Light Up the Holidays

It's time to replace that tangled string of holiday lights with something better -- LEDs. LED -- which stands for light-emitting diode -- lights are small, long-lasting and up to 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LED strings come in all shapes and colors and are incredibly efficient - so you can light up your yard without fear of the electricity bill in January. These bright little 'bulbs' last up to 60,000 hours -- five times longer than compact fluorescents and 50 to 60 times the lifespan of an incandescent bulb.

LEDs use so little energy that some don't have to be plugged in at all, relying on solar or a single battery for power.

This season you'll find holiday LED lights at most major retailers. For only slightly more than the old incandescent lights, LED lights will reduce your electricity bill and can be expected to last 20 years. Warm white, multi-colored, sphere, cone, icicle strings, snowflakes or candy canes -- LEDs come in all shapes and colors.

The more advanced LED light strings have a selection of over a dozen lighting modes so you can control the length and time of blinks. The light of an LED is less radiant that incandescent bulbs, they look less bright and more like starlight.

Put LEDs at the center of your table this season. These LEDs resemble votive or pillar candles, without the fire hazard and soot. You'll find them at many stores or on Amazon.com. 

LEDs aren't just for the holidays, they're used in a wide variety of solar-powered garden lights and are the perfect way to line garden paths and driveways. LEDs are even making their way into homes in modern lamps and chandeliers. Check out these cube LED lights made from plastic bottles (they even have a Christmas tree) or the selection of LED lamps and lights at IKEA, Target and other major retailers.

Now isn't that illuminating?

Simple Steps

• Replace your holiday lights with efficient and long-lasting LEDs. Check out the selection of LEDs at your local store or online.

• Fill the yard with solar-powered LEDs and light up the night. These little lights will last hours without being plugged in.
• Make the switch to more efficient lighting. Replace all your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or new LED lamps.