Holiday Decor Preparation
Preparing for the holiday season usually involves festive decorations. Whether hanging lanterns, glowing signs, or outdoor lights, more electricity is used during the holidays. Regardless of the type of light, finding what works best for the space and practicing electrical safety is critical. This blog will share holiday lighting tips, ideas for more eco-friendly lighting, and electrical safety tips.
What Are the Right Holiday Lights?
The two most important factors when choosing the right Christmas lights are personal taste and electrical safety. While most people think of string lights at Christmastime, inflatable figures and glowing lanterns are increasingly popular. Depending on the size of the property, house lights may even require their own generator.
Electric snowmen are designed as outdoor Christmas decorations. Although these Christmas lights are used outside, many still run on cords. Unlike battery-operated fairy lights, standing figures such as reindeer and angels usually require some form of extra electricity. The amount of light will make a difference in how much power is necessary for Christmas yard decor.
LED string lights are ideal for saving electricity. These can be wrapped around the tree or hung from the outer edge of a roof. Solar converters tend to charge quickly, and LED lights can last for approximately 10 hours at a time.
Current Christmas decorations include premade wreaths. Several battery-operated lights are placed within the greenery so it can hang without obvious wiring. These lights are lower voltage than most string lights and can be turned on and off.
Safety Tips
Electrical safety is critical around the holidays. Overcrowded outlets are common and can cause electrical fires if homeowners are not careful. With the proper knowledge, cutting back on lights may not be necessary.
Knowing what type of outlets are available before buying lights is important. Two-pronged outlets are sometimes found in old houses that have not been renovated. A power strip should only be used with modern, three-pronged outlets.
Crowded outlets are the number one cause of house fires during the winter holidays. Refrain from filling each outlet with a separate light when using a power strip with multiple outlets. Low-voltage lights are the safest option for connecting outlets.
Outdoor lights are among the most dangerous. Make sure to hammer the nails before draping string lights so the wires remain intact. Nails should never pierce string or rope lights because this can cause the wire to spark.
If tree lights are used, the tree itself must be safe. Dry pine needles are much more likely to catch fire. Trees should be watered multiple times throughout the day to prevent a potential house fire.
Have a Green Holiday!
Eco-friendly lights look the same as traditional lights, but they’re safer. Solar Christmas lights are often used outdoors for a “clean” look. These lights automatically turn on once it gets dark without the help of batteries or wires. Outdoor Christmas trees, sleighs, and other lawn figures can all be lit with solar-powered lights.
LED Christmas lights are over 75% more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. Because they last longer, their carbon footprint is drastically reduced. They are considered safer for holiday lights because the temperature of the bulb is cool. Wires will not heat up or melt due to LED lighting. Battery-operated Christmas lights use less electricity as well.
About Grand Canyon Home Services
Grand Canyon Home Services has had trustworthy experts serving Peoria, AZ, and the surrounding areas since 1998. They provide upfront pricing, same-day service, and 24-hour live answers, so call them today for electrical services in Peoria, AZ.