Tag: decorations

Save Money on Holiday Decorations

White piggy bank on wooden surface with coin slot; represents saving for plumbing and electrical service maintenance.

Energy-Efficient Decorations Save Money

The holidays are a time when power bills typically increase due to the extra electricity being used for holiday decorations and Christmas lights, in addition to the cost of heating. However, integrating energy-efficient lighting or lighting that uses no power at all into a home’s decor can save energy and money this holiday season.

LED Lights

Colorful LED Christmas lights held in hands, showcasing energy-efficient holiday decorations, emphasizing savings and safety during the festive season.LED lights are a popular, energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent lights. In part, this is due to their longevity. LED lights simultaneously use less energy and last longer than their incandescent counterparts. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights. 

String Christmas lights are a great opportunity to use LED lighting because they will keep the color vibrant, last longer, and use less energy. LED holiday lights also come in many different colors and styles, so switching to LEDs will not limit a homeowner’s decor options. Since many holiday lights are left on for long periods of time, LED Christmas lights are also considered safer since they generate less heat than other bulbs.

Battery Operated Lights

Battery-powered lights and decor do not impact monthly electric bills. The only cost is the price of the Christmas decorations upfront and the batteries. Because they don’t add to the energy bill and don’t need long cords to be plugged in, battery-powered lights make a great addition to holiday wreaths or garlands. They will add to the festive nature of decor without unsightly cords sticking out. 

Popular battery-powered holiday decor options include electric candles, string lights, and even inflatable yard decor. Homeowners can also use them for DIY decor, like mason jars filled with battery-operated fairy lights so that cords can be eliminated. In general, battery-operated decorations are not much more expensive than plug-in ones and can be used for hours on end without worrying about rising electricity costs.

Using Candles

Elegant Christmas candles on a table with a festive tree in the background, enhancing holiday decor and creating a warm atmosphere.Candles are the original holiday decor. They add elegance to indoor holiday decor without adding a cent to utility bills and can be purchased almost anywhere. Homeowners can decorate their homes with Christmas-themed candles or plain white candles for a classic look. There are so many options to choose from with different styles and scents.  

Candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holidays, but it’s important to stay alert when using them since they are a fire hazard. Here are some safety tips for using candles during the holiday season:

  • Place candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and other holiday decorations.
  • Always use a candle holder that is both sturdy and heat-resistant.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always extinguish it when finished.
  • Keep lit candles away from children and pets to prevent accidental burns or fires.
  • Make sure the home’s smoke detectors are fully functional and get them fixed or install new ones if they aren’t. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned and local business serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for electrical or smoke detector services in Lansing, MI.

These Holiday Decorations Can Save Money (and Electricity)!

Festively decorated residential house with Christmas tree, icicle lights, and lawn decorations for winter ambiance.

How to Save Money When Decorating the Home 

CNBC reports that homeowners in some states will spend over $30 on powering their home’s holiday lights. That doesn’t even take into account the cost of decorations, anchors, and extension cords. A beautiful, neon-powered holiday display can quickly turn into a hundred-dollar-plus venture. 

Yet, not all hope is lost. By switching to LED lights, battery-operated displays, and other cost-effective decorations, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice a beautiful display for a lower power bill. 

Change to LED Lights (They’re the Most Efficient!) 

LED light strips in blue and yellow hues, showcasing energy-efficient holiday decoration options for homeowners.LED holiday lights are the most popular decorations for a reason. Not only are they cheap, but because they rely on light-emitting diodes (rather than incandescent bulbs), they can last years with no problems. Furthermore, LED lights don’t need as much power as incandescent holiday lights and don’t feel hot to the touch. 

Examples of LED-powered holiday displays include: 

  • Wreaths 
  • Animatronics 
  • Inflatable characters 
  • Lighted pathways 
  • String lights 
  • Bulbs 
  • Window frames 
  • Doorknob hangers 

Some modern LED lights come with motion-activated sensors, so they only light up when visitors come near. 

Upgrade to Battery-Powered Lights 

Installing and operating battery-powered lights is easy. Instead of stretching extension cords halfway across the lawn, homeowners snap in a few batteries, stick the battery pack to the wall, and they’re good to go. 

Most battery-powered lights on today’s market are string lights, also called “fairy lights.” These low-powered lights aren’t as bright as LED lights, but they get the job done. However, some manufacturers are coming out with LED battery-operated lights, which is the best of both worlds- bright lights at a low cost. 

Battery-Operated Displays Are the Future 

When homeowners think of “battery-operated,” they usually envision buying packs and packs of AA and AAA batteries. Now, homeowners can purchase rechargeable battery packs online. These batteries can sometimes power USB light displays for days without fading, cutting out, or blinking. 

It’s also good to know that charging a rechargeable battery costs virtually no electricity, making it both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. When shopping for rechargeable batteries, homeowners should look for products with high voltage. The higher the voltage, the more energy the battery produces. 

Switch to Good Ol’ Candles 

Tea light candles glowing in a warm ambiance, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of traditional holiday decorations while emphasizing fire safety concerns.There is nothing more authentic than a holiday display with glowing candles. Homeowners can light tea lights around the front door or get holiday-themed tiki torches. However, it’s important to remember that candles come with more fire hazards than traditional LED lights. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2015 to 2019, over 7,400 fires were caused by candles. 

When using candles as outdoor holiday decorations, be sure to: 

  • Keep candles away from anything flammable, like garlands. 
  • Keep candles out of reach of pets or children. 
  • Use metal drip plates for melting wax. 
  • Do not leave candles unattended for hours at a time. 
  • Enclose the flame in a glass container. 
  • Don’t put tea lights directly on the table. 
  • Trim the candle’s wick after use. 

Homeowners can learn more about candle safety by visiting the National Candle Association.  They can also consult a company that specializes in electrical services. 

About the Meridian Company 

Meridian Company’s more than an electrical service; they’re advocates of electrical safety, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly solutions. They’re committed to providing the best possible service to residents of East Lansing and the surrounding area. Homeowners can connect with their team today to learn more about their electrical services in East Lansing.