(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Even those who don’t have Clark Griswold's over the top lights display from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation know that holiday lights can add a few extra dollars to each month’s electric bill — but that cost depends heavily on the type of lights used.
Tom Dominguez, with ComEd, said older, incandescent light bulbs can tack on an additional $30 to a homeowner’s December bill. That’s why he recommended using a specific type of bulb..
“If you don’t have them already, think about … investing in LED holiday lights,” he said.
LEDs are not only more efficient, Dominguez said, they’re more reliable.
“They use 75% less electricity than regular lights, and they last 10 times longer than traditional Christmas lights,” he said.
Dominguez said lights aren’t the only things that drive up winter electric bill costs. Longer nights, electric heat and furnace blowers can all add up to a winter of discontent — but there are ways to lessen the blow.
He suggested using the sun’s heat to add a few extra degrees to your home during the day. Anything that can be done to take the strain off of the furnace can be helpful.
“Take a look at all of the heating and vents around your home, particularly if they’re on the ground,” he said. “Make sure that furniture hasn’t shifted, carpets haven’t shifted and are covering these vents, because if they block the vents, it takes a lot longer to heat up the room that they’re in.”
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