Tis the season for beautiful but costly light show displays, but new technology is coming to the rescue.

LED Holiday Lighting

LED or Light emitting diodes are more than 90% energy efficient, far better than traditional incandescent lights. They also can last up to 25,000 hours compared to 3,000.  A string of 300 traditional C-9 lights costs about $90 for a holiday season (60 days/6hrs a day, $0.12 per Kwh), compared to $0.84 for LEDs! Some LED light strings also remain lit even if one bulb in the string burns out, is loose, or is missing. Many LED holiday lights had a bluish tint to their light, but newer versions are available in warmer colors.

Our local utility PG&E even offers instant rebate programs to switch to LED lighting.

Typical cost: Amazon has a 7 ft string of 30 holiday lights for $8. LED lights costs about twice as much as incandescent holiday lights. Prices are falling every year.  Because these last so long, try spending a little more for more durable lights. Some local hardware stores have instituted trade-up events to help consumers upgrade to LED holiday lights.

If you have old energy hogging lights, it is time to recycle them for LED ones. The payback is very fast.

How to Hang Your Lights Safely

• If you are setting up outdoor holiday lights, be sure to plug them into an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter to ensure the circuit will shut down if there’s an electrical problem. Have an electrician install the outlet permanently or buy a portable one from your local home improvement store.
• Follow instructions when connecting lights, keep connections water-free and away from snow.
• Before actually installing the lights, make sure you test the lights to ensure that they are working. Do not install lights in trees that are near power lines.
• Always use a sturdy ladder and have someone help steady the ladder.
• Use insulated holders to latch lights, do not use thumbtacks or nails.
• Turn lights off when you leave your home or go to bed. Use a clock timer to automatically power on and off your lights.

Be sure to read: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill