While LED outdoor lights are already efficient, there are several easy ways to push your electricity savings even further. Whether lighting up a small patio or a large yard, these smart tips can help you reduce energy use—and your monthly bill—without sacrificing brightness or security.
1. Use motion sensors
Installing motion-activated LED lights is one of the best ways to reduce electricity usage. These lights only turn on when someone is nearby—like when you walk past your garage, gate, or backyard path. This prevents the lights from staying on all night and ensures you only use electricity when needed.
2. Install dusk-to-dawn sensors
LED fixtures with built-in dusk-to-dawn sensors automatically turn on when the sun goes down and off when it rises. These are perfect for security lighting, porch lights, or driveway illumination. Since they adjust to natural daylight, you avoid wasting energy by forgetting to turn the lights off in the morning.
3. Add smart plugs or timers
Consider adding smart plugs, timers, or Wi-Fi switches if your LEDs don’t have built-in sensors. These let you control when lights go on and off, even remotely, via smartphone apps. You can create custom schedules that suit your lifestyle and avoid leaving lights on longer than necessary.
4. Choose the correct brightness and wattage
More wattage doesn’t always mean better lighting. Using only as much light as needed for a specific area is key to reducing electricity use. For example, you don’t need a 50-watt floodlight to softly light up a garden path—an 8-watt LED might do just fine.
5. Opt for solar-powered LED lights
Solar-powered LED lights are a game-changer if you live in an area with plenty of sunlight. They charge during the day and run all night without using any electricity at all. They’re perfect for pathways, garden beds, or decorative accents around your yard.
6. Keep your fixtures clean and well-maintained
It might sound minor, but dirty or dusty light fixtures can block some of the light output, causing you to use brighter settings or higher wattage than necessary. Cleaning your outdoor lights every few months ensures maximum efficiency with minimal power.
