This Nighttime Habit Might Actually Be Making Your Home Less Safe

Many homeowners are under the impression that leaving one or two lights on inside their house when it’s dark outside will help deter burglars and other things that go bump in the night. Certainly, the glow of a light coming from inside a residence should signal that someone is home? Not exactly, say home security experts.

If flicking an indoor light on before you go to bed is a part of your nightly routine to help keep you and your family safe, you’re not alone. Read on to find out whether you’re doing more harm than good.

Leaving Lights On Can Have The Opposite Effect

While it's a common practice to leave indoor lights on at night, Kirk MacDowell, a home security expert from Batten, recommends against it—especially if it’s just a single light.

“A light in your home typically signals that someone is there, but in the middle of the night, it can also give the opposite impression—making it look like you’re out of town,” MacDowell says. “Instead, I recommend using programmable light timers or smart lighting systems that create random lighting patterns. This randomness can make your home appear occupied without giving away your schedule, and burglars are less likely to target homes that seem unpredictable.”

The Right Way To Use Indoor Lights

When it comes to safety and security, MacDowell says the goal is to create an “illusion of activity throughout the house.” This means having lights on in high-traffic areas like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. 

“However, the key is again, variation—using timers or motion sensors to simulate activity,” he notes. “Timed lighting or motion-activated systems, especially for doors and windows, can startle intruders and allow you to monitor what's going on.”

Consider Outdoor Options Too

When it comes to safety and prevention, MacDowell says he actually prefers outdoor lighting over indoor lighting.

“A well-lit exterior can deter intruders before they even reach your home. Motion-activated lights, especially those with an audible alarm, are most effective at scaring potential intruders and alerting you to movement,” he explains. “With that said, it’s important to have a balance—indoor lights on timers can complement your outdoor lighting.

When You’re Away

It’s important to mimic your normal lighting patterns when you’re out of town or on vacation. If you have a smart home system or programmable lights, set them to turn on and off at random intervals.

It’s also wise to ensure someone is looking after your property like checking your mail, bringing in packages, and pulling in trash cans. Officer Aaron Fix from the Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs Unit also suggests putting a radio on a timer that switches on and off automatically.

These seemingly small steps create the impression that someone is home and hopefully help prevent your house from becoming a target.