We’re approaching the time of year where you’re going to be spending more time outdoors. Believe it or not, a lot of that time is going to be at night. Barbecues, pool parties, and stargazing are just a few of the many reasons to be outside afterhours in the summertime. This makes the outdoors a perfect spot for a little smart lighting.

A well-designed outdoor lighting plan can turn a plain yard or patio into a special retreat. Of course, it can add a little extra twinkle to parties, but there are plenty of other reasons to consider a smart outdoor lighting setup. Here are three of our favorites.

Safety. If you entertain frequently, outdoor lighting is a must. Pathway lighting can guide people from the driveway to the front door or keep them out of garden and shed areas. Consider adding in motion sensors, which can trigger lights strategically placed throughout the yard. That way, the pathway will light sequentially as people stroll along a path versus all of the lights going on at once.

Security. Whether away or at home, an outdoor lighting system can be a crucial part of home security. When away, you can program your lights to automatically come on at set times and even have them turn on/off at random times, to give the house a more lived-in look. Another alternative is a motion sensor integrated with your lighting control system. Any intruders lurking around entryways will be sure to steer away if a bright light is shined on them.

Savings. Planning a day trip? You don’t have to leave the lights on all day or come home to a dark house. With a smart lighting system, you can set schedules that will turn porch, patio, and driveway lights on and off at dusk or specific times of day. Even better, you can set those same schedules to automatically go off when the lights are no longer needed—or trigger the controls from bed using a smartphone, touchscreen, or other controller.

Need a few other bright ideas? Contact EDG at (732) 650-9800 for additional information on how smart lighting can be used in and outside of your home.