The holidays are here, and many people are thinking about decorating their homes. Lights are typically what comes to mind around this time of year. There are so many homes lit up during Christmas Time that NASA satellites have detected increased light concentrations from space. Light intensity in suburban areas increases by as much as 50%!
It can be fun to go full Clark W. Griswold, but it also uses a lot of electricity. A single strand of lights could need as much as 175 watts per hour — that can add up faster than you think.
There are many ways to have lovely decorations without the electricity drain. So if you want to be more energy efficient when decorating for the holidays, read on! We have tips for energy-efficient decorations this year to deck your halls while saving money.
Switch to LED Lights
If you’re still using old incandescent bulbs for Christmas lights, it’s time to upgrade to LED lights. They’re a massive improvement in every way — they are more efficient, brighter, durable, and safer. Energy Star strands use 70% less energy. Not to mention that they last a lot longer. Check out our other blog post to learn more about how much your Christmas lights cost.
Also consider solar-powered lights for outdoors. They cost a little more at first, but once you have them, there’s no extra cost to your energy bill after that. They have solar panels that collect energy from the sun and charge a battery when it’s light out to use later when it’s dark.
Control the Lights With a Timer
We all want our decorations to be seen, but shutting them off overnight can be a hassle when everyone is asleep. Make it easy and automatic by using a timer. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them off or on. That’ll ensure your display is in full view when the time is right to enjoy it — and off when the show is over. Make sure any timers you use for exterior lighting are rated for outdoor use.
Turn Out the Lights?
Lights are cool, but skipping them is an easy way to ensure you don’t get a bigger electricity bill in your stocking. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festive cheer though. Decorate for the holidays with decorations that don’t require electricity. Both candles and Christmas ornaments can create a festive look, especially when used together. Hang wreaths on interior doors and walls for seasonal charm.
Decorate With Plants
Why not take the idea of a Christmas tree just a bit further and bring festive cheer into your home by decorating it with plants, greenery, and flowers? Poinsettias are readily available now and add holiday spirit without needing any electricity.
Use All of the Tree
To continue that thought, if you trim any extra branches off your tree, make beautiful garlands with twine, ornaments, and ribbon to hang on doors or windows. Many Christmas tree farms and big box retailers will even give you branch clippings from recently trimmed trees.
Get Inflatable Decorations
Big, inflatable yard decorations have blown up (pun intended) in recent years. Many people think they must use a lot of electricity, and while they do use some, it’s much less than you might guess. A large inflatable snow globe, for example, needs about 150 watts of electricity. On the other hand, a string of traditional lights uses 10 watts per bulb. That adds up quickly. So in an either/or situation, consider going with the inflatable decorations instead of lights.
Use Candles
Want to create a cozy atmosphere without affecting your electricity bill at all? Candles are a great way to create a mood. Just be safe! Don’t place them around the Christmas tree or anything flammable, and never leave candles unattended.
Have a Happy and Enjoyable Holiday!
Whatever and however you decorate your home this holiday season, we at Energy Texas wish you all the best. If you want to continue saving past the holiday season, check out 11 ways to save energy in the winter season. Keep us in mind when (or if) it’s time to look for reliable electricity service in Texas at a fair rate from a company that cares. Our Giddy-Up-Guarantee and generous rewards program let you know that your satisfaction comes first with us.
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