Laitin Sterling
Duke Energy Florida
As holiday lights fill homes across the country, consider these eight tips to enjoy the holiday displays while keeping energy usage low and safety top of mind.
Keep the holiday cheer, but lose the high bills:
• Use LED lights. LEDs are ideal for tree and holiday lighting since they are brighter, last 10 times longer, use up to 80% less energy and stay cooler, reducing risk of fires.
• Use automatic timers. Programmable timers control the amount of time you’re running your holiday displays each day – fewer hours means less energy used.
• Use advanced power strips. Smart strips better control when lights/decorations are on and eliminate standby energy loss.
• Get creative (and reflective). Shiny ornaments, tinsel and mirrors can multiply the effects of your lighting without using more energy. And don’t forget ribbons, wreaths and garlands for electricity-free holiday decorations.
Install lights with safety in mind:
• Limit connected light strands. Don’t overload extension cords. Use only a maximum of three light strands per extension cord.
• Hanging lights? Check your environment. When hanging outdoor lights around your roofline or in trees, keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines.
• Inspect condition of lights. Check string lights for frayed wires or cracks and replace any damaged strands, as they can be a fire hazard.
• Read the labels. Check each product label to see whether the lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use.
For even more ways to save, visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to two million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.