Enlightened Lights
Saturday, November 30th, 2013
It’s that time of year again, when homeowners wait for a relatively mild weekend to climb ladders and engineer elaborate plug-in management, all in the name of putting on a light show for neighbours and passerby. It’s one of my favourite parts of the season: even in the most blustery snowstorm, colourfully lit houses shine through as beacons of Christmas cheer.
Here are a few tips to help make your light-stringing a little bit safer, easier, and less expensive.
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Make a plan for where you want lights, and how you want to install them, so that you can use the right equipment for the job.
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Make sure you choose extension cords rated for outdoor use – indoor ones are less insulated and generally too wimpy to put up with mother nature.
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Check for frayed or broken wires, and discard strings of lights where these are found.
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Test your lights before you hang them.
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As you replace or add to your lighting package, choose LED lights over standard bulbs. While more expensive up-front, LEDs use just a fraction of the power and last for years.
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Use a timer to turn your lights on and off, for both convenience and power savings.
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Use an A-frame stepladder, or have someone hold the ladder as you install lights up high.
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Don’t plug too many strings together – check the packaging on your lights for recommended maximums.
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Think about the entire exterior of your house, not just the eavestroughs and railings – trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features are great places to decorate too.
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Let the kids help! While many of your decorations will end up three feet off the ground, the good memories will outlast the season.
Whether you’re going for elaborate, Griswold-esque designs that force your neighbours to pull down the blinds, or a tasteful holiday accent to your home’s decor, plan your design, execute it safely, and celebrate with an eggnog afterward.
