Holiday Decorations: Simple Energy-Saving Tips

A dazzling holiday lighting display is a great way to show off your business, but the costs can add up quickly. With these energy-saving decorating tips, you can enjoy a happy, productive and profitable holiday season without the post-season letdown of higher energy bills.

Switch to LED lights

Don't just put up any holiday lights at your facility. Install high-efficiency LEDs. ENERGY STAR®-certified LED decorative light strings are up to 75% more efficient than conventional incandescent bulbs. They last much longer and are more durable — perfect for a rugged business environment, indoors and out.

Take control with timers

Even a high-efficiency decorative display will waste energy if no one's there to see it. Install timers to automatically turn lights on and off based on your operating schedule.

Decorate creatively

It's not all about strands of lights. Reflective ornaments and tinsel can add brightness and visual appeal. So, by getting a little creative with your lighting display, you can get more shine for less.

Use handmade decorations

Skip the energy-guzzling decorations altogether and work with your staff to create handmade decorations for your holiday display. It's a great way to challenge everyone to be creative and a terrific bonding experience for your entire workforce.

Pull the plug on inflatables

Inflatables may be eye-catching, but they can really blow up your energy budget. Consider alternatives, such as large wreaths or dimensional displays. These options may still use some energy, but not nearly as much.

Keep safety in mind

No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, it's important to decorate safely. Before stringing lights, check for damaged outlets and cords and replace anything that looks defective. Make sure lights used outside are marked for outdoor use and fasten them securely to your building. Avoid overloading circuits and never run electrical cords under rugs or carpet.

With a little planning, you can create an attractive holiday display that will help boost your bottom line this season without straining your operating budget.