Christmas lights are some of the iconic characteristics of the holiday season that bring communities, families, and friends together to admire dazzling displays of color. Yet, amidst the cheer and excitement, there are common mistakes that many of us unknowingly make. From underestimating the quantity of lights needed to neglecting proper storage, these missteps can turn what should be a delightful experience into a tangled mess of frustration.

1. Not Planning Ahead

One prevalent mistake many people make when hanging Christmas lights is the failure to plan ahead. In the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to underestimate the intricacies of a well-lit display. Without careful consideration, individuals often find themselves midway through the decorating process only to realize they lack essential supplies such as lights or extension cords. This oversight can lead to incomplete or mismatched arrangements, detracting from the intended festive ambience. Without a predetermined design, lights can end up unevenly distributed or tangled, creating an unattractive visual effect. 

2. Forgetting to Check Equipment

Another common mistake people make when hanging Christmas lights is forgetting to check their equipment beforehand. Amidst the excitement of the holiday season, it is easy to overlook the importance of inspecting the lights, extension cords, and sockets. This seemingly minor oversight can lead to significant issues, compromising both safety and enjoyment. Failing to scrutinize the lights might result in electrical problems, short circuits, or even fires, posing a considerable risk to both property and loved ones. 

Additionally, it can lead to frustration when, after hours of meticulous decorating, sections of the lights don’t work due to faulty equipment. This disappointment can be easily avoided by taking a few moments to test each string of lights and examine extension cords for signs of wear and tear before the decorating process begins. 

3. Neglecting Basic Safety Precautions When Hanging Christmas Lights

People can often neglect basic safety concerns. Individuals frequently underestimate the potential hazards associated with electrical decorations. Neglecting to follow fundamental safety practices, such as using outdoor-approved lights for exterior displays, inspecting wires and sockets for damages, and overloading electrical outlets, can lead to dire consequences.

Overlooking these safety precautions might result in electrical shocks, fires, or property damage. In addition to this, ignoring ladder safety protocols while reaching high places can lead to accidents and injuries. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize safety by using proper equipment, following manufacturer guidelines, and being cautious when working at heights. 

4. Going Cheap

Opting for the cheapest options available is another Christmas lighting mistake. While it is understandable that holiday expenses can add up quickly, choosing budget-friendly lights and accessories without considering their quality and safety features can lead to a less-than-merry decorating experience. Cheap lights are often less durable and may lack the necessary safety certifications. These low-cost alternatives can be prone to electrical issues, such as short circuits or overheating, which can pose serious fire hazards. Inexpensive lights tend to have a shorter lifespan, meaning they might not last through the entire holiday season, resulting in added costs when replacements are needed.

It is essential to strike a balance between affordability and quality when selecting Christmas lights and decorations to ensure both a joyful and safe holiday season. Investing in higher-quality, energy-efficient lights may initially cost more but can save more money in the long run and provide a more reliable and enjoyable decorating experience. 

5. Underestimating Quantity Needed

Underestimating the quantity of Christmas lights needed is a common mistake that many people make when hanging Christmas lights. Enthusiastic decorators might misjudge the length of their exteriors or the size of their trees, leading to frustration and disappointment. This oversight often becomes apparent only halfway through the decorating process when supplies run out, leaving parts of the house dark and incomplete.

It is crucial to measure the areas to be decorated accurately and plan ahead. Taking precise measurements ensures that an adequate amount of lights is purchased, guaranteeing a seamless and harmonious holiday display. Proper planning not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the holiday decor is as dazzling and complete as envisioned.

6. Neglecting Proper Storage

A commonly overlooked mistake is neglecting proper storage once the holiday season comes to a close. After the festivities end, it is tempting to hastily dismantle the lights and toss them into a box, only to discover a tangled mess the following year. This oversight can lead to frustration and wasted time as untangling knots and fixing damaged wires become time-consuming tasks. Improper storage conditions, such as damp basements or humid attics, can cause corrosion and damage to the lights and their components, rendering them unusable for the next holiday season.

