Leaving your porch light on overnight might seem like a smart move for safety or convenience, but experts say it could be doing more harm than good—to your wallet, your neighborhood, and even the environment.
Burning Through Energy (And Money)
A single 60-watt bulb left on for 12 hours a night racks up about $20 a year in energy costs. Multiply that across multiple exterior lights, and you’re looking at $100 to $150 annually—just for the illusion of security. According to Dan Staupe, co-owner of Compass Exteriors, that energy waste adds up across neighborhoods, pulling heavily on the electrical grid and contributing to larger environmental impacts. Danny Niemela, VP at ArDan Construction, recommends motion-sensor lighting as a smarter alternative.
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Lighting Up Danger, Not Safety
While porch lights are meant to deter crime, they can have the opposite effect. Poorly positioned lighting doesn’t necessarily discourage intruders—it can actually spotlight your home’s entry points, making them easier to target. Sarah Harshbarger from Brinks Home Security emphasizes that lighting alone won’t protect your home. Relying solely on it creates a false sense of security and might lead you to overlook more effective measures like alarms or smart surveillance systems.
Killing Curb Appeal With Glare
Bright exterior lights might seem inviting, but they can also be a visual eyesore. Over-illumination flattens architectural details and washes out colors, making even the most carefully designed homes look dull and lifeless at night. Niemela argues that good night lighting is all about subtlety and contrast, not spotlight-level intensity that overwhelms the senses.
Irritating Your Neighbors
That beam of light might be spilling into your neighbor’s bedroom, disrupting their sleep and their peace. If you’re aiming for good neighborly vibes, turning off your outdoor lights can go a long way—especially after midnight. Don’t be surprised if your act of courtesy earns you a fresh bagel or a mysteriously topped-up bird feeder.
Sending Mixed Signals To Burglars
Leaving your light on at 3 a.m. might not be the deterrent you think it is. “It can actually signal that nobody’s home,” says Staupe. Criminals often interpret an always-on light as a sign that the house is vacant, with residents possibly on vacation. A dark house with one light on is more suspicious than a house with a consistent, well-timed lighting routine.
More Mess, More Maintenance
Lights that run all night collect bugs, dirt, and grime much faster. Bulbs burn out quicker, and fixtures need cleaning more often. Niemela points out that this means more maintenance and more replacements—yet another hidden cost of an always-on light. If you’re trying to keep your home in pristine condition, flipping the switch before bed might actually save you some work.
Inviting Bugs To Your Doorstep
No surprise here—bugs love light. From mosquitoes to moths, your porch becomes an open bar for the entire insect world if you leave that light burning. Staupe warns that during peak summer nights, you’ll find your doorway swarming with six-legged visitors, many of whom will try to follow you inside.
