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Is It Safe To Leave Lights On For A Week?

Is It Safe To Leave Lights On For A Week?

 

First of all, more windows and doors are left open during the summer, providing easy access for criminals. Second, compared to any other time of the year, more individuals take vacations between June and September, leaving homes vacant and unprotected.

Is it okay to leave the lights on when travelling for about a week? The greatest method to avoid a home invasion is not to leave the lights on for a week. Additionally, depending on the type of lights you have, it puts your house at risk of fire.

 

Can a light be left on for a week?

In general, yes, it's safe to leave on most contemporary light bulbs and lamps for a week. Premium LED bulbs are unlikely to overheat, trip electrical systems, or ignite a fire. On the other hand, avoid leaving fluorescent, halogen, or incandescent lights on for a week. If these bulbs are left on for too long, they might overheat and catch fire.


Even though LED lights may be left on for a week, they are ineffective as a burglar deterrent. Evening lighting might give the impression that someone is home. The residence can become a target if the same light is left on all day and all night for a week.

 

Installing a security timer on a lamp in the main living area is more dependable. When set up correctly, the light will turn on at predetermined times, such as when the sun sets, to give the impression that someone is home.

 

To give the impression that someone is moving around the property at night, timers might be placed on many lighting.

When the house is empty, a home automation system can also serve as an effective intruder deterrent in place of lamp timers. Making automations for a trip will allow you to mimic a person being home by having lights switch on and off at certain intervals throughout the evening. These types of activities may be carried out by smart home assistants like Alexa and Google Voice Assistant.


When on vacation, should you leave the lights on?

Leaving lights on while travelling is not a smart idea. Aside from the risk of a fire, leaving lights on for a few days or a week wastes energy and substantially raises electricity costs.

 

Try these home security tips to deter burglars while you're away from home instead of leaving the lights on:

1. Add motion-activated lights.
2. Use light timers inside
3. Install home security equipment
4. Purchase a system of home automation with a vacation mode.

 

Installing security cameras is the most effective technique to make the house safer. The front entrance, rear door, garage, and driveway are the best spots to install cameras.

 

How Much Does Leaving a Light On for a Week Cost?

The table below provides an average cost per light bulb as a general reference:

Type of Bulb Cost Per 1,000 Hours
Incandescent $6
Halogen $5
Fluorescent $1.70
LEDs $1 or less

 

Depending on your power tariff, any form of light should only cost a few dollars to run for a week. Just keep in mind that it is not safe to leave any light on for an extended period of time unless it is an LED.


As an alternative, running security cameras continuously consumes just around 4-5 watts of power per hour, as opposed to lights, which consume between 6 and 22 watts. As a result, security camera use is substantially less expensive per hour than lighting.

 

Are Outdoor Lights Safe to Be On at Night?

Outside lights shouldn't be left on all night. Although it will unnecessarily raise the electricity bill, it won't deter burglars. Light pollution may also be caused by leaving outside lights on all night. The local fauna is hampered by this.Installing motion sensor lights on the front porch, rear entrance, garage, or driveway serves as a more effective burglar deterrent. These activate when motion is detected, which frightens burglars and attracts attention to the area.

 

Conclusion

When leaving lights on for a week or longer, use caution. Certain bulbs are hazardous and can overheat if left on for an extended period of time. Only leave timer-equipped lamps, LED lights, or motion detector lights on when you're away.

 

Fitting security cameras, setting up a home security system, and keeping your trip a secret are additional excellent strategies to avoid break-ins while away.Find out if your house is a target for burglaries and how to stop a home invasion.