Lighting your home at night can beautify it and make it safer, but leaving the lights on wastes energy. You can install dusk-to-dawn light fixtures to help make your home safer, more comfortable and efficient.
It's hard to remember to turn the lights on in the evening and off again at dawn. That means the lights are either not on when we need them or left on wasting energy all day. Fixtures with dusk-to-dawn sensors take care of the problem by automating the fixture itself.
The easiest way to add dusk-to-dawn capabilities is to use a bulb with an integrated sensor built in. These simply take the place of your old bulb. You can also install an add-on sensor base. You remove the bulb, screw the sensor base into the fixture and reinstall the bulb.
If you're replacing an entire fixture, there are many options available — from floodlights and post lamps to house lights and accent lights. Most solar lights come with a dusk-to-dawn sensor already integrated.
Another option is to choose a fixture that not only has a dusk-to-dawn sensor but also a motion sensor, so the light only comes on when it's dark and when motion is detected. This reduces energy use even more and cuts down on unnecessary light pollution. While you're at it, choose LED integrated fixtures or LED bulbs for the highest efficiency.
Installation is similar to a standard fixture. First, turn off power to the circuit at the breaker. Then, remove the old fixture, checking to make sure there's no power before you touch the wires. Install the new fixture by connecting the wires — ground to ground, black to black and white to white. Mounting hardware will vary depending on the fixture. Turn the power back on and test the sensor. Adjust the sensor following manufacturer instructions.
Having nighttime lighting is great, but remembering to turn them on and off is a hassle. You can install dusk-to-dawn lighting solutions to make your home safer, more comfortable and energy-efficient.