8 Reasons You Should Always Turn Off Your Porch Light at Night

Wastes Energy

According to home exteriors expert Dan Staupe, the practice is a major waste of energy. "Unless someone needs to make their way back home in the dark, you really don’t need to leave [the light] on all night." The collective pull on the electrical grid of any community made by household lights has larger, significant planetary and global ramifications.

As for the more micro or personal consequences, professional contractor Danny Niemela breaks down the numbers: "One 60-watt incandescent lightbulb left on 12 hours a night will cost about $20 a year in electricity," he says. "Multiply that by several exterior fixtures and you’re easily looking at $100 to $150 a year just to keep the lights on when no one is outside."

Gives Homeowners a False Sense of Safety

If placed poorly, outdoor lighting meant to deter thieves or trespassers can have the opposite effect, "inadvertently drawing attention to potential entry points for intruders," says Harshbarger.

It's also worth noting that outdoor lighting on its own is not enough of a home security measure. It gives you a false sense of security, she warns.

Ruins Curb Appeal

Aesthetic-wise, the ongoing glare of outdoor lights can impact the appearance of the home, the value of the home, and one’s impression of the neighborhood. "Harsh exterior lighting bleaches out color, exaggerates architectural shadows and renders beautiful finishes dull and lifeless," says Nimela. "Good night lighting is all about contrast and nuance."

Annoys Neighbors

Unfortunately, the same porch lights that give you the sense of safety might be filling your neighbor’s bedroom with an annoying glare when they're trying to get some sleep. Consider turning off your porch light at night to avoid flooding your neighbor's home with excessive light. They’ll thank you in the morning—maybe not with a breakfast croissant, but don’t be surprised if your bird feeder is surprisingly filled.

Sends the Wrong Signal

You'd think that porch lights left on all night would be a deterrent to potential thieves. Guess again. In fact, “Porch lights on at 3 a.m. send the wrong signal,” according to Nimela. They could be suggesting no one is home.

"Think about who leaves their light on," adds Staupe. Often, a porch light on is a signal that the residents are far away, snorkeling off the shores of Maui or snowmobiling in Wyoming. A porch light in a dark, quiet neighborhood could be like a spotlight for thieves, Staupe warns.

Creates a Maintenance Mess

Imagine a light fixture that doesn’t see much action. Now imagine an outdoor light fixture that is in constant use. "Bulbs run longer, fixtures get dirty faster, and bugs burn out on the lens covers," notes Nimela.

According to Nimela, leaving the porch light on will result in the need for more frequent wipe-downs, cleanings, and bulb changes.

Attracts Bugs

You are probably well aware that nighttime lights will attract bugs. “In the middle of summer, especially, you absolutely do not want to leave that light on all night," warns Staupe, "because every single bug in a ten-mile radius is going to come running to your house, buzzing, biting, [and] bothering you and your pets."

Harms Wildlife and Reduces Star Visibility

We share this planet with our animal friends, and our actions have consequences. “Leaving exterior lights on overnight can confuse animals, like birds and insects, and disrupt their natural behaviors,” says Harshbarger. For example, porch lights left on in abundance can disrupt natural migratory paths for birds, wreaking havoc on wildlife. “It also causes light pollution, making it harder to see stars and harming the environment,” according to  Harshbarger.

“Constant night lighting creates ‘light clutter’ that breaks up natural dark cycles in the neighborhood,” adds Nimela. “This messes with everyone’s sense of time, throws off wildlife, and reduces the chance of stargazing entirely.” No chance of seeing the Milky Way? No way.