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Saving Money With Holiday Decorations Around the Home

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Christmas Decorations

As families prepare to celebrate Christmas with outdoor lighting displays and holiday decor that further drive electric bills up, there is something that homeowners can do to lower their electric bills without sacrificing the special traditions that make the season feel magical. Here are a few tips from local experts to keep the home looking festive with Christmas decorations while saving money on power bills.

Upgrade Christmas Lights to LED Lights

Christmas decorations can last for many years. Often homeowners find themselves hanging the same outdated lighting up year after year as they decorate. Not only will it look dated and be potentially dangerous, but old lighting also draws a lot of unnecessary power, causing power bills to go up.

Instead of paying higher utility bills for outdated exterior lighting year after year, upgrade incandescent lights to LED lights. LED lights provide brighter lights for lower electric costs than old light strands and come in all the styles a homeowner could want. Additionally, they will last much longer than incandescent lighting strands, which saves on early replacement costs. This year, bring Christmas into the 21st century and save money simultaneously with LED lights.

Battery-Operated Decorations

Battery-operated holiday decorations are a great way to reduce the amount of electricity being used and save money because they use no power. Battery-operated lights can be used in garlands and wreaths for extra sparkle or hung from ceilings and walls to create a festive atmosphere.

Battery-operated candles make a great addition to any holiday table, while battery-operated figurines can bring jolly vibes to the home. Holiday music boxes that run on batteries are also available, bringing an extra festive touch to the decor. Battery-operated decorations allow for flexibility when it comes to decor placement because they don’t need to be plugged into an outlet and make great additions to any holiday display. With a wide variety of styles and colors available, it's easy to find battery-operated decorations that fit any decor style.

Burn Candles

The last recommendation is a classic. Before electric lighting, holiday celebrants lit candles to add to the festive atmosphere. This option is still a cost-effective option for decorating since they require no power at all, and they add a new, elegant dimension to a home’s holiday decorations.

As a word of warning, burning candles should always be done with safety in mind. Never leave candles burning unattended, and ensure they have plenty of clearance between them and their surroundings. Keep candles in approved holders so they don’t scorch the surfaces upon which they sit, and always ensure the home’s smoke detectors are working to protect the house and its residents.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 25 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, customer education, and membership with many perks. Call them today for smoke detector services or holiday lighting installation in Montgomery, AL.

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Getting a Jump on Holiday Lights and Christmas Decorations

Take Time to Remember Electrical Safety While Hanging Christmas Lights

Christmas decorations seem to get more elaborate every year, especially when it comes to outdoor Christmas decorations. With as much Christmas yard decor as some people use, it is a wonder that they are not doubling their electric bills! But electrical safety when managing Christmas lights is essential. This article will detail some things that will help make decorating safe, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing for the whole neighborhood.

Which Lights are the Right Ones?

When it comes to outdoor Christmas lights and decor, there are many choices for homeowners. From sophisticated, tiny, white twinkle lights to adorably cartoonish inflatables of snowmen taking charge of Santa’s sleigh, one can find everything. From whimsical to contemplative, there is something for everyone.

If a homeowner prefers a minimalist approach, perhaps the nets of lights that drape over hedges would be sufficient, or just a traditional string of lights encircling the blue spruce tree in the front yard would be the perfect acknowledgment of the holiday. Other people may prefer to celebrate the holiday more spectacularly, adding a new light-up or inflatable decoration each year until they need a map to set it all up.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Because holiday decor is only brought out for a few weeks a year, it is necessary to do a safety check to ensure everything is working correctly and is safe. Pests and age can cause exposed wires and other structural damage that can increase the chance of electrical fires and shock. Listed below are a few safety tips that homeowners should consider when preparing to decorate:

Examine decorations, plugs, and cords for damage before plugging anything in.
Plugin to test whether or not the lights work.
Place decorations strategically to avoid overloading outlets and circuits.
Use extension cords sparingly.
Installing GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets for outdoor plugs.

Eco-Friendly Lighting and Decor

Perhaps a person is more concerned with their electric bill than with their winter decor or has ecological concerns regarding household energy uses. These people can decorate pretty extravagantly as well with more green options. As technology improves, it will only get easier to find eco-friendly options like those listed below:

LED Christmas Lights: These strings of lights don’t use a traditional incandescent light but an LED or light-emitting diode that gives off the same amount of light for much less energy. These can be used indoors or outdoors (though they must be rated for outdoor use) during the holidays or year-round for a lovely effect.

