We frequently help our holiday lighting customers analyze the cost savings that can be achieved by using LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lighting. The calculations to determine the cost savings are not very complicated, but it is a lot easier with a good conversion calculator handy. Here’s the data you will need to perform this calculation:

1. Total number of bulbs;
2. Wattage of the individual incandescent bulbs to be replaced. (C9s are generally about 8-9 watts; C7s are generally about 6-7 watts; and mini lights are usually between .50 and 1 watt)
3. Amount of time the bulbs will be illuminated; and
4. The average cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity in your area. ($.07 is an average rate for Seattle residents.)

Step 1: Calculate total watts

Multiple the total number of bulbs by the wattage of 1 bulb. This equals the total watts of the display.

Step 2: Enter data into conversion calculator

Enter the product of the formula in Step 1 into the “Watts” field in this calculator: http://mhi-inc.com/Converter/watt_calculator.htm. Next, enter the total amount of time the lights will be illuminated in the “Time” section of the calculator. (Note that the time can be in seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, or years.)

This calculator will calculate the total kilowatt-hours consumed by this lighting display.

Step 3: Determine cost of electricity

Multiple the total kilowatt-hours the display will consume (as determined by the calculator in Step 2) and multiply it by the average cost of a kilowatt hour of electricity in your area.

Step 4: Determine to cost to operate Christmas lights using LEDs

Repeat steps 1-3. The average LED holiday style light is between .05 and .07 watts.

Step 5: Calculate the savings

Subtract the cost of operating the LED lights from the cost of operating the incandescent lights. This is the total cost savings you can expect by switching to LEDs.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a relatively new lighting product. Many people may own LED flashlights or other similar LED lights. However, LED lighting is quickly becoming a popular choice for holiday lighting in the Seattle area. Here are the top 10 reasons to replace your old incandescent holiday lights with LEDs:

1. Added safety – Lamps always remain cool to the touch. Because holiday lighting is often used in close proximately to combustible materials (dry evergreen trees) this feature can greatly reduce the risk of holiday fires.

2. Solid-state reliability. No longer will you have to worry about one lamp ruing your whole string.

3. Longevity – L.E.D. lamps are rated for up to 200,000 hours of use while standard incandescent lights typically last for only 2,000 hours.

4. No glass bulbs to break. LED lights are encased in an nearly indestructible epoxy casing.

5. No filaments to burn out. Unlike incandescent bulbs there is not filament to burn out so they last much longer and won’t be damage or ruined if you drop them or step on them.

6. Extreme energy efficiency, uses only 10% of the electricity required to power traditional incandescent. For a typical household this will mean a cost savings of $20.00 or more during the standard 30 day holiday season.

7. Nearly indestructible, solid epoxy lenses. High-quality LED lights can withstand the force of a tractor-trailer without breaking.

8. Rust proof, Zinc-coated lamp contacts. The lamp components will not rust when used outdoors or in moist environments.

9. Uses standard house current (120 VAC, 60 Hz). No need for an electrician or expensive power converters.

10. No transformer required. Allows for simple installation and use.

For these reasons, Ecoyards uses commercial-grade UL approved and ENERGY STAR qualified LED holiday lighting for all of our professional-lighting installations throughout the Seattle-area. Our turn-key operation provides the design, lights, and labor so the customer can enjoy an energy-efficient, safe holiday.

We’ve gotten a fair amount of rain and wind in the Puget Sound recently, and even some snow in the mountains. It may not seem like it, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden.

1. This month is a great time to mulch the vegetable garden. Mulch will help prevent erosion, keep weeds at bay and insulate your plants during the cold weather.

2. Divide perennials such as shasta daisies, asters and rudbeckia (black-eyed Susans).

rudbeckia

3. Fertilize lawns late in the month to keep it green through the winter.

4. There’s still time to plant spring bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

5. Cut raspberry canes.

6. Continue to plant or transplant perennials, shrubs and trees. Winter months provide ideal conditions for planting new shrubs and trees.

7. Rake leaves and add them to your compost pile, or use them to mulch your landscape beds. Leaves could be piled two to three inches high; over time, they’ll break down and add nutrients to the soil. Avoid using leaves of trees with diseases, or broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendron and laurel (since they take a long time to break down).

8. Avoid heavily pruning roses now. Wait until late February for major pruning. Protect roses by removing leaves, or letting the roses form seeds, or hips.