4 Tips for Energy-Efficient Holiday Decorating

When shopping for holiday lights, look for LED bulbs, which can help save energy and money. This alternative to incandescent light bulbs uses as much as 90% less energy and lasts 25 times longer. LED light bulbs are an excellent way to lower your household’s energy consumption, especially during the holiday season.

Reducing your electricity usage is the best way to lower your energy bill. Consider putting your holiday decorations on a timer to decrease the number of hours they’re on. Most people don’t look at decorations during the day or late at night. Limiting the time they’re lit to a few hours in the evening when people typically walk around and enjoy holiday lights is a great way to save on your electric bill.

While string lights are a staple for most holiday decorations, there are alternatives that don’t require electricity. For example, use more vibrant ornaments on your tree to reduce the number of lights or add candles around the house for a decorative touch. Instead of springing for an automated Santa or snowman for your front lawn, pick one that doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Solar energy has evolved by leaps and bounds since it first gained attention. These days, there are plenty of solar lights available for outdoor holiday decorations. These work by capturing sunlight during the day to illuminate at night. Harnessing the sun’s power is an excellent way to reduce your electricity costs. And yes, solar still works in the winter because it relies on sunlight, not temperature. But be sure to clean them off if it snows to maintain optimal power generation.