Get the Holiday Decorating Done Early This Year!
For many people, decorations are one of the best parts of the holiday season. After all, nothing warms up a chilly winter’s night like seeing the glow of houses decked out in festive lights and reindeer.
Of course, the holiday season is a busy time, so many homeowners scramble to put up Christmas decorations at the last minute. And it doesn’t help that each year brings a new set of decorating trends! So to help homeowners get a jump start on this year’s holiday decor, this article will lay out some decorating ideas and inspiration, as well as pro tips for staying safe and saving money!
Choosing the Right Lights
When it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations, there is a wealth of different styles to choose from. It’s hard to beat the classics like simple string lights (whether they come with small bulbs or the larger retro bulb variety), icicle lights, lighted wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees. Net lights are another popular option, designed to be draped over bushes and shrubs.
But for a more modern look, homeowners can opt for LED rope lights or light show projectors, which can project a festive display of lights (either static or moving) on garage doors, exterior walls, or trees and shrubs. Another trend in Christmas yard decor is inflatables. Usually inflated by a fan and given a soft glow by a light in the base, inflatable yard decorations range from larger-than-life Santas and snowmen to elves and reindeer.
Knowing what kind of holiday lights and decorations to get is the first step. Next, homeowners will want to take a few measurements around their yards so they can have a better idea of how many lights to buy, at what lengths, and whether they’ll need extension cords - so they won’t have to go back to the store to buy more!
Remember to Practice Electrical Safety!
Electrical safety should be the number one priority when putting up holiday decorations. Improper use of electrical decorations is a shockingly common cause of electrical fires and injuries during the holiday season.
Whether buying new Christmas lights or digging last year’s lights out of storage, it’s always a good idea to inspect them carefully for damage, such as exposed wires and broken bulbs. Any damaged decorations that can’t be easily repaired should be thrown away, as they can cause electric shock or fires.
Homeowners should also avoid plugging too many decorations into one circuit, which can overload the circuit, causing outages and even fires. This means spreading the decorations across multiple outlets and circuits plus limiting the number of string lights connected (three is usually the maximum). It’s also essential to ensure cords won’t get pinched, stepped on, or punctured by staples or nails, as this can cause dangerous faults. Finally, all outdoor Christmas decorations and extension cords should specifically be rated for outdoor use and plugged into GFCI-protected outlets to prevent the risk of electric shock.
Ways to Go Green For the Holidays
Once homeowners have landed on the style they want and have a safety plan, they may want to consider some energy-saving holiday decoration options. There are several options to choose from, and while some may have a higher initial cost, they can save money on electricity in the long run.
LED Christmas lights are a fantastic option since they use around 75% less energy and last ten times longer than traditional incandescent lights. Plus, they come in a variety of styles. Solar Christmas lights used to leave something to be desired, but as technology has improved, these have become a popular way to light up the night without drawing any energy from the electrical grid. Most also have battery backups to stay bright even when sunshine is lacking.
Battery-operated Christmas lights with LED bulbs can be a good option for light use since they use relatively little power. Still, they’re not ideal for heavier use, as this will necessitate replacing the batteries more frequently. Using any combination of these eco-friendly decorations, homeowners can spread the festive spirit for many years to come - without spending a fortune on electricity!
About JDV Electric
Since its founding in 2005, JDV Electric has become one of Landsdowne's most trusted and highly-rated electrical companies. Their commitment to safety, service, and professionalism has earned them an A+ BBB rating and numerous awards and accolades, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award and HomeAdvisor’s Elite Service Award. They offer upfront pricing, a money-saving membership plan, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call JDV Electric today for electrical services in Landsdowne, PA.