Solar Christmas Lights: These lights are powered by solar batteries that charge during the day and expend their energy by making the lights glow at night. These are excellent choices for not increasing energy use.

Battery-Operated Christmas Lights: Lights powered by batteries commonly found in the home add $0 to the electric bill, but the batteries are not environmentally friendly. However, homeowners can combat this by using rechargeable batteries.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 25 years of experience serving Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide upfront pricing, fully stocked trucks, and military discounts. Call them today for holiday lighting installation in Montgomery, AL.

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How to Save Money By Switching to Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorations

Saving Money With Energy Efficient Holiday Decor

During the holiday season, homeowners may find that their energy bill is higher than usual due to increased heating costs, more guests visiting the home, and of course, the electrical holiday decor that lights up the house. To save some money on utility bills this year, homeowners should consider switching to more energy-efficient holiday decor.

Not only does “going green” with holiday decorations help keep energy bills low, but it can also reduce the home's environmental impact by reducing emissions. Less strain on the electrical system can also mean fewer electrical services and repairs needed over the holidays. In this article, we discuss three eco-friendly holiday decoration ideas.

LED Holiday Lights

LED holiday lights are quickly taking over the market as the most popular kind of light-up holiday decoration because they are convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly. LED string lights and decorations can be found at most places that sell holiday decorations.

The benefits of LED lights include that they are far more long-lasting than their traditional alternatives. The string lights of the past contained tiny lightbulbs that would burn out after a while, but LED lights are known to last for an extremely long time.

LED lights use a fraction of the energy of traditional lights. They also come in almost every color, so they make a versatile decorating choice.

LED light holiday decor is also a lot less likely to start an accidental house fire than old school holiday lights because they do not heat up as much. Homeowners who want to improve the electrical safety of their holiday decor should consider switching to LED holiday lights.

Battery Operated Holiday Lights

Another way that homeowners can save money on their holiday decorating bill is by switching to battery-powered lights. By using rechargeable batteries, homeowners can light up their homes with decorations without spending a cent on energy bills.

Battery-operated holiday lights also have the added benefit of not having any obnoxious power chords to trip over. Some holiday decorations even come with solar panels, which can be used to charge up the decoration during the day, so it lights up at night.

Old-Fashioned Candles

Instead of using any power at all, homeowners could use old-school candles to add an elegant touch to their holiday decor. Candle-lit lanterns can be used to light the outside of the house. Putting a candle in each window is also a popular holiday tradition.

To spruce up a candle lantern for the holidays, homeowners can add a ribbon or bow to the top. Painting the glass on the outside of the lantern is another way to turn a normal lantern into a holiday decoration. White, red, and green candles are perfect for the holidays. Holiday scented candles also add an extra touch of holiday cheer.

The only downside to using real candles is that homeowners must be cautious of accidentally starting a fire. Lit candles should not be left out around pets or children.

About Trustworthy Electric Inc.

Trustworthy Electric Inc. is proud to serve the Montgomery, AL, community with reliable electrical services from friendly and experienced electricians. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment with an expert electrician in Montgomery!

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Prepare the Holiday Lights and Decorations Early!

How to Get a Safe Head Start on Decorating for the Holidays

As the holidays comes into view on the horizon, many homeowners find that it’s time to think about decorating the house for the holidays. Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, and there’s still leftover turkey in the fridge, the holiday displays start going up. No one likes to rush their holiday decorating, and rushing through it can also cause other issues, like electrical safety hazards. Luckily, here are three ways homeowners can get a jump on their holiday decorating.

Getting the Correct Lights

Finding the right lights can be a challenge for those who don’t know what they’re looking for. There are plenty of lights to choose from these days. There are icicle lights that hang down and twinkle, small colorful lights that can blink in patterns or stay illuminated, and the larger retro lights that add elegance to any house. There are also inflatable snowmen, Santas, and many other festive figures with interior lights and a fan that keeps them inflated during the night. But that’s not all. There are also projectors that can display a festive scene on the side of the house.

But getting the correct lights isn’t just about style. It’s also about saving money. Incandescent lights are the cheaper option at the checkout counter, but they are more expensive to run as they use more energy. LED lights are more pricey, but they only cost a fraction of what incandescent lights do in terms of energy use.

Keep Things Safe!

Whatever lights the homeowner decides on, it’s imperative that some basic electrical safety precautions be taken to ensure a safe and fun holiday season. Checking for things like frayed wires, missing bulbs, and loose connections can help keep things safe. Plus, all instructions and warnings provided with the lights should be followed. For example, incandescent string lights can only be put up by connecting a maximum of three in a row. Any more than that can present a safety issue. LED lights, on the other hand, can be connected in many more strings.

