Use energy-saving LED lights

Holiday lights may brighten your home, but they also add costs to your energy bill. This year when decorating your home purchase energy-efficient, light-emitting diode holiday lights and save energy and money.


LED lights produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs emit light by heating a filament, which wastes energy. LED lights work by moving electrons. And, since LED lights produce almost no heat, they are less of a fire hazard than incandescent bulbs and cool to the touch.

 

Standard incandescent holiday lights, including mini-lights, use more energy and may require frequent bulb replacements. LED lights cost more to purchase, but use much less energy and can produce bright light with no bulb changing for up to 20 holiday seasons.

 

Compare the costs

This chart compares energy use and operating costs of LED holiday lights to mini and large incandescent holiday lights.

This chart compares energy use and operating costs of LED holiday lights to mini and large incandescent holiday lights.
Types of lightNumber of lights¹Wattage per light¹Annual kWh²Average annual operating cost³

Large incandescent

300

7.00

472.50

$91.43

Mini incandescent

300

0.45

30.38

$5.88

LED4

300

0.043

2.90

$0.56

1 Based on testing done by PG&E.
2 Based on annual operation of 225 hours per year (5 hours/day for 45 days).
3 Calculated using average PG&E residential rate as of October, 2014 of 19.35 cents per kilowatt hour.
4 Based on testing done by PG&E with C6 LED lights.

Life-saving holiday lighting safety tips

  • Check for overhead power lines before hanging outdoor lights, keeping at least 10 feet away from lines.
  • Never place yourself or any object in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line.
  • Look up to check for power lines before raising ladders or other objects.
  • Make sure lights are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors.
  • Ensure outdoor tree limbs are a safe distance from power lines before stringing lights. Branches or entire trees can become energized if they contact a power line.
  • Check strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation or bare wires. Discard damaged strands to help avoid a fire.
  • Route cords inside your home to avoid trips and falls and never place strands under rugs, furniture or appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed and may cause a fire.
  • Follow the manufacturer's limits for the number of strings that can safely be connected.
  • Always turn off indoor and outdoor decorative and tree lights when leaving home and before going to bed.