Are xmas lights expensive to run?

The cost of running Christmas lights depends on several factors, including the type of lights (LED or incandescent), the number of lights, and how long you keep them on. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the potential costs:

1. Type of Lights: LED vs. Incandescent

• LED Lights: These are much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights. LED lights use about 80-90% less energy and last longer, making them cheaper to run. For example, a string of 100 LED lights typically uses 4-5 watts.

• Incandescent Lights: Traditional incandescent Christmas lights use more power. A string of 100 incandescent lights can use around 40-50 watts, which is significantly higher than LED lights.

2. Cost of Running Christmas Lights

The cost of running lights depends on your electricity rate (measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh) and how long the lights are on. In the UK, the average electricity price is around £0.30 per kWh (this can vary based on your provider and location).

Here’s a simple calculation for LED vs. Incandescent lights:

Example 1: LED Lights

• Power consumption: 4 watts per 100 LED lights.
• Running time: If you keep them on for 6 hours per day for 30 days, that’s 180 hours.

To calculate the energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh):

$$\text{Power (in kilowatts)} = \frac{\text{Wattage}}{1000} = \frac{4}{1000} = 0.004 \text{ kW}$$ $$\text{Energy used} = \text{Power (in kW)} \times \text{Time (in hours)} = 0.004 \times 180 = 0.72 \text{ kWh}$$ $$\text{Cost} = \text{Energy used} \times \text{Electricity rate} = 0.72 \times 0.30 = £0.22$$

So, running 100 LED lights for 6 hours a day for 30 days would cost around 22p.

Example 2: Incandescent Lights

• Power consumption: 40 watts per 100 incandescent lights.
• Running time: If you keep them on for 6 hours per day for 30 days, that’s 180 hours.

To calculate the energy usage:

$$\text{Power (in kilowatts)} = \frac{\text{Wattage}}{1000} = \frac{40}{1000} = 0.04 \text{ kW}$$ $$\text{Energy used} = \text{Power (in kW)} \times \text{Time (in hours)} = 0.04 \times 180 = 7.2 \text{ kWh}$$ $$\text{Cost} = \text{Energy used} \times \text{Electricity rate} = 7.2 \times 0.30 = £2.16$$

So, running 100 incandescent lights for 6 hours a day for 30 days would cost around £2.16.

3. Other Factors that Affect Cost

• Number of lights: The more lights you have, the higher the energy consumption and cost.
• How long you keep the lights on: If you keep your lights on all night (say 8-12 hours), this will obviously increase the cost.
• Wattage of the lights: Larger or more decorative lights (such as floodlights or high-wattage bulbs) will use more energy than smaller, low-wattage string lights.

4. Conclusion:

• LED lights are very affordable to run and energy-efficient. A typical 100 LED lights might cost as little as 22p for 30 days.
• Incandescent lights, on the other hand, can be significantly more expensive to run — with the same amount of lights costing over £2 for the same period.

Tips to Save on Christmas Light Costs:

• Switch to LED lights if you haven’t already.
• Use timers or smart plugs to control when your lights turn on and off, so they aren’t running all night.
• Limit the hours that the lights are on (e.g., 4-6 hours per night).

In summary, LED Christmas lights are very cheap to run, while incandescent lights are more expensive. Consider using LED lights to keep your electricity costs low while still enjoying a beautifully lit home!