Is it ok to leave my porch light on all the time?

1. 94

   davidlivermoreposted 10 years ago

   Is it ok to leave my porch light on all the time?
   
   I want to leave my porch light on 24/7.  I don't want to turn it off and on, so I don't indicate when I am home.  But want it on for security reasons so it always seems like someone is home.  Plus it's a nice light.
   
   My porch is covered, so it won't get wet.  Is it safe?  I know it sounds like a silly question, but I want to be sure.

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2. 0

   Copper Manposted 10 years ago

   Leaving an outside light on all the time should be OK. If you want it to turn off and on at different times (to simulate someone being home at different hours) you could have a timer installed.

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3. 63

   Lisa HWposted 10 years ago

   I don't think it's a silly question, but I'm not sure what you assume about the impression it will create is correct. 
   
   Any electricity-use, non-safety, issues aside...
   
   A porch light on during daylight can look like someone is sleeping all day and didn't turn off the light in morning.  It can look as if someone has simply gone to work and forgotten to turn off his life.  It can look like a lot of things if you think about, it.   Obviously, it can look as if some just leaves it on all the time, as you do.
   
   Signs of activity in a home are what are said to help keep away intruders.  A light that never goes out isn't a sign of activity.  There's only so much anyone can successfully fend off anyway, but if you think of it even a time isn't the greatest; because if someone is really paying attention it doesn't take long before a timer can become pretty obvious.
   
   Of course, in some neighborhoods and/or with some crimes; people aren't always zeroed in one house for a long period of time.

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      myeffortsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's right. I don't think anyone would ever think that someone is always home by seeing the light always on. People would most probably guess the things Lisa has mentioned. To keep the light on for security reasons is not the right idea I believe.

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4. 61

   ashtonspenposted 10 years ago

   I really got a good chuckle from your question davidlivermore, I wrestle with the same dilemma every time I am leaving my home for any extended period of time.
   Should I leave the outside lights on or off? Should I leave one light on inside?
   Why didn't I get that timer? How will a potential intruder interpret whatever decision I make? I do think the a timer is the best idea. There are also technological solutions will help you with this issue.
   One of my neighbors here, in FL, actually lives in New York City, and he turns on his lights, every evening or anytime he wants to, via an APP on his cellphone.
   It does not matter where he is.

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5. 62

   dianetrotterposted 10 years ago

   It's absolutely great for security.  I suggest a timer that will turn it off in the morning and on in the evening.  Otherwise, if a crook is watching, the thief will notice that the light is not changing.  Not a silly question at all.

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6. 0

   Deb Welchposted 10 years ago

   What about a motion sensor light?  Mostly it is a good idea for in the evening hours.  The spiral bulb or LED lights are cheaper to use for all day use or they might think you forgot to turn off the light - are you home or not?  It's not silly.

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