![House decorated with colorful string lights and light-up holiday figures in the front yard](https://michigansaves.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/led-christmas-lights.png)
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the holiday season brings with it the need for additional lighting. We illuminate our homes and businesses for practical purposes, but for many, stepping up decorative cheer can be an equally important part of beating the winter blues.
While traditional incandescent bulbs have been the go-to almost since light bulbs were invented, LED lights offer a brighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective alternative. Here’s how switching to LED can make your holidays and winter months twinkle while saving you money.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
LED lights consume up to 80 percent less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Residential LEDs are also made from nontoxic materials and are 100 percent recyclable. All of this translates into reduced electricity bills and a more eco-friendly home, making it a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.
Mood-boosting Brightness
LED lights are not just energy efficient, they can also help improve your mood. The cold, dark days of winter can lead to seasonal affective disorder. Using LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones means you can afford to put up more spirit-lifting holiday LED lighting for you and your neighbors to enjoy.
In addition, many smart LED bulbs (for indoor use) allow you to modify the color temperature through a mobile app, mimicking the daily pattern of the sun. For instance, you can set your bulbs to be blue toned in the morning, bright white around midday, and orange toned in the evening.
Versatility and Longevity
LED lights come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, allowing you to find the perfect lighting solution for any space or occasion. From strip lights to color-changing bulbs, these glow-rious products let you transform your space according to your mood and preferences.
Need more convincing? LED lights have an impressive lifespan, lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They’re ideal for outdoor use, as the bulbs can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. This means fewer replacements and less material and financial waste, making them a more sustainable choice for the long term.
Safety
LED lights emit significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fire hazards. This is particularly important for lights on or close to highly flammable surfaces such as live Christmas trees, which can dry out and quickly turn into kindling.
Spend Less on Your “Merry and Bright” With Michigan Saves
If you live in Michigan and you’re ready to invest in green appliances, you can get financing for new and safe energy efficient upgrades to your home with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank.
Michigan Saves can help keep Mother Nature from costing you all year long. Our financing can help you quickly turn your house into a comfortable and energy efficient home by paying for virtually any energy upgrade you need. Check out our list of eligible improvements and get professional help from one of our authorized Michigan contractors in your area. Plug into energy savings deals with us today!