The timeless beauty of holiday lights is something that many look forward to seeing each year. And thanks to new technologies, you can create beautiful—and energy efficient—displays at home.
Festive holiday decor often includes lighting. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified LED string lights or light bulbs. LEDs use about 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last at least 15 times longer. And, if hanging outdoor lights, make use of a timer to power displays on and off at specific times to save energy.
Gone are the days of just cool white or warm white for light bulbs. Color-changing LEDs provide a literal rainbow of color options that can be controlled via a smartphone app. In addition to custom color options, the cost to operate an LED bulb ranges from about $1.00 to $1.50 for an entire year, making them a great choice for saving energy while casting your home in a seasonal light.
If you want something simpler, auto-cyling LED bulbs are available online and in stores. They automatically change colors every several seconds and are an easy way to save energy and add some holiday color indoors or outside.
Smart plugs allow you to turn lights or other electronic decorations on or off with a smart speaker or via a smartphone app when you're away from home. As an added bonus, many smart plugs also have options that allow you to set a timer via an app or track how much energy is being used by the plugged in lights or appliance.
Looking for a simple solution for outdoor lights? Solar-powered lights are a great option for adding curb appeal to your home without the need for extension cords or batteries. They are available in a variety of sizes, lengths and colors.
published: Dec-07-2021