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Understanding the cost of holiday decorations

For businesses, the cost of running holiday decorations depends on the type of lighting used, the number of hours they are on, and your local electricity rate.

Landscape lights: Traditional incandescent landscape lights use about 40 watts per 25-foot string, while LEDs use only about four watts for the same length. If you have 20 strings of incandescent lights running for 12 hours a day, that’s 288 kWh a month, costing around $43 at an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh. Switching to LED lights would cut that down to just 29 kWh, or about $4.35 a month, that's nearly a 90% savings.

Indoor decor: The same energy-saving principles apply for string lights, wreaths with lights and decorative trees for indoor decorations. LED lights are much more efficient and produce less heat, making them safer for indoor use.

Strategies to save on energy costs

1. Upgrade to LED lights: LEDs are the gold standard for energy efficiency. They use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last longer, and stay cool to the touch, reducing fire risks.
2. Implement timers and smart plugs: Use timers or smart plugs to control when your lights turn on and off. Setting lights to turn off after closing can help you save, especially if your business operates longer hours during the holiday season.
3. Prioritize high-impact areas: Focus your decorations on areas that get the most visibility, such as storefronts, entryways and high-traffic areas inside your business. This allows you to create a festive atmosphere without having to decorate every corner.
4. Use dimmers and low-voltage options: These options can reduce energy consumption while still creating a warm, inviting ambiance for your customers.
5. Consider solar-powered outdoor decorations: In areas with good sunlight exposure, solar-powered lights are an excellent option. They charge during the day and automatically light up at night without adding to your electricity bill.

The bottom line

For businesses, holiday decorations are more than just festive—they're a way to attract customers and create a welcoming environment. Use these tips to keep your business bright and festive without overextending your energy budget.

With these smart energy-saving strategies, you can light up your business this holiday season while keeping your operational costs in check. Here’s to a bright and efficient holiday season for your business!

Want to learn even more ways to save? Find them here.