The Overlooked Spot for Installing Outdoor Lights to Enhance Home Safety



While outdoor lights traditionally serve the purpose of brightening your home’s exterior and enhancing its curb appeal, they are equally vital for bolstering your home’s safety and security. It’s well-known that burglars prefer dimly lit areas, as it makes them harder to spot. Consequently, homes lacking sufficient lighting can easily become prime targets for unwanted activities. However, merely installing outdoor lights randomly around your yard isn’t sufficient. To maximize the security benefits of outdoor lighting, it’s essential to strategically place these lights. Although many homeowners focus on entrances and walkways, the garage is a crucial area that is often overlooked when it comes to installing outdoor lights for home safety.

Garage doors are a favored entry point for individuals with ill intentions, as they often provide access to the entire house. Therefore, installing motion sensor lights here is an excellent and secure choice. These lights over your garage offer significant advantages for home safety and security. Firstly, they illuminate potential obstacles in your driveway, making it safer for you and your guests to move around your property in the dark. Additionally, a well-lit garage door deters criminals when motion is detected. This lighting setup also enhances your entire security system, as outdoor security cameras require adequate lighting to function effectively throughout your property.



Solar motion detector lights: The MVP of outdoor garage lighting

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Selecting the right outdoor lights for your garage can be daunting given the plethora of options. However, solar-powered motion-sensor lights are akin to the Swiss Army knife of outdoor lighting: efficient, smart, and incredibly convenient. Since they harness solar energy, you won’t have to worry about increasing your electricity bill or dealing with complex wiring. These lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, offering a hassle-free, energy-efficient choice. Their reliance on solar power also makes them an eco-friendly option, reducing your carbon footprint.

The motion sensor feature is what truly distinguishes these lights. Instead of remaining on all night, they activate or brighten only when they detect movement. This not only conserves energy but also acts as a deterrent. Imagine a potential intruder approaching your garage — the sudden burst of light can startle them and drive them away. This feature also alerts you to any unusual activity on your property during odd hours. Moreover, many models allow you to adjust the brightness, enabling customization to suit your preferences.

Outdoor solar motion-sensor lights are cost-effective and easy to install, mainly because they require no wiring. You can mount them above your garage or even on the garage door itself. These lights tend to have longer lifespans compared to other LEDs, with usage extending up to 50,000 hours. Most come with weather-resistant casings, ensuring durability and low maintenance.

Top-rated solar motion sensor lights and tips for optimizing them

For under $15 for a two-pack, the HMCity Outdoor Solar Lights offer a 4.4-star rating with positive reviews from both new and repeat customers. Despite their affordability, these lights feature three smart light modes, an efficient solar panel, and a broad 270° lighting angle that can cover over 300 square feet. The Tuffenough Solar Lights are also highly rated, offering similar features for $35.99. However, it’s advisable to inquire about battery life as some users have noted issues.

To ensure your solar security lights perform and last as intended, avoid common outdoor lighting mistakes during installation. For garage lights, always position them to comprehensively illuminate the driveway without obstructing the garage door’s operation. Ideally, place them just above the center of your garage door. If you have multiple garage doors, consider installing lights on both sides and the center of each door.

Regular maintenance is key: clean the solar panel and motion sensor with a soft cloth to remove dust or dirt that might hinder their performance. Also, consider trimming any nearby trees or shrubs that could block the panel. If your lights seem slow to detect motion, consult the instruction manual to see if you can adjust the sensitivity settings.


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Reg Miller Award
Reg Miller Award

Reg Miller Award recipient, Lewis Lydon with OA Chairman, Pete Shadbolt and CEO, Lechelle Earl.