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Many homes are decorated during the holidays with strings of lights, and most
people currently use standard incandescent C7 lights or mini-lights. Two energy-efficient
alternatives to consider are LED lights and fiber optic trees. As more lighting is used
and as energy rates climb, consumers find that decorating with lights is costing more.
Lighting is important, especially when many in the Anchorage area participate in the
City of Lights program to help provide a cheerful environment during those dark days of
winter. Lighting costs vary depending on the type of lights and how long they are lit,
as shown in the graph. Using luminescent diodes (LEDs) and timers and turning lights off
during the daylight hours will help reduce costs and conserve electricity.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lights are a new application for a mature
technology. Each year manufacturers have improved the choices, producing bigger and
brighter bulbs and new color options. LED lights have a number of benefits over
conventional lighting:
- Energy-efficient - 0.08 watts per LED C7 multicolor bulb (compared with 0.48
watts for an incandescent mini-light and 6.0 watts for a standard incandescent C7 bulb).
- Long life-span - up to 100,000 hours or more used indoors, half that outdoors, and some
manufacturers provide limited lifetime warranty.
- Safety - no chance of combustion since the bulbs are cool to the touch, regardless of
how long they are left on.
- Sturdy bulbs - the epoxy lenses are virtually indestructible.
Holiday lights add a festive quality to your neighborhood and your home; however, if
used incorrectly they can present a safety hazard.
- Make sure any light set you purchase has been approve for the right use, indoor use,
outdoor use or both, and is marked with the UL label.
- Do not overload electrical circuits. Circuits in older homes carry a maximum of 15
amps or 1,800 watts each. Circuits in most new homes can carry 20 amps, or 2,400 watts each.
- Before you decorate, check light sets for frayed wires, damaged sockets or cracked
insulation. If you find defects, replace the entire set.
- Use timers to reliably turn off lights during daylight hours and other times when
lighting not needed.
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