Now that the holidays are in full swing, many homeowners will be celebrating with colorful and cheerful light displays. Just because you’re letting the glow of the season shine brightly, however, doesn’t mean you have to shun eco-friendly energy usage. Here are some tips on keeping your holiday display as eco-friendly as possible from your local residential electrician.

3 Tips for Keeping Your Holiday Lights Green

1. Use LED Lights

While the classic, big-bulbs of holidays of yesteryear certainly hold a huge amount of nostalgia, they’re also very energy-inefficient. Buying ENERGY STAR® LED lights, however, is a great way to cut back on electricity use while still achieving a dazzling display. LED lights use up to 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs, are brighter, last much longer, and can be connected end-to-end without overloading an outlet. They may cost slightly more upfront, but you’ll save money on energy and replacements for years to come.

2. Limit Lighting Time

While it’s tempting to have your light display blazing throughout the night, it also can use a lot of unnecessary energy. Instead of keeping your lights on for long periods of time, set your display to a timer, so you cut back on energy even when you’re not home. Running the lights for about eight hours in the evening is a good amount, although residential electricians suggest you may want to reduce that time if you’re using incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

3. Create a Simpler Display

Although you may be inspired to go all out thanks to all of those holiday lights videos, opting for a smaller, simpler display can save a lot of energy and be just as fun. Instead of blanketing every inch of your home with lights, try to focus on creating clean lighting lines that highlight the basic outline of the structure. You can also try combining garland and lights for a low-key and classy arrangement.

Bonham Electric, Inc has been providing reliable electrical needs to the Dayton, OH, region for more than 50 years. From residential electrician services to helping customers achieve eco-friendly lighting, the company will help solve your electrical need professionally and quickly. For more information, call (937) 233-7662 or visit their website today.