Get the Holiday Lights Done Early and Safely With These Tips!
With December just around the corner, neighborhoods are starting to come alive with dazzling Christmas lights and charming decorations. But with how hectic the holiday season can be – and how daunting the task often seems – many people don’t get around to putting up their lights until the last minute.
But with a plan and a little know-how, homeowners may be surprised by how easy it is to get their electric Christmas decorations put up before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone! This article will share a few pointers to help homeowners transform their yards into an enchanting winter wonderland – all while maximizing energy efficiency and avoiding common electrical hazards!
Choosing Between Incandescent and LED Holiday Lights
The first step in holiday decorating is to decide whether to use incandescent Christmas lights or LED lights. Incandescent lights are becoming less common nowadays due to their drawbacks. For instance, around 90% of the energy they use is released as heat. Not only does this make the bulbs get hot (potentially creating a fire hazard around dry leaves and other flammable materials), but they can also rack up a hefty electric bill if the whole house is decked out with them. However, incandescent lights generally have a lower initial cost than LED Christmas lights and produce a warm color that many people find comforting and nostalgic.
LED Christmas lights, on the other hand, are highly energy efficient, using around 75% less energy than their incandescent counterparts, which saves money on the electric bill during the holidays. They also tend to last many years longer, and the bulbs are less prone to breaking (incandescent Christmas bulbs are notoriously fragile). And since virtually all of the energy they use is released as light, LED bulbs don’t heat up as incandescent bulbs do.
Create the Perfect Holiday Display
Next up, homeowners can choose what kinds of Christmas decorations and lights they want to put up – and there are plenty to choose from. Classic outdoor holiday string lights can be hung along roof lines and balconies or wrapped around columns and tree trunks. Net lighting can be strewn across bushes and hedges to make decorating easy. Or, for a more understated look, electric candles can be placed in all of the windows.
More recent holiday decoration trends include projectors that cast glittering light displays or festive animations on exterior walls or garages. Holiday inflatables in the shapes of Santa, elves, reindeer, snowmen, or other iconic holiday figures can be used in the yard for a more whimsical display. There are even elaborate computer-controlled light displays that flash and pulse in sync with holiday music. Homeowners can choose one or any combination of these decorations to craft their dream display!
Remember to Practice Electrical Safety!
No matter what types of holiday lights and decorations homeowners choose, the most important thing is ensuring they’re safe. Firstly, homeowners should inspect all electrical decorations for faulty wiring, damaged cords or plugs, and broken bulbs – and discard them if they can’t be repaired. If using incandescent holiday lights, homeowners should keep the bulbs away from any flammable materials and make sure they don’t stay on for more than a few hours at a time.
Homeowners should also ensure that all outdoor holiday decorations are rated for outdoor use. Christmas lights and electric decorations should be spread across multiple outlets and circuits rather than crammed into a single power strip or circuit to avoid electrical circuit overloads. Similarly, homeowners should never string together more than three strands of incandescent string lights. When hanging lights, homeowners should avoid tacks, staples, nails, or anything else that can puncture the wire, and try to keep cords out of high-traffic areas or anywhere they can be crushed or pinched.
Of course, electrical safety is only part of the equation. So many people wind up in the emergency room every year after falling from ladders, trees, or rooftops while hanging outdoor Christmas lights. So, when in doubt, homeowners can ensure their safety and electrical safety while saving time by hiring a professional to put up their holiday lights!
About ICT Electric
ICT Electric has over 30 years of experience serving Rhinelander and the surrounding areas. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time services, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for holiday lighting services in Rhinelander, WI.