As you deck the halls in coming weeks, we have a few handy tips for a safer, more energy-efficient holiday season.
Look for energy-efficient LEDs
With festive lighting such a big part of what the holidays are about, consider investing in energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lights. LED lights continue to drop in price, last significantly longer and are available in many colors and styles. LEDs produce very little heat, so they reduce the risk of a fire and are safer than incandescent lights.
And, since they use less energy, LEDs will save you money. Our team of energy experts ran side-by-side evaluations of 600 LED and non-LED mini lights (enough for a six-foot tree). To light the tree for six hours a day for a month, the non-LED mini lights cost about $7.03, while the LED mini lights cost just $1.60. Tap into our holiday lighting calculator and see how much you can save.
When hanging lights, keep safety in mind
Maybe the biggest gift, though, is the safety, health and well-being of our loved ones. At Tampa Electric, where safety is a top priority, we offer these additional tips for your home during the holidays:
- Make sure your holiday lights and cords are in good condition (no broken lights or frayed cords).
- Never string holiday lights on or near power lines. When using a ladder, take extra time to set it up properly on stable ground. Look above your head before climbing the ladder to ensure you are not near power lines.
- Never place electric cords under a rug or door, or around a sharp edge or corner. Keep all cords away from high-traffic areas in your home.
- Never use indoor lights outside, and don’t overload electrical outlets.
- Be sure to turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home. Consider using a timer, so it can do the work for you.
- Make sure a reliable testing laboratory, like the Underwriter’s Laboratory, has inspected your holiday lights.
- If you have a natural Christmas tree, make sure it has enough water. A dry tree can be a fire hazard.
For additional safety tips, please visit us online. And have a wonderful, bright – and safe – holiday season.
