With Earlier Sunsets Here, R.J. Kielty Urges Tampa Bay Homeowners to Brighten Up Outdoor and Security Lighting
Family-owned electrical contractor shares lighting tips for safer, more secure homes ahead of the holiday season.
New Port Richey, FL, November 10, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Daylight saving time has ended, and the sun now sets before 6 p.m. in Tampa Bay. R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric is encouraging homeowners to make sure their outdoor lighting can handle the longer evenings, especially with holiday guests coming soon.
More people now get home from work, school or errands after dark. Driveways, walkways and front entries that were bright at 6 p.m. in October are dark at the same time now. Dim or burned-out outdoor lights make it harder to see the path, the steps and anyone at the door. Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings are coming, and guests will be arriving and leaving after dark too.
R.J. Kielty recommends these lighting checks for the darker season:
Light the path from the car to the door. Driveway, walkway and porch lights help homeowners and guests avoid trips and falls after dark.
Add motion-activated security lighting. Motion-activated floodlights and dusk-to-dawn sensors make it easier to see around entries, garages and parking areas, and no one has to flip a switch.
Choose fixtures built for the Gulf Coast. Outdoor fixtures in Tampa Bay have to hold up to constant humidity and salt air. Weather-rated porch, patio and pathway fixtures last longer in Florida’s climate.
Switch to LED. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lighting can cut lighting energy use by 50% to 75%. LED bulbs also last roughly 25,000 to 50,000 hours, so homeowners will replace them less often even as outdoor lights run longer each night this winter.
Consider landscape lighting. Low-voltage landscape lighting makes trees, garden beds and the outside of the home easier to see. Burying the wiring and aiming fixtures carefully also keeps glare down for neighbors and passing traffic.
Leave new wiring to a licensed electrician. Projects that add new circuits or involve panel work may need a Pasco County permit and inspection.
“Once the clocks change, a lot of homeowners notice for the first time how dark their driveway or front steps really are,” said a company spokesperson. “Good outdoor lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a home safer, and it’s worth taking care of before the holidays, when family and friends will be coming and going after dark.”
R.J. Kielty’s licensed electricians help homeowners choose fixtures, bulb color temperatures and placement before any installation begins. The company handles permits and inspections and does not subcontract electrical work to unlicensed helpers. Replacing a single fixture usually takes under an hour, and a full outdoor security setup can typically be finished in a half day to a full day. Free estimates are available.
R.J. Kielty serves homes and businesses across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, with 24/7 emergency service available.
About R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric has been family-owned and operated since 1973. The company provides plumbing, air conditioning, heating and electrical services to homes and businesses across West Central Florida. It is independent, with no private equity ownership, and holds an A+ BBB rating. All technicians are background-checked, uniformed and badged. To schedule service, call 800-330-5486 or visit www.rjkielty.com.
More people now get home from work, school or errands after dark. Driveways, walkways and front entries that were bright at 6 p.m. in October are dark at the same time now. Dim or burned-out outdoor lights make it harder to see the path, the steps and anyone at the door. Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings are coming, and guests will be arriving and leaving after dark too.
R.J. Kielty recommends these lighting checks for the darker season:
Light the path from the car to the door. Driveway, walkway and porch lights help homeowners and guests avoid trips and falls after dark.
Add motion-activated security lighting. Motion-activated floodlights and dusk-to-dawn sensors make it easier to see around entries, garages and parking areas, and no one has to flip a switch.
Choose fixtures built for the Gulf Coast. Outdoor fixtures in Tampa Bay have to hold up to constant humidity and salt air. Weather-rated porch, patio and pathway fixtures last longer in Florida’s climate.
Switch to LED. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lighting can cut lighting energy use by 50% to 75%. LED bulbs also last roughly 25,000 to 50,000 hours, so homeowners will replace them less often even as outdoor lights run longer each night this winter.
Consider landscape lighting. Low-voltage landscape lighting makes trees, garden beds and the outside of the home easier to see. Burying the wiring and aiming fixtures carefully also keeps glare down for neighbors and passing traffic.
Leave new wiring to a licensed electrician. Projects that add new circuits or involve panel work may need a Pasco County permit and inspection.
“Once the clocks change, a lot of homeowners notice for the first time how dark their driveway or front steps really are,” said a company spokesperson. “Good outdoor lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a home safer, and it’s worth taking care of before the holidays, when family and friends will be coming and going after dark.”
R.J. Kielty’s licensed electricians help homeowners choose fixtures, bulb color temperatures and placement before any installation begins. The company handles permits and inspections and does not subcontract electrical work to unlicensed helpers. Replacing a single fixture usually takes under an hour, and a full outdoor security setup can typically be finished in a half day to a full day. Free estimates are available.
R.J. Kielty serves homes and businesses across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, with 24/7 emergency service available.
About R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric has been family-owned and operated since 1973. The company provides plumbing, air conditioning, heating and electrical services to homes and businesses across West Central Florida. It is independent, with no private equity ownership, and holds an A+ BBB rating. All technicians are background-checked, uniformed and badged. To schedule service, call 800-330-5486 or visit www.rjkielty.com.
Contact
R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Air & Electric
Brooke Hughes
727-494-6345
rjkielty.com
Brooke Hughes
727-494-6345
rjkielty.com
Contact
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