I’m seeing more of those new Christmas lights in stores. I know they’re supposed to use less electricity, but are they worth the extra money?
Yes, we think they are. LED, or light emitting diode, decorative lights offer many advantages over traditional lights — not the least of which is their energy savings.
Based on Clark Public Utilities’ electricity rates, you’d pay only $1.08 to run 10 strings of 100-LED lights for 10 hours per day for 35 days this holiday season. On the other hand, if you put up 10 strings of non-LED lights and run them the same amount of time, you’ll pay $10.80 for electricity.
• Electrons make LEDs efficient.
LEDs are unlike any other lighting. By moving electrons through a semiconductor material, tiny light sources are illuminated. The technology means Energy Star-qualified LED strings will consume about 90 percent less electricity than conventional bulbs.
• LEDs’ other benefits.
Because LEDs do not create heat like incandescent bulbs, they can be encased in hard plastic instead of glass, making them more durable. They easily take the abuse of being dragged across gutters and roofs year after year. These lights are a good safety bet, too, because they reduce the risk of fire.
In addition, LEDs contain no filament to burn out, so they can last up to 10 times longer than traditional lighting. Many LED strings are rated for more than 50,000 hours of outdoor use, which means you’ll be spared the unpleasant job of climbing the ladder to replace burned out bulbs. Indoor lights are estimated to last even longer — up to 100,000 hours.
What to shop for
LED holiday lights are quite common in stores and online these days. It’s best to look for those carrying the Energy Star logo. These lights are independently tested to meet electrical requirements, pass a 1,000-hour continuous test and carry a three-year warranty. Those labeled “for outdoor use” are even subjected to testing in outdoor conditions.
LEDs are available in various styles, including icicles, minis, nets, snowfall tubes and traditionally sized bulbs. LED motif lighting is also becoming common in yard displays. Some LEDs are programmable to spiff up your light show even more. There are even indoor LED strings powered by a USB for those wanting to safely decorate the office.
You will pay more for LED lights, although the prices continue to fall each year. But watch for sales as the holidays approach. In the past, one retailer offered shoppers who recycled older incandescent lights a discount on new LEDs.
If you attend Vancouver’s tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 26 at Esther Short Park, check out the LED holiday lights adorning lampposts and smaller trees. They’ll be up until Jan. 1.
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. Past topics are available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
