How to decide what Christmas lights to buy

THERE are several things to consider when putting up a Christmas lights display this year. These include cost and safety. We show you how to get more for less safely.

A beautiful display of Christmas lights brighten the night.

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DECORATING homes with lights at Christmas is a family tradition many enjoy.

But before hitting the shops, take some time out to plan your lights.

Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Robert Simpson says it is important to consider the following factors:

SAVINGS

If you’re in the market to update your Christmas light decorations, your first pick should be LED, fibre optic or solar-powered to keep your bills down, Simpson says.

“Checking the packaging for energy use information is the simplest way to make an educated choice,” he adds.

Solar-powered fairy lights charge up during the day with zero impact on your energy bill. Put the solar panel in an area with full sun.

Simpson says a string of 100 energy-efficient LED fairy lights is cheap to buy and even cheaper to run.

You can pick them up for about $15 and it will only cost you about 50 cents to run for the month (if you switch them on for 10 hours a night).

“LED fairy lights use less than half the energy consumed by standard ones.”

SAFETY

You might want to think twice before buying a cheap set. Buy from a reputable retailer and make sure they comply with Australian standards (look for the approval number or the compliance logo on the package).

Finding a bargain online from overseas might save you dollars, but may not comply with Australian safety standards.

Simpson says if you buy second-hand Christmas lights, get them tested by an electrician. If you’re using last year’s decorations, check that all bulbs work and replace them correctly.

Check for frayed cords and don’t piggyback adaptors and keep tinsel and other metallic decorations away from electrical lights; you should also only use weatherproof lights outdoors.

For more details visit theAusgridwebsite.

PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW FOR LESS

Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes including LED, large/small bulbs, ropes, bubbles, nets and fairy varieties

Traditional bulbs can be ideal for decorating Christmas trees. Rope lights are perfect for outdoors and hard-to-reach places. These lights can be run along paths or woven around trees and poles

Net lights are a valuable purchase. They are multicoloured or clear and spread out easily over gardens to create a festive feel in outdoor areas.

DRONE FOOTAGE OF MOSCOW CHRISTMAS LIGHTS