Home security and energy efficiency are two important considerations for every homeowner. As threats like burglaries and high energy costs continue to rise, homeowners need smart solutions that can address both issues simultaneously. This is where motion sensor lights come in – they are an inexpensive way to enhance home security while also reducing energy consumption and costs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key benefits motion sensor lights provide for home security and energy efficiency.
How Do Motion Sensor Lights Work?
Before diving into the specific advantages, it’s helpful to understand what exactly motion sensor lights are and how the technology works.
The Technology Behind Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights work by using passive infrared sensors (PIR) to detect heat and movement.
The PIR sensor has a range of up to 30 feet to detect infrared energy emitted from people and animals. When a moving object passes within this range, the infrared energy changes slightly. The PIR sensor detects even tiny fluctuations in infrared radiation.
When motion is sensed, the PIR sensor sends an electronic signal to the lamp controller. The controller then switches the light on automatically.
Most motion sensor lights also have an integrated daylight sensor. This sunlight sensor detects ambient light and will not switch on if there is enough daylight already illuminating an area.
Adjustable Controls
Better motion sensor lights have customizable settings so sensitivity and light duration can be adjusted as needed:
- Sensitivity: Determines the radius of the motion detector (up to 30 feet for quality models). A lower sensitivity means the light will activate only when motion is detected nearby. Higher sensitivity triggers the light from further away.
- Time setting: Sets how long the light stays on after detecting motion. Shorter durations conserve more energy. Longer times add security by keeping an area illuminated if movement continues.
- Manual override switch: Lets the light operate like a standard switch independent of the motion sensor.
These adjustable controls make motion sensor lights adaptable for many uses.
Benefits of LED Bulbs
Today’s motion sensor lights use LED bulbs which provide significant advantages:
- Exceptional energy efficiency – LEDs consume up to 90% less power than traditional incandescent bulbs
- Long lifespans of over 25,000 hours compared to just 1,000 hours with old incandescent bulbs
- Highly durable and resistant to vibrations and external shock
- Eco-friendly with no toxic materials like mercury used in manufacture
- Operate well in cold weather unlike fluorescent options
So by choosing a motion sensor light with LEDs rather than outdated bulb types, you maximize energy savings and minimize maintenance.
Now let’s look at why motion sensor lights are so beneficial for safety and efficiency.
Enhanced Home Security
With crime rates rising year after year, homeowners have become much more concerned about safety and security.
Motion sensor lights are an inexpensive yet highly effective solution, providing key security benefits:
1. Deter Intruders
Motion activated lighting works extremely well to deter would-be intruders and burglars.
Criminals prefer to make their moves in darkness to have ample time for breaking and entering unseen. So bright security lighting kicking on automatically gives them a nasty surprise!
Studies show well-lit exteriors can reduce burglaries by up to 50%. Intruders looking for easy targets will think twice about properties with motion sensor lights guarding the perimeter.
Strategically placing motion security lights around entryways, side yards, driveways and other vulnerable areas leaves few shadows for criminals to hide.
2. Alert Homeowners
Motion activated lights also function as an alert system for residents.
When lights suddenly turn on outside, it immediately signals unusual activity is occurring on the property. This gives homeowners advanced warning to take safety precautions.
After visually confirming the situation through windows and calling emergency services if an intruder is spotted, residents can take shelter knowing help is on the way.
So motion security lighting provides an extra layer of protection by alerting households about suspicious activity.
3. Support Camera Surveillance
For even better property monitoring, motion sensor spotlights work extremely well paired with security cameras equipped with night vision.
When the light activates after detecting movement, hidden cameras start recording crystal clear footage under the bright illumination. So if a crime does occur, you have excellent video evidence to provide police and insurance companies.
So by combining motion activated floodlights with surveillance cameras, homeowners get 24/7 security with automated lighting providing enhanced visibility at night.
4. Prevent Accidents & Injuries
In addition to deterring crime, motion sensor lights also prevent household accidents and injuries.
Brightly lighting up pathways, patios, decks and yards when motion is detected gives family members and visitors ample illumination for safe navigation at night.
