One of the most common concerns for homeowners is cost—not just the price of installation, but also the long-term impact on utility bills. So let’s shine a light on this burning question: do permanent holiday lights increase my electric bill?
Spoiler alert: LED energy efficiency is lowering electric costs across the spectrum of ALL LED products! Especially when you’re using energy-efficient LEDs and modern smart controllers, like those installed by Get Lit Decorative Lighting.
LED Energy Efficiency: Small Bulbs, Big Savings 🔋
Unlike traditional incandescent string lights, LED bulbs are incredibly efficient:
- Use up to 90% less energy than old-school lights ⚡
- Generate minimal heat = less wasted energy
- Longer lifespan = fewer replacements
A standard LED bulb uses about 0.6 watts per bulb. Even with a 100-bulb setup, that’s only 60 watts total—similar to a single incandescent bulb in your bathroom. Pretty illuminating, right?
Real Monthly Cost Estimates 📉
Let’s say your system has 150 LED lights running 6 hours per night.
Here’s what that might look like on your monthly bill:
- 150 bulbs x 0.6 watts = 90 watts
- 90 watts x 6 hours = 540 watt-hours/day = 0.54 kWh/day
- 0.54 kWh/day x 30 days = 16.2 kWh/month
- At $0.13 per kWh = $2.11/month 💡💵
That’s the cost of a small coffee—and a lot less than hauling out ladders and extension cords every year.
App Features That Help You Save 📱
Smart scheduling tools from Get Lit Decorative Lighting let you:
- Set on/off times to avoid all-night usage 🕐
- Dim lights when full brightness isn’t needed 🌙
- Create motion-based or holiday-only scenes
So you can stay festive without wasting energy.
What About Running Lights Year-Round? 🗓️
Even if you use your permanent lighting system all year:
- Patio lighting
- Accent lighting
- Security lighting
You’ll still see minimal impact compared to high-consumption systems. Plus, many customers end up saving money by skipping seasonal installations, avoiding replacement bulbs, and eliminating cluttered storage.
Read more about multi-use setups on our year-round lighting blog.
Customer Testimonials 📣
“I was worried about running the lights all December, but my power bill barely budged. These LEDs are amazing!” — Tamika F., Clermont
“I use the patio lights every weekend and haven’t noticed a thing on my bill. Totally worth it.” — Josh L., Orlando
DIY vs. Professional Systems: Energy Considerations 🛠️
DIY kits often:
- Lack dimming and automation features ❌
- Use lower-quality LEDs
- Run inefficient power transformers
Get Lit Decorative Lighting uses:
- Commercial-grade LEDs with UL certification ✔️
- Energy-efficient controllers
- Timers and presets to reduce waste
You’re not just paying for brightness—you’re paying for control.
In Summary ✅
So, do permanent holiday lights increase my electric bill? Technically yes—but only by a tiny amount. Thanks to LED energy efficiency, programmable apps, and smart controls, the cost is extremely minimal compared to the joy and value they add.
Ready to light up your home without draining your wallet? Contact Get Lit Decorative Lighting for a quote and get glowing today 🌟.
