Outdoor holiday decorating has come a long way in recent years. Today’s options are brighter, more durable, and significantly more energy-efficient than older incandescent styles.

Still, with millions of households decorating outdoors every December, the energy impact of holiday lighting adds up quickly. By choosing efficient products and practicing smart energy habits, you can lower your electric bill while keeping your home festive.

At UGI Energy Services (UGIES), we want to help you celebrate the season while avoiding a costly electric bill. This guide walks you through choosing energy-efficient lights, preventing electrical hazards, and ensuring your outdoor display is as safe and efficient as it is beautiful.

Choose Energy-Efficient Outdoor Lights

The foundation of any energy-smart plan for outdoor holiday decorating is your lighting selection. When shopping this holiday season, look for these kinds of lights.

• LED lighting. LEDs use 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Their durability makes them ideal for outdoor conditions, where wind, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures can take a toll on less robust lighting. LEDs also stay cool to the touch, lowering fire risk around dry greenery or wooden structures.
• Solar lights for added efficiency. They’re a great option if you’re decorating areas that receive sunlight during the day. These sets store energy in a small battery and illuminate automatically at night—no electricity required.
• ENERGY STAR® products. ENERGY STAR®-certified holiday lights are tested for efficiency and reliability. Just make sure every strand is rated for outdoor use! That means it’s designed to withstand moisture and temperature changes safely.
• Smart, app-controlled light sets. Many modern outdoor lighting systems allow you to customize brightness levels, set schedules, and control your display remotely. By dimming lights late at night or creating efficient lighting routines, you can reduce energy use without sacrificing festive appeal.

Prevent Overloaded Circuits

One of the most common outdoor holiday decorating hazards is overloaded electrical circuits. While newer lights like LEDs draw less power, multiple strands and blow-up decorations can add up quickly.

• Follow the manufacturer's wattage guidelines. Each light set should include specifications for the maximum number of strands that can be safely connected end-to-end. Older incandescent lights often allow only two or three strands per connection, while LEDs typically allow many more. Always check before plugging in.
• Use outdoor-rated extension cords and power stakes. Avoid running multiple cords through a single indoor outlet or using low-quality power strips outside. Instead, use weather-resistant outdoor power stakes with built-in circuit protection.
• Know the limits of your exterior outlets. Exterior circuits often support many holiday decorations, inflatables, and porch lighting. If breakers trip frequently, it’s a sign you’re exceeding the load and need to redistribute or reduce usage.

Fire Safety Tips for Outdoor Displays

The National Fire Protection Association finds that an average of 990 home fires are started each year from holiday decorations. Electrical decorations can pose fire risks when used improperly. These precautions can help improve the safety of your display.

• Inspect lights before installation. Replace any light strands with frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Damaged cords are one of the top causes of holiday electrical fires.
• Keep lights away from flammable materials. Avoid pressing lights directly against dry trees, wooden fences, hay bales, or other flammable decorations.
• Secure lights to prevent wind damage. High winds can loosen or break light strings, potentially exposing wires or causing sparks. Use insulated hooks or clips, not nails or staples, to secure lights safely.
• Protect connections from moisture. Only use weatherproof connectors and keep plug connections off the ground. Where possible, shield them with a protective cover designed for outdoor holiday lights.

Smart Ways to Reduce Holiday Energy Use

With a few strategies, you can enjoy an eye-catching display without wasting energy.

• Use timers or smart plugs. Smart home technology, such as plugs and programmable timers, automatically turns off lights during late-night hours when no one is around to enjoy them. This helps conserve energy and prevents lights from running all night.
• Light only the areas that matter. You don’t need to illuminate every surface of your home to make an impact. Highlight key architectural features, walkways, entry points, or landscaping elements for a polished, energy-conscious look.
• Choose efficient inflatables. Modern holiday inflatables are increasingly energy-efficient, but some still use significant power. Look for models with low-wattage fans or LED-lit features to reduce consumption.
• Use reflective decorations to amplify light. Mirrors, metallic ornaments, and glossy surfaces can make your outdoor display appear brighter without adding more lights.

Celebrate the Season Safely and Efficiently with UGI Energy Services

By choosing efficient lighting, preventing electrical hazards, and following fire-safety best practices, you can enjoy a festive home that shines brightly for the right reasons.

At UGI Energy Services, we’re committed to helping our customers make informed energy choices—during the holidays and all year long. Contact us today and see how we can light up your day with energy savings.