7 Energy-Efficient and Safety Tips for Holiday Lighting

The Holidays are fast approaching, and it is the time of year when many of us are decorating our home inside and out with festive strings of lights. Here are 7 Energy-Efficient and Safety Tips for your Holiday lighting.

Make smart lighting choices

LED holiday lights are the way to go! They use up to 80% less energy, are brighter and safer, as they are much cooler than incandescent lights. They’re easier to install—up to 24 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. They last ten times longer and have no filaments or glass to break.

Get reflective

Shiny ornaments, tinsel and mirrors can multiply the effects of your lighting without using more energy. Be sure to keep tinsel away from pets, though. Reflective ornaments and tinsel are just as bright at night, so getting creative with your lighting display can multiply your resources for shine. Don't forget the ribbons, wreaths, garland, and reflective menorahs, for electricity- free age-old traditions still bring holiday cheer.

Plan ahead

Avoid overloading extension cords and wall sockets by following the manufacturer’s limits for the number of light strings that can be safely connected together.

Limit usage of energy

Set timers for lights to turn on and off automatically. Keep light displays on during the evening and turn them off overnight. Set timers for lights to automatically turn on when it gets dark and off in the middle of the night. You can save more by keeping light displays on only 8 hours of the evening (when you can see them).

Hang lighting safely

Make sure that no cords will be pinched by furniture or placed under rugs, furniture or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed, increasing the risk of fire. Replace faulty lights instead of trying to repair them.

Check condition of lights

Inspect light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires, so discard damaged sets of lights.

Read the labels

Be sure to check each product label to see whether the lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use. Make sure lights have a tag indicating they have been evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory.