How much does it cost to light a house for Christmas?

The cost of lighting a house for Christmas can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the type of lights you use, how long you keep them on, and the energy efficiency of the lights. Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate the cost of Christmas lights:

1. Type of Lights

• Incandescent Lights: These are the traditional Christmas lights that are often found in older decorations. They consume more energy than modern LEDs, which can lead to higher electricity costs.

  • Cost per 100 lights: Around 40-50 watts.
  • Annual energy cost (if used for 6 hours per day over 30 days): Roughly $10–$20 (depending on your local electricity rates).

• LED Lights: LED Christmas lights are much more energy-efficient and last longer than incandescent lights. They are the most popular choice for decorating today.

  • Cost per 100 lights: Around 5-10 watts.
  • Annual energy cost (if used for 6 hours per day over 30 days): Around $1–$3.

2. Size of the House

The size of your house and the amount of lighting you choose to use will also impact the overall cost. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small to Medium-Sized House (1-2 stories): For a smaller home with some lights on the eaves, windows, and a few trees or bushes, you might use about 500-1000 LED lights. The total electricity cost for these lights could range from $5 to $20 for the season.

• Larger House or Larger Displays: For a larger house with extensive decorations, including lights on the roof, trees, bushes, and walkways, you might use 2000-5000 LED lights or more. The electricity cost could range from $20 to $75 (or more), depending on the number of lights and the duration for which they’re on.

3. How Long Do You Keep the Lights On?

The longer you leave the lights on, the more energy they will consume. Let’s assume the lights are on for 6 hours a day over 30 days.

• 500-1000 LED lights: Approximately $5–$15 for 30 days of use.
• 2000-5000 LED lights: Approximately $15–$75 for 30 days of use.

If you keep the lights on for a shorter or longer time, or if you use more or fewer lights, these figures will change accordingly.

4. Average Cost to Light a House for Christmas

For most homeowners, the total electricity cost to light a house for Christmas (using LED lights) will typically fall between $5 to $75 for the season, depending on the factors mentioned above. For a medium-sized house with some basic outdoor decorations, the average cost could be around $20-$30.

5. Additional Costs

There might be additional costs involved in setting up your Christmas lights, such as:

• Extension cords or outdoor power strips: These can range from $5–$30, depending on the length and type.
• Timers: To save on electricity and make sure the lights don’t stay on all night, you may want to invest in a timer. Timers typically cost between $10–$30.
• Decorative elements: If you're using more advanced displays, such as projectors, moving lights, or light shows, the cost could go up.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Christmas Lights

1. Switch to LED lights: LED lights consume much less power than incandescent lights and are the best way to reduce your electricity bill.
2. Use timers: Set a timer so that the lights only stay on for a set number of hours (e.g., 5-6 hours per day). This will limit their energy usage.
3. Use outdoor-rated LED projectors: Instead of string lights, consider LED projectors that can display festive patterns on your home or lawn. They are more energy-efficient and easier to set up.
4. Be mindful of your usage: If you can, try to turn off the lights during the daytime or when no one is around to enjoy them.

In Summary

• Small to medium-sized house with LED lights: $5–$20 for the entire Christmas season.
• Large houses with extensive displays: $20–$75 (or more) for the season.

By switching to energy-efficient LEDs, using timers, and controlling the hours the lights are on, you can enjoy a festive holiday display without breaking the bank on your electricity bill!