Looking for a way to cut costs this holiday season? If you have seasonal decorations that use lights, ditch those old incandescent bulbs, and replace them with LED versions.
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are much more efficient, using up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. That can mean big savings in this season’s energy bills, especially if you’re the type to run multiple strands of holiday lights around your yard and home.
Because they’re so efficient, LEDs run cooler, which makes them safer. And LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you can enjoy them for several holiday seasons.
Strings of LED holiday lights and single bulbs for yard ornaments can be bought online and at many retail stores. But you’ll want to be sure they’re tagged with a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listing. For string lights, this tag is usually somewhere on the cord. The listing ensures the product has been inspected for safety.
The UL listing will also let you know if the lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use, an important factor in preventing fires. Also check to make sure none of the wiring is split or frayed. And no matter where you place your decorations, make sure none of them are too close to any heat source.
From all of us here at Veteran Energy, have a safe and happy holiday season!
