How outdoor lighting impacts your energy use

Many homeowners leave outdoor lights on overnight for safety and security reasons, and that’s completely understandable. Porch lights, garage lights, and backyard lighting can help improve visibility and make a home feel occupied.

That said, leaving a light on all night isn’t always the most effective or energy-efficient approach. Instead, consider combining outdoor lighting with:

• Motion sensors
• Timers or smart lighting schedules
• Dusk-to-dawn sensors
• Security systems or cameras

From a safety standpoint, these tools can make lighting feel more natural and less predictable while helping improve visibility when it matters most. From an efficiency standpoint, they help make sure lights are only on when needed.

We talk about LED bulbs a lot, and for good reason. ENERGY STAR^® certified LED bulbs are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last at least 15 times longer.

But beyond lowering electricity use, there’s another perspective worth considering: the environmental impact.

In Alberta, a single 100-watt incandescent porch light left on all night can cause approximately 390 kg of carbon dioxide pollution each year. That’s enough CO₂ gas to fill more than 44,000 standard party balloons.

By comparison, an LED bulb using 90% less energy would create about 39 kg of carbon dioxide pollution annually, enough to fill closer to 4,400 balloons.

So yes, switching to LEDs can help reduce your electricity bill, but it can also make a meaningful difference in reducing overall energy consumption and emissions over time.

When it comes to outdoor lighting, brighter isn’t always better.

Over-lighting — aka using more fixtures or brighter bulbs than necessary — can increase electricity use without adding much benefit. It can also contribute to light pollution, which impacts wildlife and natural nighttime environments (shout out to our acreage customers!)

Instead of trying to light every corner of your yard, focus on a few intentional key areas:

• Walkways
• Entrances
• Steps
• Gathering spaces

Even from an aesthetic perspective, thoughtful lighting placement often works better than simply adding more brightness.

Speaking of aesthetics, we love a cozy outdoor atmosphere. String lights over the patio? Elite summer energy.

But decorative lighting, like string lights or pathway, deck, and landscape lighting, can quietly add to your electricity use, especially when it’s running every night, or accidentally left on until morning.

A few small swaps can help keep the ambiance without necessarily increasing energy use:

• Choose LED string lights
• Put decorative lighting on a timer
• Turn light off when outdoor spaces aren’t being used
• Use solar-powered fixtures where possible

Solar-powered lights can be especially helpful in areas without easy access to electrical plugs. Harnessing the power of the sun, these fixtures charge during the day and automatically light up at night. They often last eight to 10 hours and don’t add a cent to your electricity bill.