Do Motion Sensor Light Switches Save Energy?

If you’ve ever walked into an office building or trendy restaurant and experienced the ease of motion-sensitive lights, you may have wondered if they would make a good addition to your home. Motion sensitive light switches are popular in corporate offices and public spaces because they’re convenient for employees and shut off after continued inactivity, significantly reducing energy expenses.

But do you need to install these light switches in your house? To answer that, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about motion sensor light switches to see if they’re a good investment for your home.

How do motion sensor lights work?

Motion sensor lights work by detecting movement using an infrared sensor. When the sensor detects heat or activity, it automatically turns on the light without you having to press a button or flip a switch.

Main benefits of motion sensors in your home

Motion sensor light switches offer many benefits that could make them worthwhile for home use. Here are some of the benefits of making the switch.

Motion sensor lights save energy

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), lighting accounts for about 10.3% of most households’ electricity use. If you have a habit of forgetting to turn off lights, your monthly energy bill may be higher than it needs to be. Switching to motion sensor lights in certain rooms could save you more on your bill than those who aren’t as forgetful. However, it’s best to know your usage habits. If you run a home business with high-traffic rooms, for example, you may save less from motion sensor lights since the lights come on and off frequently.

Motion sensor lights are convenient

Motion sensors are a good option for your front door, so you don’t have to fumble with your keys trying to get inside at night, or trip over any steps or plants as you approach. Inside your house, you never have to reach for a wall or lamp to light a room. This can also make homes more accessible for those who may have difficulties operating a light switch. And when you go to bed, you don’t have to worry about checking if any lights are left on.

Motion sensor lights offer home protection

Motion sensor lights may also provide some additional home security. An intruder trying to break into your home may think twice and move on if they see a light come on as they approach, even if no one is home. This makes motion sensor lights an effective way to improve your home security without spending a lot of money on a security system.

Are motion sensor lights worth it?

To determine whether motion sensors are worthwhile at home, you’ll need to factor in the cost, your energy usage, and the installation location.

How much do motion sensor lights save?

Motion sensor light switches can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 each, depending on the brand. Some of the best motion sensor light switches can last up to 15 years, meaning it will cost you about 6 to 28 cents per month. The average electricity price in the U.S. is currently 16.26 cents per kWh, and a standard 60-watt light bulb uses 0.42 kWh of electricity per hour.

To respond to movement, motion light switches are always on standby and thus consume some amount of phantom energy, which is reflected on your energy bill. So unless you’re forgetting to turn off your 60-watt light bulb for 1 to 4 hours every week, the cost of purchasing and powering the standby light switch isn’t worth the investment. If you do forget often, then motion sensors could be a good type of energy-saving light switch for your home.

Where to install motion sensors

Installing a motion sensor is probably best in medium or low-traffic areas, where you’re prone to accidentally leave a light on and not notice. These rooms may include:

• Closets
• Bathrooms
• Entrances
• Utility closets
• Garages
• Guest rooms

Motion sensors are usually best suited for offices and retail stores as opposed to homes, as they remove responsibility from the last employee leaving to check that every light is shut off. Motion sensors in these settings are also linked to a larger number of lights, making purchasing the sensor more economical.

Avoid installing motion sensors in rooms with high traffic, like kitchens and living rooms, as this could increase your electricity bills when the lights are going on and off frequently.

Motion sensor lighting vs. traditional lighting

If you’re really concerned about saving energy and money, you may be better off simply installing more energy-efficient lights throughout your home rather than investing in motion sensor lights.

CFL and LED bulbs consume less energy than their incandescent counterparts, making the impact of leaving one on much less impactful. Consider installing these bulbs in places with high traffic, such as a living room or kitchen — that way, even if the lights are left on for a while, their energy output is minimal and you won’t overpay for your electricity.