Using LED Christmas lights in place of conventional Christmas lights can make your holiday season greener. Because most stores that sell Christmas lights include LED Christmas lights in their inventory, these are easy to find. Yes, Virginia. You can have a greener Christmas!

In addition to consuming less energy than traditional lights, LED Christmas lights last up to ten times longer. They use 75% less energy. This means you can enjoy electrical savings when you use LED lights this holiday season.

Just like the traditional string lights, LED Christmas lights are available in a variety of sizes and shapes like “mini” and “globe.” Additionally, both net and icicle forms are on the market. With so many options available, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the color or style you want.

Further, LED Christmas lights are safer to use than conventional lights. You can, for example, safely connect several strands without worrying about overheating being an issue. That said, it’s still wise to consult the box or manual to see how many strings the manufacturer says you can safely connect.

If you’re really gaga for going green this holiday season, select solar powered LED Christmas lights. Because they harness the sun’s energy, these lights are more energy and ecologically friendly. Some models are designed to light up at night. You can usually get a string of 50 lights on Amazon for less than $20. You’ll save a lot more energy and money when you purchase this type of LED string lighting.

People are sometimes turned off by the initial cost of LED Christmas lights. And, of course, there’s no denying that LED light strands cost more than conventional incandescents. However, the higher initial cost is easily offset by greener and more efficient lighting solutions.

There are Christmas light timers available that you can hook up to your existing lights if you still have working incandescent strands and don’t want to invest in LED Christmas lights. Timers regulate your lights’ energy usage. Not only that, they can also make your house more burglar-proof by giving the appearance that someone is at home (turning the lights on and off) when you’re actually away for the holidays.

Regardless of whether you use incandescent or LED Christmas lights, you should observe safety protocols. For example, avoid pulling the cord when you unplug the lights so you don’t tear at the wiring inside. Check also for non-working bulbs or damage before you pack up and store light strands. Don’t use lights that have loose connections, broken sockets, or bare wires. Store Christmas Lights, and any electrical decorations, in a dry place where they can’t be damaged by water. Keep them out of children’s reach during storage, to ensure the wires are not damaged.

We can make our future — and our planet — greener as we celebrate our family and religious beliefs during this celebratory holiday season. We know that every little bit counts, but it’s also true that all of our steps combined can stretch for miles.

About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn to live cleaner lives. Find out more about sustainable living at her blog on Green Design and Building.

Original Article Greener Holidays with LED Christmas Lights.