With long-lasting LED bulbs providing up to 3,000 lumens, people can clearly see tripping hazards like garden hoses, toys and gardening tools. Motion activated lighting also lights up slippery surfaces after rains.
By improving exterior visibility whenever people are present, accidentally falls become much less likely.
Conserve Energy & Save Money
In addition to boosting home security, motion activated lights also provide significant energy efficiency benefits:
1. Reduce Energy Waste
Traditional porch lights, security lights and floodlights often stay illuminated overnight even when no one is around. This leads to tremendous energy waste and higher electricity bills.
In fact, over 50% of exterior home lighting runs all night unnecessarily across the United States.
Motion sensor lights eliminate this waste by using smart technology to light up only when needed. By automatically turning off when movement ceases, energy use is cut dramatically without compromising safety.
2. Save On Electricity Costs
The energy conservation from motion activated lighting translates directly into lower power bills.
Homeowners can expect savings of $15 to $25 per light fixture per year by switching to motion sensor models. For a typical home with 3-5 exterior lights running overnight, that adds up to $100 or more in annual cost reductions.
LED motion security lights maximize these savings thanks to extreme efficiency. High quality LED floodlights draw just 10-15 watts but output over 3,000 lumens matching old 150W models.
So carefully placed motion security lighting slashes electricity usage while delivering essential illumination precisely when residents, visitors and intruders approach the home.
Ideal Locations for Installation
Now that the dual benefits of enhanced security and efficiency are clear, let’s examine the optimal locations to install motion sensor lighting around your property’s exterior.
Proper placement is critical so lights activate reliably whenever people approach while avoiding false triggers from moving trees and traffic.
1. Entryways
Front, side and back doors are prime locations for motion security lighting. Bright illumination gives residents visibility while entering and exiting at night. Meanwhile, unexpected activation thwarts criminal efforts to pick locks or force doors undetected.
For main front entries, place two motion sensor light fixtures on either side of doors. This eliminates shadows for clear visibility approaching from any direction.
For side and rear entryways often targeted by burglars, install a powerful motion activated floodlight covering the full area.
2. Garages & Driveways
Attached garages and driveways leading to side/back garage doors also need motion sensor lights. Burglars often break in through unlocked garage doors when homeowners are asleep. So unexpected brightness both deters and draws attention to intruders near garages and vehicles.
Position lampheads to aim down the driveway capturing the full length. This way lights activate the moment a person turns onto the drive. For garages with people doors, place a dedicated motion light nearby for full coverage.
3. Backyards & Perimeters
Back and side yards should also have motion activated security lighting installed. These spaces often have gates and fence latches giving intruders entry if left unmonitored in darkness.
Install powerful, adjustable floodlights on rear corners of the home. Angle and calibrate the PIR sensors to detect movement across the full backyard for maximum security.
For larger properties, additional motion floodlights may be required along fence lines to capture perimeter areas. Just take care to avoid false triggering from busy streets.
4. Walkways & Landscaping
Finally, additional motion security lighting along front and rear walkways enhances safety for family while navigating outdoors at night. Dark patches in landscaping and along the home can also offer concealment if unlit.
Smaller, decorative motion sensor lanterns work well for illuminating pathways and landscaping features. Aim lights to highlight stairs, curbs and changes in elevation to prevent trips and falls.
Top Brands of Motion Sensor Lights
Now that ideal installation locations are clear, let’s compare the leading options for motion activated security lighting from brands like Lithonia, Maximus and Lumecon.
Lithonia Lighting
As a top brand offered by electrical distributors, Lithonia motion sensor lights provide commercial-grade security illuminated trusted by both homeowners and businesses.
They are known for simple but rugged designs, excellent motion detection accuracy and easy installation. Models like the Lithonia OMS are affordably priced workhorses that provide consistent outdoor security performance for years.
Key Features:
- Durable polycarbonate housings and die-cast aluminum parts
- IP65 weatherproofing rating for wet locations
- 180 degree adjustable lampheads with knuckle joints
- Detection coverage from 160° to 240° range
- Multiple bulb options like LED, compact fluorescent and incandescent
Lithonia OMS Motion Security Light with LED Bulbs
Mr Beams
For easy installation and battery-powered convenience, Mr Beams motion lights are a best seller across major retailers like Lowes and Home Depot.
