Get matched with top holiday decorators in Presho, SD

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.

It’s not a good idea to mix LED and incandescent Christmas lights if you can avoid it. LEDs and incandescents can have significantly different electrical current needs. This difference can lead to a higher risk of problems and failure for both light strands. When possible, switch all your lights over to one kind or the other for the best results. Do not connect the different types of light strings to each other, and avoid linking them to the same circuit. 

Inspect for burnt-out bulbs, secure connections, and protect from water exposure to maintain functionality.

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.