LEDs: the popular choice for holiday lighting in '08
Chances are, if you live in the Annapolis area, you’ve noticed the same change that I have in your neighbors’ holiday light displays over the past couple of years. Traditional incandescent lights are being replaced far and wide by strands of brightly colored LEDs. LED holiday lights come in every imaginable color and bulb style, including gem faceted, dome, teardrop, snowflakes, stars, bubble lights and more! If you want to recreate the Star of Bethlehem atop your Christmas tree this year, Home Depot carries a 12” LED white star tree topper that outshines conventional options.
The pros of LEDs make them very appealing: by some accounts, they use 30-90% less energy than traditional incandescents and tout 20-year lifetimes. LEDs are less likely to start fires since the bulbs give off far less heat than traditional holiday lights. There are cons though as well. Some users complain that LEDs with sockets corrode from the inside out in harsh winter conditions, while LEDs without sockets cannot be replaced in the event of a burned-out bulb that doesn’t live up to the 20-year anticipated lifespan. Price-wise, LEDs seem to cost a little more upfront, although a longer lifespan would certainly offset the initial investment.
Arguably the most well-known Christmas tree in the world, the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City, made the switch to LED last year. The Rockefeller tree was covered in 30,000 LED lights and was powered by over 300 solar panels placed on top of #45 Rockefeller Center. With the solar power station, the tree was able to use an alternative energy source during peak demand hours and reduce its energy consumption by 60% according to information published at the time. The New Year’s Eve ball in Times Square is also illuminated by LEDs these days.
For more information, check out this video that shows some Consumer Report comparisons.
Filed under: Energy Efficiency, Home Upgrades Tagged: | christmas, energy saving tip, holiday lights, LEDs