All decorations used outside should be rated for outdoor use and plugged into a GFCI outlet. It’s also a good idea to avoid overloading any power strips by following the wattage recommendations on the strip. Finally, it’s best to keep cords out of the way so they won’t be tripped on or damaged.

Green Decorations Are In!

Believe it or not, many homeowners are turning to eco-friendly lighting options. Using these “green” lights in place of older incandescent lights can help homeowners save a lot of money on energy bills over the holiday. LED lights are a good start, but many homeowners are also taking it a step further with solar-powered lights. These lights have a rechargeable battery that powers up during the day and powers the lights at night.

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful, and it shouldn’t cost a fortune. But most of it all, it should be done safely. Checking with a professional electrician can help ensure the house is set up for a safe and successful holiday season, both inside and outside!

About Trustworthy Electric Inc.

The friendly professionals at Trustworthy Electric Inc. have been serving Montgomery, AL, with pride for over 20 years. They offer a problem-solver guarantee on every job, meaning they fix the problem that same day. They also provide on-time service and upfront pricing, so there’s no waiting around and no surprises! Call now for electrical services!

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Are Your Outlets Ready for Spooktacular Halloween Decorations?

Be Fang-Tastically Fashionable With Magical Lights and Halloween Trees

Back off Christmas, it’s Halloween season! The hottest new craze in decorating for the spooky season includes festive orange and black lighting and terrifyingly trendy Halloween trees. Homes across the country are decorating their yards and living rooms with kooky ornaments, creepy lights, and haunting embellishments. With the arrival of fun, new trends come a slew of new in-home demands. Many new decorations require an electrical outlet to function. Is the house ready for the challenge? Read on to find out more about prepping the house for the season of fright and lights.

Consider Outlet Upgrades

Outlets take a lot of heat in their time of use. Every time something is plugged in or unplugged, the outlet experiences a bit of wear and tear. Overtime, connectivity between the outlet and plugs will be reduced before the outlet finally gives out. Consider replacing and upgrading electrical outlets when any of the following starts to happen:

The Outlets Are...Vintage: If the home’s outlets are beginning to fall into the “retro” category, it’s time to retire them. The older the outlet, the more likely they are to be worn down. Older outlets also aren’t capable of keeping up with most modern appliances’ demands for power. Upgrading these units even if they aren’t damaged, will increase the efficiency of the home’s electrical system.

The Outlet is Warped: If the electrical outlet has become discolored or is starting to crack, it needs to be replaced. Warped and damaged units pose a danger to a home’s occupants and are no longer considered safe for use.

The Outlets are Ungrounded: Most modern homes are built with grounded outlets, but many older homes have only a few or sometimes no grounded outlets. This particular type of outlet provides an extra path for electricity to travel through via the third prong. This extra path prevents short circuits and makes the outlets safer for the home.

Understanding the Two Types of Electrical Outlets (GFCI and AFCI)

Most homes use one of two types of electrical outlets, either GFCI or AFCI outlets.

- GFCI Outlets: GFCI stands for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” These types of outlets are legally required to be used in any home area with a higher risk of electric shocks. They are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These units detect an imbalance in electrical currents and will shut off when one is detected. They are more sensitive than older units and protect against electrocution.

AFCI Outlets: AFCI stands for “arc-fault circuit interrupters.” These units primarily protect the home from excessive heat caused by arcing currents of electricity. Devices that overheat or have damaged wires are common causes of arcing currents in a house’s electrical system. The AFCI units detect any dangerous arcs and shut down the receiving outlet when they are detected. These units are typically installed as a type of circuit breaker and are often found in living spaces, such as the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. They are often used in tandem with GFCI to provide the best electrical protection in the home.

Consider Choosing a Professional

Electrical work is no joking matter. Professional electricians are trained to work with dangerous materials and can keep the home safe and secure during their work. Choosing to work with a professional protects the investment of the home, as their work must follow all state and federal guidelines and usually includes a warranty of satisfaction.

By prepping the house’s electrical system using these tips, it’ll be easy to stay fashionably frightening this Halloween. Have fun with the shockingly spooky new trend and know that the house will be safe for every season by following these tips.

About Trustworthy Electric Inc.

For over twenty years, Trustworthy Electric Inc has been helping homeowners with all their electrical needs. Their affordable prices and exemplary work has made them a household name in the community. Contact them today for outlet services in Montgomery, AL, and the surrounding areas.