Safety Tips To Keep In Mind When Using Incandescent Lights For Your Christmas Decor

Word on the street is that cool-toned LEDs are ruining Christmas. There is something sterile and synthetic-looking about most modern Christmas lights. With vintage and nostalgic Christmas trends surging in popularity, incandescent lights are stepping into the conversation again. Once a mainstay of the holiday season, incandescent lights radiate a soft, warm glow that transports you to a more magical, child-like time. However, there's a reason these lights haven't fallen out of popularity: they come with a few important caveats. If you're thinking about using incandescent lights this holiday season, keep in mind that it's important to do so safely, checking them for damage and carefully monitoring them while in use.

Incandescent lights work by heating a thin piece of metal, called a filament, to emit a warm, pleasant glow. This process typically requires a lot of energy. They are 75% less efficient than LED lights, and most incandescent lights were banned due to changes in minimum efficiency requirements for lightbulbs. While Christmas lights are mostly exempt from this ban (particularly strings of lights), they still pose safety concerns, as incandescent lights tend to generate a lot of heat. With hundreds of Christmas decoration-related fires taking place every year, it's important to inspect, carefully install, and maintain your lights to prevent disaster.

As long as you know the things that make using incandescent lights dangerous and how to avoid them, you can enjoy their warm, nostalgic glow without incident. Two common issues are faulty, frayed wires and improper installation practices. If you plan on using incandescent lights this year, diligently inspect the entire string of lights. If you notice exposed inner wiring or broken bulbs, they're not safe to use. You can use incandescent lights on your tree. However, it's vital that you take proper precautions when installing and take care to diligently monitor them while they're in use. Only install incandescent lights outside if they are properly rated for outdoor use.

When installing your lights, skip metal fasteners, such as tacks or staples, which can inadvertently damage your wiring. Instead, use clips or hooks. Keep your lights away from flammable objects, such as curtains or fabric decor. While it's typically advisable to avoid placing your live Christmas tree near a heat source, you can still use incandescent lights if you use a fresh tree and water it regularly. Alternatively, check that your artificial tree is fire-resistant. It's best not to leave your lights on overnight or unattended. The heat can pose a fire risk. Be sure to link no more than five strings together to avoid electrical overload or excessive heat. At the end of the season, store them carefully to avoid causing any damage to the wires or bulbs, so you can enjoy them again next year!