LED holiday lights

Holiday lighting seems to be almost a year-round activity these days. Fortunately, there is now a lighting choice that is quite cost-effective. Strings of LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights are becoming more commonly available at retailers and online.

LEDs are unlike any light bulb you might be familiar with because there’s no filament and no gas as in a fluorescent light bulb. They’re actually semiconductors. The electricity enters one node on a microchip and exits the other, causing light to be produced.

They’ve been used for years in electronics and are common in flashlights. Many communities, including Vancouver, are using them in traffic signals and other signage to reduce energy consumption.

Here are a few reasons you should consider LED bulbs if you'll be buying new holiday lights this year.

They're energy-efficient

LED holiday lights use 90 percent less electricity than traditional holiday lights. 

They are long lasting

LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours (the equivalent of more than 134 Decembers!)

They're safer

LEDs operate at a much lower temperature so they reduce the risk of starting a fire.

Related links

• Read or print our energy efficiency factsheet on Holiday Lights: LED and fiber optics.
• Read Energy Adviser article "LED lights lower holiday energy bills" that appeared in the November 6, 2008, Columbian newspaper