Tips for Properly Installing Your Christmas Lights

Whether you are a homeowner, a long-time renter, or someone who can’t live without Christmas lights, this post is for you! A festive and cheerful outdoor light display can make the most wonderful time of the year even better. Still, you want to make sure that you do things properly.

With that in mind, keep on reading for our five top tips for a safe and stunning Christmas light installation this season! Let’s ho, ho, ho!

Replace Old and Damaged Light Bulbs

This is the number one reason why strings of lights don’t illuminate when you dig them out each year. You can identify old or damaged bulbs through a visual inspection, individually touching each bulb, or using a bulb tester tool. By replacing the old and damaged bulbs, you will ensure you have a properly functioning string and consistent bright lights.

Pro-tip: make sure to take down and store your lights following each season properly. Carefully wrapping and boxing up the lights is the key to their continued success for years to come.

Make the Switch to LED Lights

If you still haven’t switched over to LED Christmas lights, then what are you waiting for? LED lights use light-emitting diodes rather than filament to produce light, making them more efficient and durable. Additionally, they don’t burn out or get hot to the touch, making them safer too.

Outdoor LED Christmas lights are built to withstand snowy winters and cold temperatures, are easier to store, and reduce your holiday utility bill compared to fluorescent bulbs. Honestly, you really don’t have much of a case for not making the switch.

Use Christmas Light Clips for Security

Forget about nails, screws, clothespins, or anything else you have rigged up over the years—light clips are where it’s at. You really don’t want to puncture your shingles or make a hole in your gutter, and you don’t have to. There are light clips for every type of surface, including gutters and shingles, and they can even be used to attach lights to fences and bushes.

Make sure you select the right type of clips for your surface, and your Christmas light installation will be easier than ever before. Plus, light clips make dismantling your display a breeze as well!

Do Not Run Christmas Lights Through Windows or Doors

This might seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised at what we have seen. Always take caution to avoid closing a window or door on your lights, as this can damage both the wires and bulbs. Running Christmas lights through windows or doors is never a good idea; it can present a substantial electrical safety risk.

There are several options for powering your outdoor Christmas light display. You can make efficient use of outdoor electrical outlets or use solar and battery-powered options. If you do need to utilize an extension cord, then make sure it is a heavy-duty outdoor cord.

Don’t Forget to Turn Your Lights Off

Make sure that you turn your Christmas lights off when you are sleeping, away from home, or during the daytime. It is unnecessary to keep them on during those times; plus, it will save you a great deal on your utility bill following the holidays. If you are prone to forgetting, then run your lights on a timer or through a cell phone app that gives you easy access and reminders.

If you are in the Ottawa area and are looking for a residential electrician to install your outdoor Christmas lights this year, then give us a call at Lumos Electric. Whether working with us makes you feel safer, or you simply don’t have time to do it yourself, we will ensure your Christmas season is merry and bright!