Published 1 year ago
Brighten Your Holidays Safely And Energy Efficiently
As the holiday season rolls around, festive lights begin to twinkle and brighten up neighborhoods everywhere. There’s nothing quite like the joy of decorating your home with beautiful lights, but it’s essential to do so safely and energy-efficiently. Whether you’re adorning your home’s exterior or illuminating your indoor space, here are some tips to help you hang holiday lights while keeping safety and energy savings in mind.
- Choose the Right Lights: When selecting string lights and decorations, consider using LED options. They consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Not only do they save you money on your electric bill, but they also stay cooler to the touch, reducing the risk of fire hazards.
- Plan Your Design Create a Layout: Before you start hanging lights, it’s helpful to sketch or plan out your design. Are you going for a classic look with white lights, or a colorful theme? A well-thought-out design helps minimize excess use of materials and electricity.
- Use Appropriate Extension Cords Check Ratings: If you need to use extension cords, make sure they are rated for outdoor use if your lights will be outside. Using the right cords helps to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. Look for cords that have a sufficient gauge and are long enough to reach your power source without overextending.
- Check Electrical Connections: Before you hang any lights, check your electrical outlets to see if they are equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) protection. Ensure there are no damaged cords, frayed wires, or exposed connections. Use outdoor-rated cords for outdoor decorations, and never overload electrical outlets. Following these precautions significantly lowers the risk of electrical fires.
- Hang Lights Safely: Instead of stapling or nailing your lights, which can damage the wiring and create a fire risk, use specially designed clips. These clips secure lights without damaging the strands, ensuring they stay in place without risk.
- Beware of Weather Conditions: Ensure your lights are designed for the weather conditions. Rain and wind can damage electrical components, leading to safety hazards. Consider using weatherproof plug covers.
- Avoid Overhead Powerlines: When decorating outdoors, always keep ladders at least 10 feet away from power lines to avoid the risk of electrocution; never use a ladder near overhead electrical wires as it can be extremely dangerous, especially if the ladder is made of metal which conducts electricity.
- Use Timers for Convenience: To further save energy and create a hassle-free lighting experience, invest in a timer or smart plug. These devices allow you to set specific times for your lights to turn on and off, ensuring they’re only lit when you want them to be, further reducing energy consumption.
- Be Mindful When Using Candles: While traditional candles create a cozy atmosphere, they also pose safety risks. Consider using battery-operated LED candles instead. These offer the same warm glow without the fire hazard. If you do use real candles, never leave them unattended and place them away from flammable materials.
- Safeguard for Next Year: After the holiday festivities are over, be sure to take down your lights carefully to avoid damaging them for next year. Store them safely in a dry place, ideally coiling the strings to prevent tangles and wear.
By following these tips for hanging holiday lights safely and efficiently, you can enjoy the warmth and cheer of the season without compromising safety or energy use. At Lakeland Electric, we encourage our customers to celebrate the holidays while embodying energy-conscious practices. Happy decorating, and may your holidays be bright! We’re here to help you keep your home shining all season long!
