The holidays are approaching, and there is a lot to be done. Many people add holiday decor to that list. Everything from tinsel to the plastic reindeer comes out of storage. What can seem the most cumbersome, though, outside of maybe trekking home with a large evergreen tied to the roof of your car, is putting up the holiday lighting in Scottsdale, AZ. Here are some tips to ease your holiday lighting blues.
Holiday Lighting: What to Know Before You Begin
- Start with lights and extension cords that are UL-approved for the outdoors. These higher-grade lights are a bit more costly, but they last longer, are safer, and perform better.
- Also, consider the effect lights will have on your electric bill. Regular C7/9 lights commonly on sale during the holiday season are the least energy efficient. You may save on the cost of the lights, but those savings may quickly dissipate with the increase in your monthly electric costs. Incandescent mini-lights are more efficient than the C7/9s. LED lights are the most efficient of all.
- Plan with the design. It is always best to start by mapping the electrical outlets and designing your lighting plan. Creating a plan, or worse, getting started and then finding no way to make it work, is needlessly time-consuming and frustrating.
- Make sure you are not exceeding the maximum electrical capacity of each circuit. Typically, most homes are fitted for 15 or 20-amp circuits.
- When installing lights in trees and bushes, be sure to do so carefully in a way that will not damage them. Think about how you will take the lights out as you lay them. It can be more damaging to a tree or shrub to remove tangled lights than to install them. Make sure nothing is intertwined so much that it will cause tearing to be removed. Likewise, be sure the added weight is not too much for the plant.
These tips should save you time and headaches as you also save on your energy bill. They will help you create a safe lighting theme that will knock the socks off your neighbors! Of course, if it all seems too overwhelming or you don’t have the time, we are here to help.
Professional Holiday Lighting: Know When to Make the Call
Designing, planning, installing, and removing holiday lighting efficiently and safely is all part of the process. Calling in a professional lighting company can be well worth the time and money you save. Not having to buy your lights, getting the most efficient lighting, and having the peace of mind that comes with knowing it was all installed safely are some big benefits of not doing it yourself. Call Desert Environments for any assistance you may need to get your Scottsdale, AZ holiday lighting up and running and removed safely.