Posted on | by LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling
Safety Tips for Holiday Lights and Decor
Prevent a holiday decorating disaster while sprucing up your home for the season. Even if you’re not planning to hang your own outdoor Christmas lights this year, there are still several risks to avoid with festive decorations. Homeowners are encouraged to take preventive measures to ensure a safe and joyful celebration.
This blog post will provide valuable holiday electrical safety advice, such as discussing differences between incandescent and LED lights, safely decorating, and following essential safety guidelines.
Incandescent or LED Christmas Lights?
When it comes to holiday decorating, one thing homeowners may have questions about is whether to go with incandescent or LED lights. Although both options are available in stores, it’s important to determine which one best suits the needs of a household. Understanding the key differences between them helps in making the right choice. Learning more about these lights can lead to a holiday display that is both safer and more energy-efficient.
Incandescent Lights: Incandescent Christmas lights have been considered a “crowd favorite” for many years. One reason is their lower upfront cost, and another is that they give that classic glow. However, they consume more energy, leading to higher electrical bills throughout the season. Additionally, they generate more heat, making them more of a fire hazard, especially when placed near flammable items and left on for too long. So, if the home is decorated with incandescent lighting, be mindful not to leave it on too long and keep it away from flammable materials.
LED Lights: LED lights consume significantly less electricity, which helps to lower holiday power costs. They also generate less heat, reducing fire hazards and making them safer. Although the initial cost is higher, LED lights are longer-lasting, making them a cost-effective investment for holiday decorations that are both safe and energy-efficient.
Ways to Create Safe Holiday Displays With Christmas Decorations
Putting up a fun, festive, and safe holiday display involves more than selecting the right lights or outdoor Christmas decorations. Inspect all decorations thoroughly before putting them up, even the bulbs from previous years. Check each light string for broken bulbs, exposed wires, and damaged sockets to prevent potential hazards.
It is crucial to select the right locations for lights. Only lights labeled for outdoor use should be placed outside, as these are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Indoor lights used outdoors can lead to problems if exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. Going on the roof or a ladder in the winter to put up outdoor lights can be dangerous, but professionals are available to do it safely.
When using extension cords, make sure to choose the appropriate cords for indoor and outdoor use. Also, avoid overloading outlets or linking multiple extension cords together, which can cause overheating. They should be positioned carefully to ensure they are not pinched or covered by furniture, carpets, or heavy objects that could damage the insulation and create a fire hazard. Taking these precautions will help keep holiday displays safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Must-Do Safety Tips
Getting the house ready for the holidays can be a lot of fun as long as proper safety precautions are taken. It’s important that everyone keep these electrical and safety tips in mind throughout the holidays:
- Avoid overloading outlets by plugging in too many lights or decorations, as this can lead to problems.
- Unplug and turn off holiday lights and decor before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider using a timer to automate this step, making it easier to prevent electrical problems.
- Ensure lights and decorations are kept away from flammable materials like curtains and more to minimize fire hazards.
- Ladder accidents are common during holiday decorating. Always place ladders on stable surfaces, and have someone nearby to assist if needed.
By following these precautions, homeowners can enjoy a safe, festive holiday season, creating a joyful atmosphere for family and friends without worry.
About LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling
The experienced team at LeBrun Electric, Heating & Cooling, delivers quality services throughout the Twin Cities, offering straightforward pricing, same-day services, and trustworthy technicians. They provide 24/7 emergency services, on-time appointments, and 0% financing for 18 months. Call them today for professional holiday lighting installations in Maple Grove, MN!