Holiday Lighting Safety Tips Will Save Money And Add Sparkle

MANCHESTER, NH — Now that Thanksgiving is over, more and more homes and neighborhoods across the Granite State will begin to look festive with Christmas and other holiday lighting displays, both in and outside of home. Eversource, the state's largest utility company, is reminding customers that there are ways consumers can save money, conserve energy and ensure a safe home while also celebrating the twinkles and sparkles of the holidays. Just utilizing one of these tips, like swapping out traditional incandescent lights with more efficient LED lights, can save a lot of money and energy.

"Before putting up holiday decorations, it’s important to inspect them to ensure they’re not broken or damaged – check lighted displays for cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections," said Ken Bogler, the vice president of safety at Eversource. "When decorating outside, we remind people to work from a stable surface and to always be aware of any power lines or other hazards that might be nearby."

LED lights use about 80 percent less energy than conventional bulbs. They often last longer, are brighter, and stay cooler.

Also, never run an extension cord under a rug or coil them tightly – this can cause them to overheat. A programmable timer will ensure that lights aren't left on accidentally. When displaying lights outside, keep them off the ground – water and electricity do not mix. Also, check the labels to ensure that lights for indoor use only are not displayed outside.

Other tips include: Checking lights for dampness and temperature-proof; check extension cords for wear and tear, and plug outdoor lights and decorations into GFCI outlets; use advanced power strips where possible for all holiday lighting to eliminate standby energy loss; turn off room lights when the tree is lit to save energy while creating a festive atmosphere.

Energy Star rebates can also be found here. For more holiday lighting and electrical safety tips, visit eversource.com.

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