Neglecting the importance of organized storage not only shortens the lifespan of the lights but also adds unnecessary expenses when replacements are needed. To avoid this mistake, it is essential to invest in proper storage solutions like plastic containers or reels specially designed for Christmas lights. Additionally, labeling strands or categorizing them by length can save time during the next setup. 

Choose Pressure Doctor for Your Lighting Needs

At Pressure Doctor, we offer holiday lighting services that take away the stress of hanging Christmas lights around your home. We know the mistakes people commonly make so we know how to avoid them. We offer services including custom design, professional installation, maintenance, and takedown and storage. Get a free quote today!

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it is time to decorate! Creating a warm and cozy atmosphere for Christmas is one of the defining features of the holiday season. Whether you go all out every year or have a more simplistic approach to your holiday spirit, there are some simple ways to make your home feel festive for Christmas.

1. Decorate a Tree

A Christmas tree is one of the most iconic decorations for a home during Christmas time. Artificial trees have become more popular in recent years due to their ease and convenience. You can find artificial trees that are simple to set up, and they can come with lights preinstalled so you don’t have to get dizzy running lights around the tree yourself. Real trees may be a little more work and maintenance, but they can be beautiful additions that add class and fragrance to your home.

Once you have your tree set up, you can start to add ornaments and decorations. The great thing about Christmas trees is that they can be personalized to whatever your design preference is. A great way to be festive is to incorporate Christmas colors into your lights and ornaments.

2. Add Christmas House Decor

Including little decorations throughout your house can easily add to the Christmas spirit. Some simple ideas could be a Christmas village added to a mantle or table, decorated windows with hand-painted scenes or paper cutouts, or mason jar crafts for festive centerpieces. More decorating ideas can be found later in the blog post.  

3. Add Lights Around the House

One of the most cherished traditions during the holiday season is admiring our homes with twinkling Christmas lights. Framing your home with colorful lights creates a warm and inviting environment for visitors to enjoy. The soft, gentle glow of Christmas lights has been known to reduce stress and create a sense of relaxation. After a long day, coming home to a beautifully lit house can be incredibly soothing.

Have Professionals Install Your Lights to Get Festive for Christmas

Pressure Dr. provides high quality Christmas lights installation services that leave your home looking beautiful. We offer services including custom design, professional installation, maintenance, and takedown and storage. Get your home looking festive for Christmas in just a few hours by giving us a call, and we’ll do the rest.

4. Decorate the Mantel

The fireplace mantel is another area of the home that can be decorated to make your home feel more festive. Some simple garland can be added to the top of it, along with some candles and small decorations to instantly make your home feel cozy. Another staple feature is the stockings hanging from the mantel. Choosing a stocking for you and anyone in your household and displaying it creates a feeling of warmness.

5. Hang a Wreath

Another way to make your home feel more festive for Christmas is to add a wreath to hang from the front door. A wreath can be decorated in thousands of different ways, making it one of the most personalized Christmas decorations. You can add festive ribbons and ornaments, or go for a natural choice with pine cones and red berries in your wreath. You can also have an outdoor wreath and an indoor wreath for both visitors and yourself to enjoy.

6. Add Christmas Candles to Your Home

What do cinnamon sticks, sugar cookies, pine needles, and peppermint all have in common? They are all signature Christmas scents! Lighting a Christmas candle is a simple way to make your home more festive and cozy. This is something that takes hardly any effort but instantly shifts the atmosphere of the room. 

7. Incorporate Christmas Colors in Decor

The classic Christmas colors are red, green, and white, and you can use these hues in various creative ways to transform your home into a festive wonderland. Some simple ideas to incorporate Christmas colors into your home include tablecloths, placemats, or table runners on the kitchen table. You can also add red and green throw pillows to your couch or use a holiday-themed rug in your living room.

8. Display Christmas Cards

The Christmas season brings on the many Christmas cards sent by friends and family to their loved ones. It can be hard to know what to do with all the cards, which is why creating a fun display can make your home more festive. You can create a wreath, a bulletin board in your entryway, or hang the cards from jute twine string with clothespins.

You can make your home feel more festive for Christmas in many ways, and these were just eight ideas. You can customize all your Christmas decor and make it your own, while providing visitors with a cozy environment to celebrate the holidays. 

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.