New Yorkers Can 'Leave a Light on for the Holidays' Safely without Sky High Electric Bills

12/15/2003

From: Ryan Moore of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 518-862-1090 ext. 3267 or rtm@nyserda.org, or Ronnie Kweller of the Alliance to Save Energy, 202-530-2203 or rkweller@ase.org

ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 15 -- This holiday season, New York State residents can "leave a light on for the holidays" affordably and safely, says the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA encourages consumers to take these smart steps to protect their pocketbooks, their children, and the environment -- because using less energy means polluting less, too. Here's how to come out ahead:

-- For each 15-watt compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb you substitute for a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb in your home, you can afford to light a 40.8-watt string of 100 mini-lights and still save energy, money, and the environment. During the next year, that CFL will save five times the energy of the light string, according to the Alliance to Save Energy.

-- Consider using energy-saving LED (Light Emitting Diode) holiday lights and strands that use about 99 percent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs -- and last up to 100,000 hours.

-- Operate lights for no more than six evening hours a day to keep energy use and costs under control. Timers are a simple way to do this. If you leave your lights on 24 hours per day, you will spend four times the money and create four times the pollution.

-- Turn Christmas lights off when you are away. Lights can cause fires if not used properly. For safety's sake, always unplug your lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

-- Outdoor "icicle" lights have more bulbs per linear foot than regular light strands, because they run both horizontally and vertically. This means they use more energy -- so make choices accordingly.

-- Protect little fingers: Make sure there's a bulb in each socket. If a bulb is burned out, leave it in until you have a replacement.

-- Don't overload your electric circuits. Check your fuse box or circuit breaker panel to see how much your home can handle, and stay well within limits.

-- Take the lights down after the holidays. No need to light up the night until spring!