Get matched with top holiday decorators in Morrow, OH

Christmas lights typically do not need to be grounded like electrical circuits in your home do. However, it's crucial to use outdoor outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for added safety. GFCIs can help protect against electrical shocks and are recommended for outdoor electrical connections when using Christmas lights.

First of all, don’t shop for bargain lights—often, you’ll end up with a faulty or broken strand, full of dead bulbs or less-than-luminous brightness. Choose quality lights that will last you many years—LED lights have been known to last as long as 100,000 hours. Second, plan ahead and purchase lights for next year’s Christmas during this year’s post-holiday sales. Finally, have a vision and a plan—if you know the measurements of your home, including any windows, doors, and outside bushes you wish to light up, you should be able to only purchase the necessary lights and not more than you need.

Considering the pros and cons of hiring a professional holiday light installer can help you decide if it’s right for you. Here are some advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Saves time

• Reduces stress

• Produces for custom, high-quality designs

• Provides better-quality lights

• Reduces personal safety risks 

• May Include takedown and storage services

Cons

• More expensive than DIY light installation

• Less control over the design

• High demand for installers

• Contractors may keep the lights and decorations

Permanent lights can save you big in labor costs down the line, as you’ll only need to invest in installing them once. As with regular lights, costs vary based on the display and the size of your home. Costs are similar to hanging regular lights, typically falling between $220 and $650.