How To Get The Best Holiday Lighting
If you’re anything like us, the holidays are a time when your to-do list seems to grow by the day. One of the items on that list is probably putting up holiday lights.
Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but if you’ve ever tried to put up holiday lights yourself, you know it can be a bit of a pain. If you’re not careful, you could end up with tangled lights, missing bulbs, and a whole lot of frustration.
In this blog post, we will discuss tips on where to start your holiday lighting installation, choosing the best lights for you, how to install your holiday lights, how to maintain your outdoor display throughout the holidays, how to be environmentally friendly, indoor light installation tips, as well as taking down your holiday light installation.
Where To Start Your Holiday Light Installation?
Before you can get into the nitty-gritty of installing your holiday lights, you need to decide where you want your light display.
Do you want a traditional look with icicle lights hanging from the gutters? Maybe you’d prefer something more modern like multi-colored string lights wrapped around tree trunks, or maybe you want to get creative and make a light display that’s unique to your home.
Once you’ve decided on the overall look you want, it’s time to start planning your holiday lighting installation.
Think Ahead: Plan Your Display Early
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to decide where you want your light display. This will not only make the process more stressful, but could also result in a less-than-perfect display.
Start by sketching out a plan of where you want your lights.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at other homes in your neighborhood for inspiration. You can also browse online for ideas.
Once you have a general idea of where you want your display, it’s time to start shopping for lights.
Choosing The Best Lights For You
When it comes to choosing the best holiday lights, you need to consider the following things:
Incandescent Light Vs. LED
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want incandescent or LED lights.
Incandescent lights are the traditional type of holiday light. They’re very affordable but use a lot of energy. Also, incandescent bulbs burn out quickly, so you may need to replace some of your bulbs a few times during the holiday season.
LED lights on the other hand are the newer type of light that’s becoming more popular for holiday displays. Although LED lights are expensive compared to incandescent lights, they last longer and use much less energy than incandescent lights.
Keep The Weather In Mind
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your holiday lights is the weather.
If you live in an area with harsh winters and/or wet seasons, you’ll want to make sure you choose lights that are rated for cold and/or wet weather.
Net Lighting
If you’re looking for a more modern look, you might want to consider net lighting. This type of light is perfect for wrapping trees and shrubs. It’s also a good option if you want to cover a large area with lights, making your home stand out from the rest of the block.
Installing Your Holiday Lights
Now that you’ve chosen the best lights for your display, it’s time to start installing them.
You need to consider the following when installing your lights:
Holiday Light Installation Services Are Your Friends
If you’re not confident in your ability to install holiday lights, that’s okay. There are plenty of companies that offer holiday light installation services. They will be able to help you get the perfect display for your home.
Pay Attention To What Extension Cords To Use
It’s important to check and confirm the correct type of extension cord before installing your lights. The three most common types of outdoor extension cords are light-duty (Type III), medium-duty (Type II), and heavy-duty (Type I).
- Light-duty extension cords are only for small, temporary light strings.
- Medium-duty extension cords are for larger light displays and can be used with multiple strands of lights.
- Heavy-duty extension cords are the thickest and most durable type of cord. They are used for large outdoor displays that have a lot of lights.
Using The Correct Power Outlet
Choose an outlet that is easily accessible and can handle the amount of power your lights will be drawing. If you are using multiple sets of lights, it’s best to plug each set into a different outlet.
Safety First
When installing your lights, be sure to take all safety precautions. If you will be using a ladder, make sure it is on level ground and that someone is holding it steady for you.
It’s also important to not overload your outlets. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how many strands of lights can be safely used on one circuit.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Display Throughout The Holidays
It is important to maintain your outdoor display throughout the holidays to ensure that it looks its best.
The best way to do this is by regularly checking the lights and cords for any damage.
Another way to keep your display looking its best is by using timers or motion sensors so that the lights only come on when someone is nearby.
Finally, you can add some extra sparkle to your display by hanging icicles or snowflakes from the gutters or roof.
Be Environment Friendly
One way to be more environmentally friendly with your holiday lighting is to use LED lights. They use less energy and last longer. This means that you’ll need to replace your holiday lights less often, which is good for the environment.
You can also choose solar-powered lights, which are completely environmentally friendly.
Recycle And Reuse
Recycling helps reduce the number of lights being sent to landfill. Also, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and manufacturing facilities.
You can donate the lights to a local charity or recycling center.
Also, you can take them apart and use the individual bulbs for other projects.
Indoor Holiday Light Installation Tips
The best way to get into the holiday spirit is by decking your halls with festive decorations. With a little bit of planning, you can create a stunning indoor display that will bring holiday cheer to everyone who sees it.
Here are a few tips to consider when installing your indoor holiday lights:
Beware Of Overheating
Indoor lights can create a lot of heat, which can be dangerous if they’re not used properly. Be sure to keep them away from any combustible materials, and don’t leave them on for too long.
Cable Management
It’s important to make sure that cords are not running across doorways or under furniture where people could trip on them. You may want to consider using cord covers or zip ties to keep everything in place.
Danger of Overloading
If you have too many plugs in one outlet, it can cause a spark or even a fire. To avoid this, use power strips and surge protectors to plug in multiple light sets.
Taking Down Your Holiday Light Installation
Once the holidays are over, it’s important to take down your holiday light display correctly.
First, make sure to unplug all lights and extension cords.
Second, gently remove and wind each string of lights around a piece of cardboard or something similar. This will help prevent the lights from getting tangled when you store them away.
Finally, gently place the lights in a storage container and properly label it with the type of lights and the date you plan to put them up next year. This will save you time when it comes time to decorate again.
Why should you just hire a professional light installation service?
First, safety should be your number one priority when it comes to outdoor holiday lighting. If you don’t feel comfortable putting up lights or handling electrical work, then please hire a professional to help you install the lights.
In addition, a professional light installation service will save you time and hassle.
Finally, a professional light installation service will ensure that your display looks its best. They have the experience and expertise to create a stunning display that will wow your neighbors and guests!
Create Memories That Will Last A Lifetime With The Best Holiday Lighting Installed In Your Home.
Now that you know where to start, what lights to choose, and how to install and take down your holiday lights, you’re well on your way to having a beautiful holiday light display that will create lasting memories for you and your family.
Just remember to be safe, have fun, and don’t forget to unplug your lights when you’re finished!
If you have any questions or need help installing holiday lights in your home, be sure to contact 901 Holiday Lighting. Our experts are always happy to help!
