Flood lights, also known as security lights, offer homeowners a more practical option to incorporating bright exterior lighting to their home exteriors without having to buy very expensive fixtures and numerous bulbs. By strategically installing flood lights, you not only extend the hours which you can use your porch, basketball hoop, or swimming pool, you also dissuade intruders as well as wild animals from entering your home.

If you are in the process of selecting flood lights for your home, you might be overwhelmed by the wide range of options that are available to you. Having a clear idea of your lighting objective and a thorough knowledge of the various products in the market will enable you to choose the appropriate flood light for your home. Here are some things to consider when buying flood lights:

LED Flood Lights

If you are looking for the most cost efficient exterior security lighting option, go for light emitting diode or LED bulbs. They may cost a bit higher compared to CFLs and other bulb types, but the savings on your electricity bill and their relatively longer lifespan will prove that LEDs offer long term savings. These bulbs consume less energy compared to fluorescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, lasting as long as 50,000 hours or 46 years, if used 3 hours a day and are kept in good condition. LEDs also produce maximum brightness instantly once the switch is turned on or the sensor is triggered, so there is no delay.

Location

When deciding where to install your flood lights, you will have to remember three things. First, the bulbs should point downward at a 22-degree angle so the flood lights shine brightly on the target without blinding anyone. Second, the light should not be pointed towards a neighboring home as this would not only annoy your neighbors, it can also be taken as an invasion of their privacy. And third, the flood lights should be mounted at least 9 feet from the ground so that it is kept out of reach and to prevent any potential hazards which may be caused by very hot bulbs when touched or tampered.

Motion Sensors

Flood lights with infrared sensors have a 180-degree range of motion, picking up on heat waves when someone or something within this range is in motion. Depending on the sensor, the light will remain active for 1 to 10 minutes and then shut off automatically. This is a great safety feature which also helps save energy in cases when the homeowner forgets to turn the lights off.

Dusk to Dawn Lights

If your primary concern is security, dusk to dawn lights are the best available option for you. These security flood lights automatically turn on once the sun begins to set and off again as the sun rises in the morning. If you do decide to utilize this type of flood lighting, you will need to be extra cautious and consult with your neighbors, making sure that an all-night light would not disturb them in any way.

Finish

Lastly, you will also need to take into consideration the aesthetic features of the flood lights that you will be purchasing. There are many different finishes available. Popular choices include copper, stainless steel, and colored lacquer on top of aluminum. The general rule of thumb is, pick a finish that matches the color or the style of the home.

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