The holiday season is upon us. It's a time of giving, cheer and good will. It's also a time when men across the globe can be heard screaming in frustration as they try to install the ultimate holiday light display.
And remember to inspect those strands of lights before you plug them in.
Electrician Robert O'Keefe said, "We're checking them for frayed or damaged wires or broken bulbs and make sure they're in good operating condition."
Be safety conscious. It should go without saying, but O'Keefe reminds us that if you're going to be using a ladder, make sure someone is at the bottom. Make sure the lights are secured properly.
O'Keefe said the last thing you should be doing is this: "There's all sorts of plastic adapters that you can put in your house without having to put staples or nails through them. Stapling is not recommended because you can penetrate the Christmas light wiring," said O'Keefe.
You know those new LED lights you've heard about over the past few years? Sure the initial cost is more, but they last longer, they lower your electric bill, plus, they'll really bring out your inner Clarke Griswold by allowing you to string together enough of them to light up the whole neighborhood.
"Some of the manufacturers allow you to plug in up to 80 strings of LED lights into a standard outlet. The savings are huge. The bulbs also last, almost a lifetime. They don't need a replacement," said O'Keefe.
O'Keefe also reminds us to take down the displays when the holidays are over. While you should be using wires and lights rated for outdoor use, they are seasonal items and should not be left out in the elements all year long.
LED lights are among the stand-outs in holiday trends. Touted as substantially more energy efficient and more durable than traditional bulbs, LEDs also feature some fancy formats. Sets with animated effects, such as twinkling, chasing and alternating colors, are attracting plenty of interest and enable homeowners to incorporate some light-show theatrics into their decor, a representative for Ace Hardware said.
Some LED icicle lights and other sets feature remote control functions. Holiday revelers may switch back and forth among an assortment of hues at their whim — without stepping outside. The remote control LED icicle lights are available at various vendors, including A Christmas Palace in Fort Lauderdale and Hialeah Gardens, ranging in price from $19.99 to $149.99
For those who'd rather skip traditional electricity, GE solar lights are powered by the sun. The new solar-powered mini lights and icicles in warm white bulbs or multi-colored bulbs — and the solar panel — are available at Home Depot for $29.97
Another unplugged approach makes use of batteries. Home Depot sells battery-powered strands in white, multicolored and flashing white for $14.97.
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