent bulb or an LED one, let the professionals handle all your lighting needs.
Is It Safe to Leave the Outside Lights on All Night?
Outside lights are designed for use during night hours. They’re, therefore, safe to use all night long without fear of overheating or tripping electrical wiring. However, you should note that although they’re safe to use for extended hours, this can lead to light pollution. It can also cause your electric bills to spike, especially if you leave them on for several days.
Installing motion-activated sensor lights on your driveway, back door, garage, and front porch will help save money and energy. This solution will be more effective than leaving the outdoor lights on all night. Their installation also helps make you a courteous neighbor and ensures you don’t disrupt local wildlife.
Professional Lighting Installation in Rockwall
The question of whether it’s safe to leave your lights on while leaving the house is one that many homeowners find themselves faced with. Some believe leaving them on can enhance security, but electrical experts beg to differ. While this measure may work in homes that have modern bulbs, those with outdated bulbs will become a fire hazard. The general consensus is that installing motion-activated lights in the home is better.
Apart from installing indoor and outdoor lights, homeowners in Rockwall, TX, also come to us for a broad range of electric services. We have an in-house team of professionals specializing in electrical, plumbing, indoor air quality, and heating and cooling services. To learn more about professional outdoor lighting installation in Rockwall, contact Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric today.
