If you’re thinking about installing exterior holiday lighting for your home this year, there are some things you’ll want to know. Among other things, you’ll want to consider the cost of the lights, which colors are best for your home, and whether you’ll need a professional to install them. And there are safety considerations to take, too!
Cost of outdoor holiday lighting
The cost of outdoor holiday lighting can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. This price range is dependent on several factors, including the complexity of the project and the type of lights and fixtures you want to use. In general, the price per linear foot of lighting is about $2 to $5.
You can save money by getting your lights installed before Thanksgiving. This way, you can enjoy them earlier and use less energy. However, it is important to keep in mind that cold temperatures can make installation difficult and may even result in more expensive labor costs. If you are unsure about the cost of holiday lighting, it is a good idea to schedule the work well in advance so that you can save money on electricity and time.
The traditional style of holiday lighting is incandescent. These lights come in various shapes and sizes and are the most common. You can buy mini incandescent lights, which are about 5 cents per bulb, or you can buy a full strand that costs about $10.
Choosing between white and multicolored lights
The holiday season is a time for lights, and the question of which type of exterior holiday lights to use is a common one. The answer depends on the color scheme you want for your home, and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on them. Single-color lights are cheaper to buy, but a more elaborate look can cost a fortune. Regardless of the color scheme you choose, you’ll want to ensure consistency in the lighting to achieve a cohesive look. Using inconsistent lighting patterns will cause the focus of the lights to be dispersed, making it harder to capture the festive ambiance that either type of light offers.
White lights are the traditional choice for holiday lights, but if you want to add a pop of color to your home, consider using multicolored lights. These lights will make your home more festive and will be more eye-catching than white lights. In addition, they’ll be less obnoxious than white lights, and the multicolor look makes the holiday season seem less clinical and bland. However, multicolored lights require a good balance, so you don’t overwhelm the house or neighborhood with too many lights.
Choosing a professional to install them
It can be difficult to choose a professional for the installation of your exterior holiday lighting. Luckily, there are a few things you should look for when choosing an installer. The first thing to look for is how much the company will charge for the installation. While most professional installers will require a nominal deposit, a large fee should be a red flag.
Make sure you talk to the company you are considering before making a final decision. Make sure they understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Be sure to ask for pictures and discuss your vision with them. They should also be willing to provide you with designs and ideas. Once the installation is complete, be sure to store the lights safely after the holiday season is over.
If you’re not comfortable climbing ladders or scrambling across roofs, consider hiring a professional to do the job. Many pros are experienced in this field and are comfortable handling different styles of lights. They can even use your existing lights if you haven’t purchased them yet.
Safety precautions to take
While using exterior holiday lighting can create a beautiful display, you should also be aware of several safety precautions. The first is to make sure that the lights are UL-rated for outdoor use. This means that they should not be run indoors, or have plastic-coated wire. They should also be temperature and damp-proof. Also, you should never use indoor extension cords for outdoor lighting. These can become wet and short-circuit, and this can cause damage to the lights and the outlets.
Another important safety precaution is to turn off the lights when not in use. This way, the lights will not overheat, which could result in an accident. If you can’t be home, you can set a timer to turn them off at certain times. This will prevent the risk of overheating and causing fires.
Using holiday lights should only be done when it’s absolutely necessary. Holiday lights can burn or damage property, so they should be checked thoroughly before installation. You can also consider buying LED lights instead of incandescent lights, since they are much cooler to the touch and less likely to cause a fire. Make sure to turn off the lights when you’re not using them, and be sure to use plastic clips to attach the strings to the house. Avoid using staples, as these will damage the strings and make them prone to breakage. Also, always use GFCI outlets for outdoor holiday lighting.
