WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
Honestly, I tried the motion sensor route last year after my neighbor’s floodlights kept me up half the night. The drop in my bill wasn’t massive, but it was noticeable—maybe $8 or $10 less a month? Not nothing. Plus, I feel like it’s less intrusive for everyone else. Constant lighting just seems wasteful unless you’re running a 24/7 car dealership or something. Maybe a combo of dimmer lights and motion sensors is the sweet spot... not pitch black, but not blinding either.
Constant lighting just seems wasteful unless you’re running a 24/7 car dealership or something.
I’ve overseen a few developments where residents pushed for all-night lighting, but honestly, it’s rarely worth the trade-offs. Security can be handled with targeted, lower-intensity lighting and motion sensors. Full-on floodlights everywhere just create glare and complaints. You’re right—balance is key.
- I get the argument for less lighting, but as a new homeowner, I’m not totally convinced.
- My last place had barely any streetlights, and honestly, it felt sketchy walking the dog at night.
- Wouldn’t more consistent lighting—maybe not floodlights, but steady—make people feel safer?
- I get that glare and wasted energy suck, but dark spots can be creepy, too...
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—nobody likes tripping over the curb or feeling like something’s lurking in the shadows. But too much light can actually make it harder to see, especially if it’s not aimed right. I swapped out my old porch light for a motion sensor LED, and it’s been a game changer. Lights up when I need it, but doesn’t blast the whole street all night. Maybe it’s more about smart placement than just more lights everywhere?
WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
- Totally agree on the motion sensor LEDs. I installed a couple around my place, and honestly, it’s made a noticeable difference—less wasted energy, and I’m not blinding myself or the neighbors every time I take the trash out.
- Over-lighting is a real thing. I read somewhere that too much ambient light can actually make it harder to see at night because your eyes never really adjust. It’s like when you’re driving and someone’s high beams hit you—suddenly you can’t see anything else.
- Placement matters way more than just cranking up the wattage. I spent way too long mapping out where shadows fell around my house before putting in any fixtures. Ended up using lower lumen bulbs but aimed them so they only cover walkways and entry points.
- One thing I didn’t expect: bugs. The first week after moving in, I had a regular porch light and it was like an insect rave every night. Swapping to motion sensors cut that down a ton.
- There’s also the whole “light trespass” thing—my neighbor’s old floodlight used to shine right into my bedroom window. Not fun if you’re trying to sleep or just want to stargaze once in a while.
I get wanting to feel safe, but there’s definitely a balance. Too much light can be just as annoying as not enough, especially if it’s not targeted. Plus, with LEDs and smart controls, it feels like there are better options now than just leaving everything on all night.
