Get matched with top holiday decorators in Dighton, KS

An affordable Christmas light bulb testing and replacement tool can make the job easier. But you can most likely make all necessary repairs yourself using common toolbox items if you’d rather avoid purchasing another gadget. 

If you need to visually inspect your Christmas lights to determine which are good and which need replacement, there are a few things to look for. First, look for discoloration, such as a dark spot or two on the inside of the glass. The spot is an indication of a burnt filament. Also, look for missing filaments, cracked bulb glass, and broken sockets.

No, you shouldn’t insert an LED light into an incandescent socket. It usually won’t fit anyway, but in the unlikely chance that it does, its electrical demands are too different for it to work properly. 

Good news, Christmas lovers: you can keep your lights up all year, provided you choose the type. It's critical that you choose holiday lights made for outdoor use, as these can withstand winter weather conditions. In addition, it's best to use LED lights instead of incandescent ones. LED bulbs can withstand temperature shifts and are energy efficient. 

If you are considering leaving your holiday lights up year-round, ask your lighting installer about permanent installation. This project costs around $3,500 but gives you about six to 10 years of LED lights and adds a pleasing aesthetic to your home.