Outdoor Lighting And Your Home Security
It’s always a good time to think about ways you can enhance security at your home in Birmingham. While features like cameras and security doorbells are popular today, there’s one aspect of keeping a home secure that many homeowners overlook. We’re talking about lighting.
By increasing lighting at your home, you can illuminate dark or “shadowy” areas that intruders can exploit. In addition, proper outdoor lighting keeps a home safe by reducing trip hazards. Did you know that studies show that bright street lighting actually decreases crime? Keep reading to learn about the best ways to improve home security using lighting.
Motion Lighting
If you’re like most homeowners in Birmingham, you’re concerned that adding more security lighting to your home will ultimately drive up your energy bills. There’s actually a way your home can be safer and brighter while you’re still cutting energy bills. The answer is motion-activated lighting.
This cost-effective solution triggers lights to turn on when motion is detected. The added benefit is that the sudden “surprise” of a light turning on can alert you to the fact that someone is on your property. In addition, it can scare off intruders who know they’ve been spotted.
Pathway Lighting
Pathway lighting that illuminates your driveway and all walkways leading to home entrances can deter intruders from attempting to “test” your home’s access points. The added bonus is that pathway lighting also makes walking paths clearer and safer for all visitors.
The last thing you want is to be held responsible for a visitor tripping and falling in a poorly lit portion of your property. When updating pathway lighting at your home, consider extending the lighting to patios and decks to create brighter, safer areas for relaxing and entertaining.
Lighting at Entry Points
It’s so important to make sure there aren’t any dark spots around your home’s entry points. While most homeowners have porch lights or lights around the front door, many never think about back doors, side doors leading to the garage, or first-floor windows that provide the perfect cover for intruders after dark. A darkened entry point gives an intruder more time to break locks or compromise windows to enter your home without being detected.
It’s wise to assess your home by walking around at night with a flashlight to look for entry points that provide the perfect environment for intruders. Adding light fixtures to these areas can make them unattractive to intruders because they know they are more likely to be spotted by neighbors or captured on security cameras.
Smart Controls and Timers
Are you away from your home for long hours during the day? Do you often arrive home from work after dark? Do you travel frequently? If so, your home’s lighting patterns may be alerting burglars to the fact that nobody is home. Luckily, smart controls and timers make it easier than ever to create what security experts call “the illusion of occupancy.” A simple system wired to your home can activate lights at specific times to mimic the patterns of an occupied house.
Additionally, timers can be used to turn outdoor security lights on and off. Unfortunately, keeping your outdoor lights on throughout the day when you’re not home is a telltale sign criminals look for to find out when a homeowner is away on vacation. Many modern smart systems let you control lighting from your phone from anywhere in the world.
Attractive Lighting Options
Improving home security with lighting doesn’t have to strip your home of its charm and character. In fact, the best lighting options for home security actually enhance your home’s aesthetic. It’s not about simply shining harsh spotlights down over your house. With the right layered lighting plan, you’ll bring ambient lighting to your property that accentuates architectural features and landscaping to make your home appear grander.
You can also pick out artisan light fixtures that match your home’s architectural features. Soft lights that are integrated with your home’s landscaping ensure that no dark corners remain while also giving your property a high-end, estate-like upgrade.
Improve Home Security at Your Home in Birmingham
Don’t let your home remain a target for intruders and burglars for one more day! When it comes to which homes criminals choose to target, any opportunity that conceals activity makes your home more attractive. That’s why the team at Mister Sparky is here to help you find custom solutions for adding outdoor lighting to your home.
Our electricians can assist with planning and installation to help you breathe easier. We specialize in energy-efficient and high-tech options that let you cover every base without increasing your energy bills. Discover why we’re the most trusted electricians for home security lighting in Birmingham, Alabama. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky. Book your consultation today.