Their compact weather-resistant designs screw or stick directly onto walls under eaves without requiring wiring. Power comes from replaceable lithium or alkaline batteries lasting 1-2 years.
While the 300-500 lumen models don’t match larger hardwired units, Mr Beams lights provide an instant boost in entryway security at affordable prices.
Key Features:
- Easy installation without wiring
- Weather resistant plastic housing
- Up to 500 lumens with ultrabright LEDs
- 1-2 year battery life
- Detection coverage up to 25 feet
Mr Beams Battery-Powered Stick-Anywhere Motion Sensor Light
Maximus
For professional-quality security illumination matching commercial-grade units, Maximus motion floodlights are an excellent choice.
These fixtures provide powerful 2000+ lumen output from innovative heads with 180° motion detection and manual tilt adjustment for precision area coverage.
Maximus models also include multiple operation modes and a photo sensor to disable activation when sufficient ambient light is present. So energy savings and security performance meet even robust needs.
Key Features:
- Die-cast aluminum housing and lamp head
- 180 degree motion detection heads
- Manual adjustment of light direction
- Detection coverage from 160° to 240°
- Multiple modes: motion activated, always on or off
- Photo sensor for daylight operation
- Powerful 2,050 lumen LED light output
Maximus QT Motion Activated LED Security Light
Lumecon
Rounding out top options are Lumecon motion sensor lights offering commercial-level illumination in sleek low-profile designs.
These fixtures provide incredible brightness from multiple lamp heads with wide 270 degree motion detection for full area coverage. The heads tilt 90 degrees both vertically and horizontally for truly custom alignment.
With rugged powder coated aluminum housings and wet location listings, Lumecon motion security lights deliver robust performance for residential applications. Adjustable light duration and detection sensitivity settings prevent false triggers and save energy.
Key Features:
- Slim edge-to-edge designs with die cast aluminum housing
- Tool-free installation with simple keyhole mounting
- Wide 270° motion detection coverage
- Integrated photocell prevents daytime activation
- Tiltable heads with 90° vertical/horizontal adjustment
- Sensitivity and light duration timers
- Wet location and IP44 rated against water ingress
Lumecon LED Motion Security Flood Light
So those represent four of the best motion sensor lighting brands offering features and reliability for safety and efficiency around the home.
Installation Tips
Installing exterior motion security lights is a straight-forward project most DIYers can handle safely with proper precautions. Here is an overview of key steps:
What You’ll Need
- Motion sensor light fixture
- Wire stripper
- Voltage meter
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Small flat head screwdriver
- Power drill with Phillips bit
- Electrical tape
- Light bulb for new fixture (may be included)
Steps to Install
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker
- Remove existing exterior light fixture
- Cap wires from previous lighting and secure to side of home
- Install motion sensor light mounting plate with screws
- Connect wiring
- White to white
- Black to black
- Green/Bare Copper to ground
- Wrap connections with electrical tape
- Attach motion senor light to mounting plate
- Turn power back on and test motion detection
Refer to the installation manual of your specific light model for additional guidance. And for safety, consider hiring an electrician if unfamiliar with wiring.
Proper placement and alignment is also key for optimal security performance. Adjust the motion detection dial and light heads to avoid false triggers from streets while covering vulnerable areas.
Takeaways on Motion Sensor Light Benefits
Installing motion security lighting is a simple upgrade that pays dividends through enhanced safety, deterred crime, energy conservation and money savings.
Strategically placed motion sensor lights provide 24/7 protection by:
- Deterring would-be intruders from exterior doors, yards, perimeters and vulnerable areas
- Alerting households about suspicious activity when unexpected activation occurs
- Supporting security cameras by enabling clear nighttime surveillance footage
- Preventing household accidents by brightly illuminating paths, stairs and slick surfaces
And activating illumination only when nearby movement is detected eliminates wasted energy from traditional 24/7 porch and security models. This conserves electricity and slashes utility bills by $100+ per year.
So for affordable security and efficiency, motion activated lighting checks all the boxes for homeowners concerned about rising crime and energy costs. Just position fixtures to avoid false triggers and adjust settings for robust performance year-round.