When Lighting up the Tree This Year, Be Energy Efficient with the Lights
It seems that light displays for the holiday season are growing more and more elaborate. As people cover their homes with more and more lights, it gets more and more expensive. There are ways to have beautiful decorations that are both eco-friendly and would give Clark Griswold a run for his money.
Making the LED Switch
Incandescent bulbs:
- Invented in 1879 by Thomas Edison
- Have filaments that create light and heat
- Low energy efficiency
- Lifespan of around 1000 hours
LEDs:
- Not actually bulbs, but semiconductors
- Produce photons (light) and no heat
- High energy efficiency
- Lifespan of about 50,000 hours
When the comparison is shown in such black and white terms, it is easy to see which product will save a homeowner money.
Batteries, not Plugs
Every homeowner knows that when something is plugged in, it uses the home’s electricity. Many decorations do not have to be plugged in but use battery power. While batteries are not particularly cheap, they are readily available and are usually something already in the house. Batteries also provide a bit more electrical safety than traditional plug-in lights.
The risk of serious electric shock is very low. If using a few batteries from the home stash keeps the fairy lights twinkling and the electrical bill from skyrocketing, then it would be worth it to invest in some battery-operated lights. Many strings of lights may even include their own batteries. There are also options in battery-operated tea lights and pillar candles.
Party Like it’s 1799 and Use Candles
What if it would be better to use no electricity at all? Classically speaking, candles have often been used as Christmas decor. Just as Tiny Tim Crachit would have celebrated Christmas dinner by candlelight, so today’s families can also celebrate surrounded by the small flickering flames of ambiance.
But recreating “A Christmas Carol” is not the point here. Candles are elegant and save energy because they require neither electrical plugs nor batteries. Electrical services are not required for candles. Here are a few ideas for creating a classical Christmas display with candles:
- Add small wreaths around any pillar candles
- Add a sprig of holly or mistletoe
- Group red and white candles of different sizes in the middle of a wreath
- Add glitter to create a shimmering effect and the appearance of more light
- Use candles in front of mirrors to direct distribute light
- Place candles on top of mirrored plates to create a warm lighting effect
- Avoid using on or around trees due to potential fire hazard
About Albritton Service Co
Family-owned and operated and providing 24/7 emergency service, Albritton Service Co strives to provide excellent service fast. Call today for electrical service in the Ruston, LA area. Contact them for electrical service today and enjoy a happy holiday season.
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