Problems With Floodlights

Light Pollution

• One problem with floodlight use is that some homeowners don't consider their neighbors when installing them. Install your floodlight so that it doesn't shine into your neighbor's windows. Angle it so that it lights up only your property, if possible. Prevent light pollution from spilling onto the street, too, where passing motorists may be affected at night. And limit the size of the floodlight if it puts forth more light than is actually needed. According to the website Outdoor Lighting, you don't want your landscape to look like "a ride at the county carnival." And choose low-voltage or solar lighting instead of floodlights for highlighting plants or trees, as floodlights provide too much light in these areas.

Electrocution and Shock Factors

• Floodlights have to be electrically installed, which poses the potential for serious harm, such as electrocution or shock, if you don't know what you are doing. Homeowners with zero electrical knowledge run the risk of physical harm to themselves and others when installing floodlights on their own. Hire a professional electrician if you need assistance with installing your floodlights properly. Rain, snow and sleet can potentially damage your floodlights, making them more of an electrocution and shock risk.

Higher Energy Consumption

• Floodlights aren't always needed to properly light up your landscape. Smaller lights or lights powered by solar energy can sometimes meet the lighting needs in your landscape. Using floodlights can use more energy than solar lighting options because solar lights rely on the sun's power, not electricity. Consider using solar-powered lights in your landscape where possible to reduce energy consumption needs.

Installation Costs

• Installing floodlighting is more complicated than using a solar or battery-operated light source in your yard, on your deck or near your home. Floodlighting installation takes time and knowledge and has to be repaired if problems occur with it, especially when floodlights are made from materials that don't stand up against the elements. Hiring a professional electrician to do this can be costly. On the other hand, solar or battery-powered lights in the landscape can be installed and replaced more easily and with less cost.