4 Benefits of Outdoor Lighting for Your Home

Has outdoor lighting been on your to-do list for years? Now is the time to put it ahead of all other home improvement projects. There are four benefits to installing outdoor lighting, and it goes beyond curb appeal.

1. Reduce Your Crime Risk

When outdoor lighting was installed for about 40 public housing communities in New York City, those communities experienced a 36% decline in crimes, including robbery and aggravated assault. Those communities also experienced significantly lower overall crime rates. Even if you don't live in a big city, installing outdoor lighting will help protect your property from thieves, intruders, and other criminals.

2. Improve Physical Safety

Have you ever tried to carry in groceries or unload children after dark? If you don't have adequate lighting around your driveway, walkway, and front door, you may know how easy it is to trip over a branch that has flown into your path or fall sideways off a step. Just getting your key in the lock can prove challenging. Outdoor lighting will make those late-night arrivals safer.

3. Extend Your Entertainment Hours

When you light up your exterior living space, you have more options when inviting friends or colleagues over for a little fun and relaxation. Never again will you have to move a late party indoors or send guests home because you can no longer see their faces. Outdoor lighting is also perfect for nighttime romantic encounters.

4. Potentially Lower Insurance Rates

Some insurance companies will lower your homeowner's insurance rate when you install specific types of outdoor lighting. The reduced risk of crime and injuries means less risk of insurance claims, so they offer discounts as incentives to protect your property. The exact type of lighting that qualifies and how much of a discount you receive will depend on your insurance company and possibly other factors like where you live.