Homeowners must think about home security in today’s dangerous world. One tool at your disposal to increase your home’s security is the installation of security lighting. In most cases, this will be outdoor floodlights and spotlights. As with every home improvement project, the installation of these light fixtures comes with different pros and cons.
Floodlights Versus Spotlights
While floodlights and spotlights are similar, they are actually serve different purposes outside your home.
Floodlights:
- Cast a wide beam that covers a large area
- Emit a beam that is between 45 and 120 degrees in circumference
- Are usually motion activated
Spotlights:
- Cast a beam down on a smaller area
- Emit a beam that is between 10 and 40 degrees in circumference
- Are usually not motion activated and run continuously at night
The Benefits of Floodlights and Spotlights
Installing these light fixtures outside your home can provide some great benefits. For floodlights, these benefits include:
- Increased security in your yard
- A secure yard whether you’re home or not thanks to the motion activation
- Less chance of trips and falls if you have to go outside at night
- Increased energy efficiency thanks to floodlights now using LED bulbs
When it comes to spotlights, the benefits include:
- Increased security over certain points around your home, such as entry points
- Acting as a deterrent to intruders by making them easier to detect
- The ability to be programmed to only turn on at dusk
- Adding decorative light to increase your home’s nighttime curb appeal
- The use of energy-efficient LED bulbs
The Downsides of Floodlights and Spotlights
While both floodlights and spotlights have many benefits for a home, there are some possible downsides to consider as well. Since floodlights are motion-activated, they can often sound false alarms. Animals, such as squirrels or rabbits, can certainly set off a floodlight. In certain cases, even a strong wind can set it off. As such, you and your neighbors may begin to ignore the warning of the light coming on at random times during the night. The bulbs, while being LED, also tend to eat up more energy than regular lights due to their intensity.
Spotlights can also have some downsides as well. Due to the fact they run every night, they may also significantly add to your energy bills over time. Some homeowners may also think they are too bright and may prefer dimmer outdoor lighting.
Overall, you should weigh both the benefits and possible downsides when deciding on outdoor lighting options for your home. If you live in Memphis, TN and want help finding the right lighting solutions for your home’s exterior, contact our lighting professionals at Rush Electric.
