Tuesday, November 25, 2014

LED Christmas Lights



     It’s that time of year again! It’s the holiday season, and it is almost time to start decorating. If you have been thinking about purchasing new Christmas lights or replacing your old ones, please consider the following benefits of LED Christmas lights.

     First, LED Christmas lights have a drastically longer lifespan than incandescent lights. LEDs are rated for 50,000 to 200,000 hours while incandescent lights are rated for only 3,000 hours. LEDs also have no burn out factor unlike incandescents. Another element adding to the long life of LED lights is their plastic construction which lends itself to being more durable, easily stored, and generally unbreakable. The same cannot be said for their glass, incandescent counterparts. Traditionally, incandescents are painted glass that have the problem of breaking, chipping, or cracking. Instead of painted glass, LEDS emit color through diodes which means LEDS stay brighter for longer and have little chance of breaking. LED lights’ long life translates to less yearly replacement which means cost savings. LED lights are also good for the environment because their long life means less refuse going into the landfill.

     Second, LEDs are more versatile than traditional incandescent lights. More strings of LED lights can be safely connected than incandescents. Up to 28 LED 5MM Mini lights can be connected while only 10 strings of standard mini lights can be connected. LED Christmas lights also offer much more versatile, festive functions than incandescent lights due to the LEDs’ diodes and integrated circuit boards. LEDs can offer dimming functions, morphing lights, and color changes which will add much more excitement to your festive décor.

     Third, LED lights are much cooler (temperture) than incandescents. Because LED holiday lights are cool to the touch, replacing your incandescents with LED lights can decrease the chances of home fires. The National Fire Prevention Association says Christmas trees were the cause of an estimated average of 300 reported home structure fires from 2000-2004. This small change is also a holiday-time, safety benefit.

     Fourth and most importantly, LED Christmas lights save 80-90% energy compared to incandescent Christmas lights.

     So if you are looking to replace your old lights or want to try something new, please consider LED Christmas lights for this holiday season. Making the change is small, but the benefits will be huge for you and your family.

We wish you a very happy, holiday season from your friends at the Johnson City Power Board! Check out www.jcpb.com for more holiday safety tips!