Should You Leave Exterior Lights on All Night? Security Experts Weigh In

As you go through your closing shift routine at home, one question remains unanswered: Should you leave your outside lights on all night? And beyond that, would it be better to invest in motion lights or solar ones? 

The exterior light debate is not clear-cut; factors like energy usage, security concerns, placement, and even local wildlife come into play. We spoke with security experts to analyze the pros and cons of leaving your outside lights on and came up with a lighting plan balancing safety with the natural cycles of nature. 

When It’s Appropriate to Leave Exterior Lights On

“One of the key benefits of outdoor lighting is that when positioned thoughtfully, it can effectively illuminate the entryways to your home, as well as other important structures like garages or sheds,” says Brinks Home SVP of direct-to-consumer and security expert Sarah Harshbarger. “Lighting up pathways such as driveways and sidewalks also adds a layer of visibility that can help deter people and creatures from approaching the home unnoticed.”

A porch or flood light can be an asset if it is well-placed and used judiciously. Here are a few scenarios for when having an exterior light on at night makes sense. 

To Guide Guests and Delivery Drivers

Exterior lighting is helpful when you’re expecting deliveries or guests after dark or arriving home late yourself. However, you should decide what type of lighting you’ll use (solar or wired) and whether that will be on all night or when motion is detected. 

“Outdoor lights can help you navigate safely into your home at night by lighting up pathways, driveways, and entrances,” says ADT product management VP and security expert Jimmy Lin. “Additionally, they provide peace of mind for those arriving home late or living in areas with limited street lighting.”

To Improve Home Security

“Leaving outdoor lights on overnight can improve home security by deterring potential burglars and enhancing visibility around your property,” says Lin. “Intruders are less likely to approach a well-lit exterior as their goal is to remain undetected.”

Whether you leave exterior lights on all night depends on the placement and timing. Some lights—like motion lights—enhance security, while others—like constant porch lights—detract from it.

Why You Shouldn’t Leave Certain Exterior Lights On All the Time

As mentioned, the common wisdom that leaving a light on all night will always deter intruders is false. For example, lights pointing directly at entrances are not ideal, according to Harshbarger and Lin. Here’s how a poorly placed light can negatively impact your property. 

Reduced Home Security

One porch light is not enough and can actually highlight vulnerabilities to offenders. “It’s important to strike the right balance—poorly placed lighting can actually have the opposite effect, inadvertently drawing attention to potential entry points for intruders,” says Harshbarger. “If outdoor lighting is the only security measure in place, it might even give homeowners a false sense of safety. That’s why I always recommend pairing lighting with other smart devices, like motion sensors or timed indoor lights, to create a more complete security plan.” 

Excess Energy Consumption

Some exterior lights, especially older incandescent options, consume excess energy. Another option are strategic solar lights. 

“There are also some downsides to keeping lights on all night,” says Lin. It can lead to unnecessary energy use and may even create harsh shadows that make certain areas even harder to see. To help mitigate this, many homeowners opt for LED light bulbs since these use less energy and usually last much longer.”

Light Pollution

Exterior lighting can also become a nuisance to neighbors or critters, depending on their placement. Harshbarger says these exterior lights can confuse animals, disrupting their natural behaviors in the process. These overnight lights also trigger light pollution, making it nearly impossible to see stars, also harming the environment. To reduce this problem, the experts recommend turning off lights when not needed or using motion-sensing lights.

How to Use the Right Combination of Exterior Lights at Night

For starters, light your walkways and driveways with solar-powered lights that will last most, if not all, of the night. These lights tend to have a downward cast and lower wattage that is less disruptive to neighbors or animals. However, they still adequately light the way to prevent guests (or you) from tripping while walking to the door. 

“[Another] option is to integrate motion sensors into your security system that only light up when movement is detected. Motion sensing lights can deter intruders by putting on a spotlight that is likely to attract attention,” says Lin.

Harshbarger agrees, adding, “Smart lighting systems that run on timers offer another great solution—they conserve energy while creating the impression that someone is home, which can be a strong deterrent.”

Motion-sensing lights startle potential trespassers while also managing potential light pollution or energy consumption concerns. Lights that run on a schedule can be unpredictable to intruders as well, so they can’t readily detect when someone isn’t home.