Earth Gauge Tip of the Week — Efficient Holiday Lighting

Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy demand and home energy bills.

Viewer Tip: Hold on to the holiday spirit while saving energy and money this season. Look for holiday lights that have earned the Energy Star, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Many Energy Star labeled strands use light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are more efficient than their traditional incandescent counterparts: 

• Energy-saving: Energy Star light strands use about 70 percent less energy than conventional incandescent lights. The amount of energy used by just one incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs — that's enough lights for two 24-foot strings!
• Long-lived: LED light strands last up to 10 times longer than traditional strands.
• Safer: LED lights stay cool to the touch, which reduces the risk of fire.

Add a timer to your holiday lighting display to save even more energy. Set the timer to turn lights on at night and off during the day.

Learn more about efficient holiday lighting from Energy Star.

(Source: Energy Star. “Decorative Light Strings.” Image courtesy of Energy Star.)