Should You Leave Commercial Lights on All Night?

There are times when we drive by a business at night and see the lights are on inside. There are several reasons why a company may choose to leave their lights on even after store or office hours end. But should you leave your commercial lights on all night? Today, we’re looking at some of the pros and cons of this practice and what it could mean for your business.

Pro: Deters Break-Ins

One of the main reasons why companies may choose to leave their lights on after closing time is that it may deter thieves and other forms of break-ins. When lights are on, it increases visibility and makes it easier for someone to alert the authorities if something seems amiss. Furthermore, it makes identification from security camera footage easier.

Con: Increases Power Bill

A notable downside of leaving your lights on throughout the evening is that it increases the amount of energy you use, raising your utility bill. Depending on if your building uses LED, fluorescent, or CFL lighting, you may need to set aside some additional money for power if you plan to leave the lights on.

Pro: Helpful for Overnight Staff

When wondering if you should leave commercial lights on all night, how it affects your overnight workers is something to consider. If you have an overnight crew, it may be a good idea to leave the lights on for them. However, you can just leave on the lights in the areas they need to work, so overnight crews can work efficiently without illuminating the entire building.

Con: Less Environmentally Friendly

Running lights throughout the night means you’re using more power, which is generally not an environmentally friendly practice. Many companies combat this by using solar power or low-energy bulbs to help mitigate their consumption. However, if your company presents itself as eco-conscious, you may make a better impression by leaving the lights off.