The holiday season is here, and homeowners are draping their houses in gorgeous, bright holiday lights. If you’re one of the festive crowds, you may benefit from this list of holiday lighting dos and don’ts. With all the excitement that comes with the holidays, it’s easy to go overboard with the decorations. Spend less time searching for burned out bulbs and more time admiring your display this year by following these simple tips:

Dos:

• DO be a good neighbor. This guide to holiday light etiquette includes a few tips on keeping peace with your Christmas lights in a lit-up neighborhood this holiday season.
• Understand the difference between incandescent lights and LED lights. LED lights only use 10 percent of the energy that incandescent lights use, and they outlast them by several years. Even though LEDs are a bit more expensive, they will save you money in the long run and last at least a decade.
• When hanging lights in hard-to-reach places, make sure your ladder is sturdy, on level ground, and locked into place.
• Install receptacle outlets. Add convenience and safety to your holiday lighting scheme. Reduce accidents caused by extension cords, improve the display with fewer cords, and protect against accidental shock, burns, or electrocution.
• Use surge protectors and heavy-duty extension cords.

Don’ts:

• DON’T have an unpacking accident. When you’re getting the old outdoor lights out of storage, watch out for broken bulbs with sharp edges and replace them right away.
• Don’t connect too many strands of lights. If you chain more than three together, you risk a power shortage.
• Don’t brush safety precautions to the side. Let’s be honest, putting up holiday lights is no small feat, from climbing ladders to dealing with electricity. Never hang lights by yourself, don’t wear loosely fitted clothing, and wear safety glasses and gloves when necessary.

Follow these holiday lighting dos and don’ts to wow your neighborhood with the best lighting display you’ve ever accomplished, all while staying safe and energy conscious.

Remember, ALWAYS read the instructions, and take care when working with electricity. If you have any questions about your lights, your extension cords, or your breakers, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We want you to have the best-looking house on the block this holiday season.