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Outdoor motion-sensing lights illuminate your property when needed without wasting power. Much in the same way a motion sensor light switch responds to motion indoors, outdoor motion-sensing lights turn on when they detect movement. The best motion-sensing lights make your home more secure by deterring potential trespassers and even keeping some unwanted animal pests away. Additionally, they can minimize safety concerns by illuminating potentially dangerous areas, such as trip hazards.
In order to get the most out of your outdoor motion-sensing lights, they’ll need to be installed in the right places. Read on to learn about where you should—and shouldn’t—install motion-sensing lights on your property.
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1. All of Your Home’s Entrances
The entrances of your home are among the most important areas to install motion-sensing lights. The light can deter burglars from trying to break into your home—thieves won’t like the idea of trying to pick a lock under a bright light for all to see. Moreover, you’ll appreciate the light when you don’t have to fumble with your keys in the dark.
2. Above the Garage Door
The garage door should also be treated as an entrance to your home. Installing a motion-sensing light above your garage door will not only discourage people from trying to gain access to your home or vehicles through the garage, but it could also come in handy when you’re trying to find something stored in your garage when it’s dark outside.
3. Walkways
Illuminating the walkways on your property with motion-sensing lights is a good idea. The lights can reduce your risk of tripping and falling in the dark, and also act as a deterrent to burglars. Trespassing in your yard is less appealing burglars see that their sneaky ways will put them in a spotlight!
4. Stairways
Placing motion-sensing lights near any outdoor stairs may be even more important than placing them by walkways. Climbing up or down a flight of stairs in the dark can be dangerous and greatly increases the chances of tripping. These lights will activate and turn on whenever someone approaches the steps, which will decrease the risk of someone getting injured on your property.
5. By the Pool
Even in the daytime, pools can be a safety hazard. Add darkness to the mix, and it could be a recipe for disaster. Installing motion-sensing lights around the perimeter of your pool will help prevent unwanted visitors from trying to take a midnight dip while also adding an additional layer of security should children or pets get close to the water.
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6. The Sides of Your House
You may also want to consider installing motion-sensor lights along the sides of your house. Doing so will limit the amount of dark space surrounding your home, preventing anyone with malicious intentions from using blind spots to gain access to your home.
7. Gardens and Open Areas of Yard
Installing motion-sensing lights throughout gardens or open areas of your yard could prevent a would-be burglar from entering or escaping unnoticed. If the lights around your landscape do their job by deterring someone from breaking in, motion-sensing lights in the yard could severely limit their ability to hide in your yard or get away unseen.
8. Decks and Patios
Shed some light on your deck and patio with a motion sensor light. These outdoor living spaces are often near entrances to your home, but even when they aren’t, installing motion-sensing lights near them is still important. Decks and patios may become slippery or impeded with trip hazards, either of which can be avoided if a light automatically turns on when someone approaches.
9. Driveway Entrance
You may also want to install a motion-sensing light at the entrance to your driveway if it is relatively far away from your home or yard. Doing so could deter home invaders from stepping onto your property. Additionally, if you have a narrow or windy driveway, you and welcome visitors may appreciate the extra light to navigate the terrain.
10. …But Don’t Install Them Near Windows
Avoid installing motion-sensing lights near any windows in your home. Windows can reflect motion, and the reflections can cause the lights to turn on if no one is there. This may unnecessarily worry you about an intruder being present. Besides, lights near bedroom windows that automatically turn off and on at all hours can also disrupt your family’s sleep.
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