Outdoor Porch Lighting

Porch lights are an excellent choice for energy efficient fixtures that use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Porch lights can provide many functions in addition to just lighting hazards on the front walk. They also aid in wayfinding by indicating where the door is. They can give a sense of security to people both on the inside and outside. And last but not least they can add a decorative touch by lighting attractive architecture or being stylish themselves. Though most porch lights are wall mounted, they can be ceiling mount, chain hung or recessed.

• Avoid fixtures with clear glass as this can lead to a high probability of glare. Use white or frosted glass, this will soften the light and also shield the lamp from direct view.
  
  
• Exterior fixtures often have long hours of operation which turns energy savings into dollar savings. Also the long life of CFLs can be a real convenience because they don't have to be changed near as often as incandescent bulbs.
  
  
• It is usually better to use multiple fixtures that have less intensity than one fixture that is really bright.
  
  
• Avoid high wattages, For most fixture types and applications CFL wattages should be in the 9 to 20 watt range (this is roughly the equivalent to 25 to 75 watts incandescent).
  
  
• CFLs are temperature sensitive, so in chilly weather the lamp may take a few minutes to come up to full brightness. In really cold areas, you may want to select a fixture that is fully enclosed. This will allow the lamp to warm up faster. It's a small price to pay for the many other benefits of using CFLs!