As the holiday season approaches, households around the world start decorating their homes with twinkling lights and turning neighborhoods into sparkling wonderlands. While the festive spirit is undoubtedly contagious, have you ever wondered about the environmental impact of these glittering displays or how much more their electricity bill is? Let’s look at the electricity consumption of Christmas lights, both indoors and outdoors, and examine how they contribute to the overall increase in energy usage during the holiday season.
How Much More Electricity Do Christmas Lights Use?
Whether you’re draping lights on your Christmas tree, hanging them along the roofline, or decorating the entire front yard, the electricity consumption can add up. LED lights are generally more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, using up to 80% less electricity. However, the sheer quantity and duration of usage during the holiday season can still make a noticeable impact on your energy bill. Holiday lighting can contribute an additional $10 to $50 to a household’s monthly electricity bill during the holiday season. Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lights can significantly reduce this additional cost.
How Much More Electricity Do People Use in December vs. the Rest of the Year?
The holiday season is synonymous with increased energy consumption. In December, households often see a spike in electricity usage due to various factors, including festive lighting, heating systems running to combat winter chill, and additional cooking and baking activities. According to some studies and utility company reports, households may experience an increase in electricity consumption ranging from 10% to 30% during the month of December compared to November. This surge is often attributed to the extensive use of decorative lighting, both indoors and outdoors, as well as increased cooking, heating, and entertaining associated with holiday celebrations.
What Uses the Most Electricity in Homes?
Beyond festive lighting, consider the overall electricity consumption within homes during the holiday season. From cooking holiday meals to hosting gatherings, various appliances and activities contribute to increased energy usage. Understanding which aspects of our daily lives have the most significant impact on our energy bills can empower us to make more informed choices about how we celebrate the holidays. Most people spend their electricity consumption in heating their homes, and then on lighting.
Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill with Energy-Efficient Christmas Lights:
Embracing the holiday spirit doesn’t mean sacrificing your commitment to sustainability. Using energy-efficient Christmas lights, such as LED bulbs, is a simple way to reduce your electricity consumption. LED lights not only last longer but also use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Using timers or smart plugs to schedule your lights, will make sure they are only on during peak festive hours and automatically turning off when not needed. Additionally, strategically placing decorations and lights in areas where they have the most visual impact can create a stunning display while minimizing the number of lights required. By incorporating these energy-saving practices into your holiday decorating, you can enjoy the beauty of the season while keeping your electric bill in check.
4. When to Hire an Electrician in December
While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, it’s also a time when electrical systems may be under increased stress. If you’re planning an elaborate light display or hosting numerous gatherings, it’s crucial to ensure that your electrical infrastructure can handle the additional load. Signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or outlets that feel warm to the touch, should not be ignored. Hiring an Idaho Falls electrician in December can help identify and address potential problems so that you can have a safe and festive season for your household. An Idaho Falls electrician can also help you add any additional outlets if you need any extra lighting.
