The holidays are officially here. We’ve fueled up with turkey sandwiches, pumpkin pie and spiked cider. Now it’s time for Operation: Douse your house in holiday cheer.
While you’re busy embracing traditions, decking the halls and sipping some eggnog, think about adding a little extra green cheer this year. Rather than string up those old lights, consider investing in LEDs.
I had some FAQs about these light-emitting diodes, so I took to the internet for some enlightening.
Aren’t LEDs expensive?
I always thought LEDs were expensive, but prices have been steadily falling. Today, a strand of LED holiday lights typically goes for $20. Well worth it when you figure in the eventual savings.
LED lights use 70% less electricity than conventional incandescent light strings. If all the halls in America were decked with ENERGY STAR lights this year, we’d reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 100,000 cars, according to Energy Star.
They also last much longer. LED lights can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent strands, meaning you’ll have to replace them less often.
How safe are they?
These lights are cool to the touch, which means they’re less likely to cause a fire. And you can safely connect up to 87 LED holiday light strings, totaling 1,500 feet, according to Trulia. Normally, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings.
Do they come in color?
When I think of LEDs I think of those annoyingly bright white lights. But, LEDs are available in a wide range of colors and styles, from icicles to snowflakes. You can even find LED lights in “warm white” if you’re attached to the traditional tint of your old incandescent. Check out other options to deck the halls at Dailygreen.com.
What should I do with my old lights?
Recycle them! HolidayLeds.com will accept any retired strands for recycling. They’ll even send you a 15% coupon.
Do you deck the halls with LEDs? Send us pictures of your house all dolled up!
