The holiday season is just around the corner, which means soon you will be enjoying warm cookies, time with family and friends, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. One of the most iconic features of the holiday season is the Christmas lights that can be enjoyed both inside and outside of the home.
Whether you like to go all out with your Christmas light displays or appreciate a more simple approach, Christmas lighting can quickly spread holiday cheer. Deciding on what kind of lights you use can be a challenge, but we’re here to help.
One of the biggest decisions to make is if you want to use LED lights or incandescent lights. Most light displays now use LED lights because of their efficiency and money saving opportunities.
How LED Christmas Lights Work
Traditional lights use a filament to produce the glow, while LEDs use light-emitting diodes. With LED lights, high voltages aren’t needed so light is produced without heat, like it is with incandescent bulbs.
Money and Energy Savings
Energy Efficiency
One of the best features of LED lights is their energy efficiency. LEDs consume 80-90% less energy than incandescent lights, making LEDs much better for your energy bill. The main reason why they are so much more efficient is because they use energy solely for light, rather than light and heat.
Safety
LED lights are overall safer than incandescent lights for several reasons. Because LEDs use less power, they generate less heat which reduces risks of fire and burns. Traditional lights are more known for causing house fires due to faulty electrical connections, overloaded circuits, or overheating. In fact, traditional Christmas lights cause 770 house fires annually. The extremely low voltage of LED lights reduces electric shock, as well.
Lifespan
The lifespan of LED lights is extremely longer than incandescent lights. On average, LEDs have a lifespan of 100,000 hours, while incandescent lights have a lifespan of only 3,000 hours. Those hours round out to about 4-6 years for incandescents, and LEDs can last decades if they are well taken care of.
Eco-Friendliness
Another one of the most defining features of LED lights is their eco-friendliness. LED lights contain no toxic materials like incandescents do. Incandescents contain lead and mercury, which can be harmful if released into the environment.
LED lights are 100% recyclable. The light bulbs are made of tiny microchips that conduct an electrical current, which is why it is recommended to recycle them instead of just throwing them out with the trash.
LED lights are also made more effectively material wise. In fact, one LED light saves the material and production of 25 incandescent bulbs and produces zero UV emissions. Overall, LED lights are better for the environment and the home.
Benefits of LED Christmas Lights
Illumination Intensity
One reason why LED Christmas lights have become so popular is because of their illumination intensity and color accuracy. These lights give vibrant color to any light design or pattern that is sure to leave a memorable impression.
Durable Light Bulbs
Along with color intensity, the color of the LED lights lasts longer, leaving a beautiful color for many years. The bulbs are also virtually indestructible which makes them a perfect choice for outdoor lighting.
Variety of Designs
LED Christmas lights are available in a wide range of designs and colors to suit the desires of any homeowner. Some of the most popular options for bulb styles include faceted, smooth, and flex filament. You can also choose from various different shapes to get the exact style and look you want.
Connect More Sets Together
Because LED lights use less energy, multiple sets can connect together without a problem. Incandescent lights have to be carefully monitored to avoid any electrical problems, but LED lights are easier to just plug in and not have to worry.
Drawbacks of LED Lights
For the most part, LED lights are the preferred options over incandescent lights. One of the drawbacks of LED lights is the higher initial cost. A box of LED lights can be between $30-$80, while a box of incandescent lights is usually around $9-$22. After the lights are actually used, you save more money using LEDs because of power costs.
LED lights can also be more harsh than incandescent lights for some preferences. The brightness can sometimes cause people to get headaches or even feel nauseous. There are some options of LED lights that are more gentle on the eyes to avoid these types of problems.
Let Pressure Doctor Do it For You
Recruiting professional help to assist you in your Christmas lights installation can make the process significantly easier. We offer services that include custom design, installation, maintenance, and takedown and storage. We also provide other home exterior maintenance services including concrete cleaning, house washing, and patio cleaning. Get a free quote and see how Pressure Doctor can make your holiday wishes come true.