Spread holiday cheer with Christmas lights that will make spirits bright for you and your neighborhood. When it comes to climbing up high ladders with a bundle of lights, it’s safe to create a game plan first. Here’s a guide for a smooth transition into holiday mode (because honestly, we’ve been through enough this year).
- Create a design
- Look at your house from a distance, to get an idea of what area would benefit from some sparkle. Deciding on a focal point gives you a good place to start from and ties your whole design together.Popular locations for lights:
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- Roofline, windows, and doorways
- Railings and pillars on the porch
- Driveway and walkways
- The greenery (shrubs, bushes, trees, etc)
- Measure where you want to add lights, to know if you have enough before you get to work. Not all strands should be plugged into each other, especially those of different types, so be sure to read the label on the package.
- Identify your power source, and opt for a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet or a portable outdoor unit. You don’t want to be like Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” where you struggle to switch on the lights after all your hard work.
- Check out your equipment
If you’re taking lights out of storage (and managed to untangle them), test and plug them in first. Switch out burned out bulbs with the correct voltage to prevent more from going dim. Be sure cords aren’t frayed or damaged either to avoid a safety hazard.
If you’re on the market for new lights, there’s a wide variety of colors, shapes, and types to choose from. Whether you want colorful C7/ C9 lights or white icicles, ensure they’re waterproof and made for outdoor use with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. The same criteria go for extension cords too. And if you’re adding lights to your landscaping, net lighting makes it easy to drape on.
Energy-efficient options:
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- Choose LEDs, over incandescent bulbs. LEDs use less heat, power, and are easy on your electric bill. Plus, they last longer.
- Select solar-powered lights, to cut back on energy costs altogether. They will charge up during the day and turn on automatically at night.
- Use a timer. Not only does it make life more simple, but prevents the lights from being on longer than it has to.
- String up the lights
You’re almost there — with a steady ladder and light clips, it’s time to hang up your lights. Make the most of the daylight by starting early. Work your way up by putting them on the ground level first, such as on the shrubs, doorways, or railings. End with the roofline by having a family member or friend help spot you. And with a simple switch on, let your house shine!
City Power and Gas
With our renewable energy electricity plans, light up this holiday season while still going green. And most of all, City Power and Gas wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday. As your trusted electric and gas company in New York, we provide energy solutions that keep your festive lights shining bright. Get started with City Power and Gas today!