Should You Leave a Light On When You’re Not Home?

The Old Trick Everyone Still Uses

Published: 28-Mar-2025

Let me guess, you’re heading out for the night or maybe leaving town for a few days, and right before you lock the door, you flip a lamp on and think, “That’ll make it look like someone’s home.”

Yeah. We’ve all done it.

I used to do the same thing. Growing up, my parents had a “travel lamp”—it was this dusty old thing that lived in the corner of the living room and only ever got turned on when we left for vacation.

It was our version of a home security system.

But here’s the deal: that trick might’ve worked 20–30 years ago when no one was thinking about break-ins the way we do now.

These days? A single lamp left on for days at a time is more of a signal than a deterrent.

Why People Leave Lights On When They’re Away

It’s simple, really. The logic goes like this:

“If someone sees a light on, they’ll think someone’s home, and they won’t break in.”

And honestly, it’s not a bad instinct. You’re trying to create the illusion of activity. That’s a good move in the right direction.

But here’s my take: a single light isn’t convincing anymore. Criminals aren’t all masterminds, but many of them watch patterns.

If they see the same light on at 2 p.m., 8 p.m., and 3 a.m. for three days straight? They’re not buying it.

Does It Actually Deter Burglars? Let’s Be Real

Not really—not on its own. Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years: a lot of break-ins happen during the day, when people are at work.

And guess what? That’s usually with a lamp or porch light on.

Burglars today are smarter than we give them credit for.

They’ll case a neighborhood, watch routines, and look for consistency. A single lamp that stays lit nonstop is more of a tell than a deterrent.

So should you leave a light on at all?

Short answer: Sure, but not the same light, and not for 24 hours straight.

The Downsides of Leaving a Light On

Aside from not being very effective, leaving lights on around the clock comes with some downsides:

• Wasted energy – Especially if you’re using older incandescent bulbs (which you shouldn’t be, by the way).
• Fire risk – I’ve seen too many folks leave older lamps or fixtures on for days. Some of them don’t do well with long runtimes.
• Predictability – Like we said, it can make your house look less lived-in if the light never changes.
• Bug magnet – Porch lights left on all night? Great if you want to feed the local mosquito population.

So yeah, it’s not the worst thing you could do, but it’s definitely not the best either.

Smarter Alternatives That Actually Work

Now this is where things get fun. Technology’s come a long way, and there are way better options for making your house look occupied.

Smart Bulbs or Light Timers

This is one of the first upgrades I recommend to people.

You can get smart bulbs that connect to an app and turn on/off at different times. Some can even randomize their schedule so they don’t follow the same pattern every day.

Not into smart tech? No problem.

Old-school plug-in timers still work great. Just plug a lamp into one and set it to turn on from 7 to 10 p.m., then again from 6 to 7 a.m.—or whatever feels natural.

Motion-Activated Outdoor Lighting

These are a must. I’ve installed the outdoor motion sensors light at almost every house I’ve lived in. The second someone walks up your driveway or near a gate, bam—light turns on.

It’s not just about visibility either. That sudden flood of light makes people panic. No one wants to be lit up like a stage performer while trying to sneak around.

Light + Camera Combos

Want to take it a step further? Grab a floodlight cam—something like the Ring Floodlight Cam or one from Eufy or Arlo.

You get the best of both worlds: motion lighting and video recording with mobile alerts. So now, if someone does snoop around, you’ll know right away—even if you’re miles away.

Layered Indoor Lighting

Don’t just turn on one lamp in the hallway. Think about how your house looks when someone’s actually home. A living room light, maybe a kitchen light or one upstairs—make it feel natural.

You don’t need to light the whole place up like a stadium—just a couple of thoughtfully placed lights on a timer or smart schedule will do the trick.

Make It Look Like Someone’s Home – Not Just Lit Up

Light’s a good start, but here’s how you really sell the illusion:

• Leave blinds or curtains slightly open—not fully closed like you’re hiding something.
• Keep a car in the driveway if you can, or have a neighbor park there once in a while.
• Have someone move your trash bins or check your mail if you’re gone for a while.
• Bonus move: leave a TV or radio on a smart plug. Some smart systems can even simulate sound or light from a distance.

Going on a Longer Trip? Here’s My Checklist

If you’re going out of town for more than a day or two, I recommend:

• Smart lighting setup inside and out
• Motion lights at all main entrances
• Camera coverage for your front door, driveway, and backyard
• Hold your mail or have someone pick it up
• Let a trusted neighbor know you’ll be gone (and maybe ask them to stop by)

And if you’re really serious? You can even use geo-fencing to have your lights and cameras react when you’re away. Pretty slick.

Final Verdict: So, Should You Leave a Light On?

Sure, but do it smarter.

Leaving one light on isn’t wrong, but it’s just outdated. On its own, it won’t do much. Think of it like locking your front door—it’s important, but it works best when combined with other habits and tools.

My take? Use timers, smart lights, and motion sensors. Mix it up. Make your house look like someone lives there, not like it’s on autopilot.

That’s how you stay one step ahead.

Marvin McAlister is an enthusiastic advocate for home safety and security, possessing a solid grasp of the subject through years of personal and professional involvement with security equipment. Check more about Marvin here.