3 Tips to Improve Your Home Security System with Smart Lighting

Feel safer and keep would-be intruders away with proper placement and usage of light
Your home is more than just a house. Filled with loved ones, it’s the place you gather with family and friends to feel a sense of togetherness and friendship. It’s where you spend most of your time, and one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. As with anything that contains so much value, you want to keep it safe. While there are many ways to do that, a simple and very effective way is to add security with smart lighting.
What attracts burglars to homes?
Two of the top items criminals look for when choosing which homes to break into: the house being vacant and low visibility.

According to recent data, 72 percent of burglaries occur when no one is home. If the location is occupied, the chance of getting caught increases, as well as a possible physical confrontation. Regarding visibility, darkness or an entrance that can’t be seen is a perfect access point.
Fortunately, both scenarios can be easily rectified with proper smart lighting. Read on to learn more.
Statistically Speaking: The thought of a home break-in sparks the most fear in people. According to one study, more than 60 percent of respondents ranked burglary as their highest crime-related concern, with 58% fearing a break-in while they’re asleep.
How do I light my house for security?
First things first. While lighting is a great soft security option, it’s an excellent, must-have complement to your home security system. So, use it as a standalone or an add-on. Either way, you’ll want to follow a few simple guidelines for your lights.

#1 Placement

#2 Timing
#3 Technology




You may be wondering, “how long do I leave these lights on? All night? All day?” The short answer is no. As noted above, there should be randomness in your lights, so they should never stay on all the time. (Not to mention, this isn’t green or good for your electric bill.)
While the argument can be made for certain exterior lights to stay on all night, by properly scheduling them, as well as using motion-sensing bulbs, it’s hardly necessary for most situations.
Statistically Speaking: According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 1 million homes are broken into every year, with the majority of those occurring at night (although a surprising number do happen during the day). Fortunately, overall, the numbers are trending downward.
