Save money on holiday lighting
Updated: Aug 26, 2022
Save money on holiday lighting
Tis the season to begin decorating your home for the holidays. Tis the season to pay double the electricity bill as well. Saving money during the holidays can mean an extra gift under the tree or saving for a vacation somewhere warm after the holiday. Whatever savings means to you and your family, we are here to help! We have found the best ways to save money while still decorating your home in such a way that even Clark Griswold would be proud of.
LED Christmas lights
Most of us still have a string of incandescent bulbs we have been using year after year from 5+ years ago. We dutifully check each one before we hang them on our roof, already cringing at the electricity bill and thinking the Grinch may have been on to something. Never fret, there is a better way; LED Christmas lights. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the cost in energy savings will more than make up for it. In a study that lit a 6ft Christmas tree with incandescent bulbs that ran for 12 hours a day for 40 days cost $10 to run, while the same 6ft tree lit with LED bulbs cost $0.27 cents to run the same 12 hours for 40 days. These bulbs also last longer and are said to be brighter than incandescent bulbs. Those types of savings will be sure to melt any grinch's heart.
Additional ways to save money on holiday lighting
These days finding deals online is easier than ever. Amazon prime members can even have items shipped to their door the next day. I recommend always checking online first, some stores will match online pricing if you are in store helping you save. Also shopping early or waiting for after the holiday if possible is a great time to buy. Most places will put Christmas lights on sale starting in November or even October, so keep an eye out for those sales. If you want to wait and buy for the following year, most stores will place lights on clearance starting in January. And finally depending on the brand of lights you buy ,there may even be an online or mail-in rebate. These can be a bit tedious but will save you money.
Bonus tips for saving money on holiday lighting
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to save money is putting your lights on a timer. Most hardware stores and even local grocery stores have outdoor timers at this time of year. There are different types, some with outlets others that are indoor use only. Make sure you are getting an outdoor use timer that you can set for 2 hour increments. We love the ones that you can set to start at dusk and turn off in 6 hours. We use one indoors as well for the tree lights, double savings! There are also smart timers you can buy that allow you to control it with an app on your phone or by Alexa or Google. Whatever way you choose to use a timer it will definitely save you money.
Hire a professional for holiday lighting installation
Hanging Christmas lights can be tough as well as dangerous if you don’t have the proper tools. Hiring a professional for holiday light installation can save you time and energy. We would be happy to help hang your lights so you can sit back, worry free and celebrate the comfort and joy of the season. Give us a call!
