Long delays vs multiple automations?

Configuration
1

I have a couple of situations where I would like a device to come on for a few hours a couple times a day, like automating my front porch lights to come on at sunset for a few hours then switch off, then come on again an hour before sunrise for a couple hours and switch off. What is the best/most efficient way to automate this? Can I use one automation with delays of several hours or is it better to have two automations, one for switching them on twice a day and the other for switching them off at the appropriate times?

Thanks!

2

Delays won’t be preserved when you reload automations or restart home assistant. If this is something that is important to you, then a single automation with 2 triggers, one for on, one for off would be the best way to do it.

I just stick with delays for things and have a catch-all at night that turns off things that might randomly be on. Helps with lights/switches like this that might get restarted, and also when people push the button manually and forget to turn them off.