7 Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Ideas

About 15%¹ of your home’s electricity usage goes to lighting, and much of that happens outside. Outdoor lighting adds beauty and security to your home, but running outdated or inefficient fixtures every night adds up fast. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to illuminate your home’s exterior while keeping energy costs low.

In this blog, we share practical energy-efficient outdoor lighting ideas to help you save electricity. Read on to learn more!

1. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last much longer, making them the best starting point for any outdoor lighting upgrade.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), LED bulbs use about 90% less energy while lasting up to 25 times longer compared to outdated alternatives.¹ For fixtures that run several hours each night, that efficiency can really add up over time, potentially saving you hundreds on energy costs.¹

Most standard lighting fixtures today are already compatible with LED light bulbs. However, for older homes, you may need to have a residential electrician retrofit your space with LED-compatible fixtures to make sure everything works properly and efficiently.

2. Install Motion-Sensor Lights

Motion-sensor lights only activate when triggered by movement. They are commonly placed around entrances, driveways, and side yards for security and visibility. If no movement is detected, they turn off, so they’re not running for hours on end. This can lead to substantial energy savings over time while still giving you illumination precisely when you need it.

3. Upgrade to Smart Outdoor Lighting

Smart lighting fixtures connect to your home’s Wi-Fi. They are controlled through apps on your phone or other compatible devices, allowing you to fine-tune scheduling, dimming, and automation around your preferences and schedule. This means you’re only using exactly the amount of energy you need, which can add up to substantial savings over time.

Almost any type of outdoor lighting fixture can be “smart,” including landscape spotlights, pathway lights, floodlights, wall sconces, and more.

4. Install Solar-Powered Pathway Lights

Solar-powered pathway lights absorb energy from the sun during the day and automatically illuminate your pathways once it goes dark. This gives light to key areas at no ongoing cost, making them an energy efficient and budget-friendly outdoor lighting option.

5. Put Outdoor Lights on Timers

It can be all too easy to forget to turn off outdoor lights before bed, and it’s hard to tell if they’re on during the day. Timers are a simple fix for lights that get left on longer than necessary. All you have to do is set them once, and your outdoor lighting will only run during the hours you actually need it.

Smart plug timers can be adjusted remotely through a smartphone app. This makes them easy to update as needs shift or daylight hours change throughout the year.

6. Use String Lights in Outdoor Living Areas

String lights are a low-energy way to add ambient lighting to patios, pergolas, and covered decks without hardwiring new fixtures, which often consume more energy. Simply plug them in and illuminate your space at a fraction of the energy cost.

LED string lights last longer and use less energy while providing the same level of illumination. You can also look for solar-powered options, which absorb energy from the sun to light up the night without drawing from your home’s electrical system.

Note: While string lights are great for ambiance, they shouldn’t substitute task or safety lighting for areas like steps, outdoor kitchens, and other places where visibility is essential for safety.

7. Ensure All Fixtures are Outdoor Rated

It’s important to only use lighting fixtures that are rated for outdoor use specifically. Using indoor fixtures outside exposes them to the elements, eventually wearing down their components. This isn’t just an electrical hazard, but also draws out more energy, since degraded fixtures have to work harder to stay bright.

Outdoor fixtures are designed to perform consistently in exterior conditions. Choosing the right fixtures from the start protects your investment and ensures your lighting runs efficiently.