Residential Christmas Light Installation: Dos and Don’ts

Decorating your home for Christmas is a tradition that many families look forward to every year. While some people prefer to keep it simple with a few strands of lights, others go all out with elaborate displays that can be seen from blocks away. If you’re planning on putting up Christmas lights this year, be sure to read our dos and don’ts of residential Christmas light installation!

DO:

• Choose the right type of lights: There are a variety of different types of Christmas lights available on the market, so it’s important to choose the ones that will best suit your needs. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to install and take down, LED lights are a great option. If you want something that’s a bit more festive, try string lights with colorful bulbs.
• Plan ahead: Before you start stringing up lights, it’s important to plan out where you want them to go. This will help you avoid any potential accidents or damage to your home. Once you have a plan in place, be sure to mark off the areas where you’ll be placing the lights so that you don’t accidentally put them up in the wrong spot.
• Use caution when climbing: If you’re going to be putting up lights on your roof or in other high places, be sure to use caution. It’s important to have someone else hold the ladder for you, and always wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping.
• Be careful with extension cords: One of the most common hazards associated with Christmas lights is tripping over extension cords. Be sure to keep cords away from high traffic areas, and never nail or staple them down.

DON’T:

• Overload your outlets: Christmas lights can be quite power-hungry, so it’s important not to overload your outlets. If you’re using multiple strands of lights, be sure to plug them into different outlets to avoid overloading any one circuit.
• Leave your lights on 24/7: While it may be tempting to leave your lights on all day and night, it’s actually not a good idea. Not only will this increase your energy bill, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your lights. If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, be sure to unplug your lights before you leave.
• Ignore safety hazards: Christmas lights may look harmless, but they can actually pose a serious safety hazard if they’re not used properly. Be sure to keep them away from flammable materials, and never use damaged or frayed cords. Also, be sure to turn off your lights before going to bed or leaving home for an extended period of time.
• Use too many lights: It may be tempting to go overboard with the lights, but resist the urge! Too many lights can actually make your home look tacky, and it’ll be a waste of money in the long run. A few well-placed strings of lights will do the trick.

Following these simple dos and don’ts will help you enjoy a safe and hassle-free Christmas season. So, what are you waiting for? Start stringing up those lights!