10 Details to Look for when Comparing LED Christmas Lights

There are many things you’ll want to think about when comparing LED Christmas lights. As the LED Christmas lighting industry continues its expansion, there are currently more brands to choose from than ever before. Even if you have a general understanding of why people choose LED bulbs, you may still find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available.

According to research from Goldman Sachs, LED lights now account for more than half of the nation’s lighting. The LED “revolution” that has taken place over the past ten years is something that is truly remarkable. LED lights have been proven to be more energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting than their incandescent ancestors.

With the introduction of LED technology, the Christmas light industry has considerably changed. Customers are now finding that they have many more choices and incentives to buy than they did in years past. Unsurprisingly, the above research indicates that LED lights account for billions of dollars in sales every year.

In this article, we will discuss the most important things for you to think about when comparing different LED Christmas lights. By taking the time to do your research and know exactly what you want in advance, you’ll be able to create your most remarkable lighting display to date.

Bulb Size

The size of the bulb you choose will have a major impact on the ways your LED lights look and function. The most common LED Christmas lights are categorized (increasing in size) as C6, C7, or C9 bulbs. These lights often feature a distinctive “diamond” cut that causes the light to look like its twinkling. Other bulb sizes include 5mm wide angle conical, m5 LED mini lights, G12 and G30 LED lights, and t5 lights.

Brightness

The brightness of a light bulb—whether LED or otherwise—is measured in lumens, rather than watts. Watts, rather, measure the amount of power that goes into the bulb itself. Because LED bulbs are more efficient than their predecessors, you will not need nearly as much wattage as you did in years past. In fact, it is estimated that the amount of light produced by a 150 W incandescent bulb is equivalent to the light produced by a 25 W LED bulb—this means that LED bulbs are 6 times more energy efficient.

Bulb Color

The color that is best for your next big display will depend on your personal tastes and your intended theme. The most common Christmas light colorations are all white, red and green, and multi-colored (rainbow). Mixing and matching bulbs by hand is usually an option. If none of the available colors match your preferences, you can create a customized string of lights using the exact colors of your choosing.

Cord Color

While many people focus on the color of their bulbs, the color of the cord can be very easy to overlook. However, if you choose the wrong cord color, you may be disappointed with how much it stands out. On trees, wreaths, and outdoor bushes, green cords will blend in best. Black works well for railings and roofs, while white works well when placed next to walls, floors, or ceilings.

Special Features

With each passing year, LED lighting technology continues to become more dynamic. Nowadays, there are seemingly countless different special features that you can add to your display. Installing lights with flashing or changing colors can create an amazing display that is sure to be memorable. You will also have the option to synchronize your lights with music (something that only professional grade christmas lights can do).

Power Source

Before making any major lighting purchases, be sure to account for your specific power situation. Far too many people spend hundreds of dollars on LED Christmas lights, only to discover that an outlet isn’t working. Your power source will have an impact on the efficiency of your lights, as well as the number of lights you can effectively string together (though 40 strands is typically a good estimate). If you do not have a working or available power source, battery-powered LED lights are also widely available.

On/Off Mechanism

The on/off mechanism for your lights may seem like a minor detail, but it is still a detail that should not be ignored. Some people prefer to do things the “old fashioned way” and plug and unplug their lights on a daily basis. While this is usually not a major issue, it is an unnecessary pain that will wear out your cord much more quickly than necessary. Other people prefer to have a specific light switch dedicated to their LED lights. If these options don’t work for you, consider choosing lights that come with a built-in timer (usually 6 hours on, followed by 18 hours off). You may also be able to control your lights directly, with a remote control.

Unique Designs

In the era of specialization, there is no surprise that there are many unique LED Christmas light displays to choose from. Beyond the standard bulb types mentioned above, consumers everywhere are eagerly purchasing snowflake lights, fairy lights, and falling icicle lights, allowing them to give their displays a little more character. Furthermore, if you are trying to create a specific theme, you may want to purchase illuminated characters. Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer are all very popular options.

Volume

Before you begin shopping around and looking for the best deals on LED lights, it will be important to know how many lights you want to actually purchase. When compared to commercial decorators, ordinary homeowners will naturally have very different needs. Typically, if you are willing to purchase larger volumes of LED lights, you will be able to pay less on a per-bulb basis. If you have significant lighting needs, consider consulting a commercial LED Christmas light supplier.

Special Discounts

While it is easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holidays, it is still important to try to stick with your budget. Fortunately, there are many different ways that you can often save on LED Christmas lights. Purchasing in the off-season (February through October) will usually allow you to save the most money. Using coupons, shopping online, and getting multiple quotes can also help you find your way to savings.

Conclusion

The LED Christmas light industry continues to expand each year. LED lights have largely replaced traditional Christmas lights and are able to offer consumers better aesthetics, higher quality, and increased levels of energy efficiency. By paying attention to these finer details, you’ll be able to find the perfect lights for you.