Calculating Electricity Costs for Outdoor Holiday Lights in Seattle
November 3, 2024
The holiday season in Seattle is known for its festive environment, with homes, businesses and neighborhoods brightening the winter months. While these lights create a seasonal atmosphere, they also come with additional electricity costs. On average, Seattle homeowners spend between $50 - $150 per year on electricity for outdoor
holiday lights. Below, we’ll explore what factors contribute to these costs, how to calculate them, and tips for saving energy without losing any holiday charm.
Factors Affecting Holiday Lighting Costs in Seattle
Several elements impact the electricity costs of holiday lighting, and knowing these can
help you control expenses:
- Type of Lights: LED lights are a more efficient choice, using up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. According to Seattle City Light, choosing energy-efficient lighting can make a noticeable difference in your monthly bill.
- Number of Lights: The larger the display, the higher the cost. Be mindful of how many strings you’re adding to avoid an unnecessary increase in your bill.
- Lighting Duration: Many displays operate from sunset to late evening, leading to increased energy use. Reducing usage by just an hour per night can noticeably lower costs.
- Seattle’s Electricity Rates: Electricity costs in Seattle are relatively affordable compared to other cities, but winter months with higher energy usage still add up. Seattle City Light’s average rate is about $0.11 per kilowatt-hour, which can be helpful to keep in mind when calculating your costs.
Calculating the Cost: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a straightforward calculation, follow this method:
- Determine the Watts per String: Most LED holiday lights use between 4-10 watts per string, while incandescent lights may use closer to 40 watts.
- Daily Usage: Multiply the wattage of your lights by the hours they’re used each day.
- Convert to Kilowatt-Hours (kWh): Divide this number by 1,000 to convert to kWh.
- Calculate the Cost: Multiply by Seattle’s average rate of $0.11 per kWh. For example, if you’re running five 10-watt LED strings for six hours per day over a 30-day period, the electricity cost is about $1. If you used incandescent lights instead, the cost would rise to around $10.
Energy-Saving Strategies for Seattle Homeowners
- Switch to LED Lights: LEDs not only reduce electricity usage but also last longer, lowering replacement costs.
- Install Timers: Setting a timer for your lights allows you to manage how long they’re on each night. Just one hour less can make a difference.
- Optimize Your Display: Limit the number of lights or focus lighting on key areas to create an impact without unnecessary extra lights.
For more detailed guidance, check out resources from Puget Sound Energy, which often includes seasonal energy-saving tips and LED lighting guides.
Professional Installation: A Cost-Effective Solution?
Hiring a professional service like Seattle Holiday Lights can help homeowners manage lighting costs. Professional installers can optimize lighting layouts to achieve maximum effect while keeping electricity usage low. By using high-quality, energy-efficient materials and carefully planning each setup, professionals can help you enjoy your holiday lights without overextending your budget.
Why Choose Seattle Holiday Lights
Seattle Holiday Lights offers a full suite of holiday lighting services, including installation, maintenance, and removal for homeowners and businesses. With a focus on efficiency and quality, we’re here to help you celebrate the season without worrying about excessive electricity costs.
Get in touch with Seattle Holiday Lights today for a free quote!
For all-inclusive holiday lighting services, contact Seattle Holiday Lights today. We bring the lights, the ladders, and the labor, creating a beautiful, safe, and stress-free holiday display.
Get Started Today!
Call/Text (206) 682-7110
9585 8th Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98108
Seattle is known for its environmentally conscious community, so it’s no surprise that eco-friendly LED lighting tops the list of holiday trends. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, making them a sustainable choice that’s perfect for Seattleites looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on brightness. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Seattle's dedication to green energy and environmental responsibility has led many residents to seek energy-efficient options. With our long, dark winters, these lights are a perfect way to keep energy costs down while brightening the home. Incorporate This Trend: Consider layering LED string lights along your roofline or trees to create a soft, energy-efficient glow. Mixing warm and cool white LEDs can add depth and sophistication to your display. Pro Tip: Opt for programmable LED lights with color-changing options. They allow you to switch between festive colors for different occasions throughout the year, keeping your home vibrant and unique. Smart Holiday Lighting With the rise of smart home technology, holiday lights have become more interactive than ever. Smart lights connect with home automation systems, allowing you to control them with your smartphone or voice assistant. Some systems can even be set to music, syncing the lights with your favorite holiday tunes. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Tech-savvy neighborhoods like Bellevue and South Lake Union are filled with residents who enjoy innovative solutions that simplify life. Smart holiday lights bring that same convenience to holiday decorating. Incorporate This Trend: Try adding smart light controllers that let you create preset lighting schedules, change colors remotely, and even adjust brightness to conserve energy. Pro Tip: Sync your smart lights with a playlist of holiday classics to create a festive light show. This trend works well for both homes and businesses looking to impress visitors and customers alike. Classic White Lights with Modern Twists The timeless look of classic white lights continues to reign supreme, especially in historic Seattle neighborhoods like Queen Anne and Madison Park. This year, homeowners are giving traditional white lights a contemporary twist by combining them with vintage-style bulbs, unique arrangements, or adding contrasting greenery and metallic accents. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Many Seattleites appreciate the understated elegance of classic displays. When enhanced with modern design elements, classic white lights add charm without overwhelming the senses. Incorporate This Trend: Use classic white lights on window frames, around entryways, or wrapped around pillars to accentuate architectural details. Adding in larger, vintage-inspired bulbs can add depth and a modern edge. Pro Tip: Go for oversized, globe-shaped white bulbs for a modern take on the classic white light display. Combine them with greenery or festive wreaths to create a cozy, welcoming look. Interactive Light Displays for Businesses Businesses across Seattle are leveraging interactive light displays to attract and engage customers. In shopping districts like Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, interactive displays captivate passersby, drawing them in for a closer look. Businesses are incorporating animated lighting or installing "selfie stations" illuminated with LED backdrops, creating a photo-friendly environment that encourages visitors to share on social media. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Seattle is a social media-friendly city where local businesses thrive on community engagement. Interactive displays make for fun, memorable customer experiences that can boost foot traffic and brand visibility. Incorporate This Trend: For businesses, consider setting up an LED-lit archway or photo booth where visitors can take pictures. These displays work great with smart lighting that can change colors or create moving patterns. Pro Tip: Use social media hashtags on signs near the display to encourage visitors to tag your business. It's a creative way to expand your online presence and showcase your holiday spirit. Minimalist Scandinavian-Inspired Lighting Inspired by Scandinavian design principles, minimalist holiday lighting focuses on simplicity and functionality. This style uses fewer, carefully placed lights to create an elegant and serene atmosphere. Often using warm lights and natural materials like wood and greenery, this trend is especially popular in neighborhoods with modern architecture, such as Ballard and Fremont. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: The Pacific Northwest aesthetic leans toward minimalism and natural beauty. This trend complements Seattle’s unique mix of urban and natural landscapes, enhancing rather than overpowering the surroundings. Incorporate This Trend: Consider placing warm white LED lights on a single focal point, like a tree or shrub, and adding natural garlands. This subtle approach brings out the beauty of the landscape and provides a cozy glow. Pro Tip: Combine lights with organic materials like pine cones, branches, and wreaths for a minimalist look that feels both modern and inviting. Why Choose Seattle Holiday Lights? At Seattle Holiday Lights, we specialize in creating beautiful, custom holiday displays for homes and businesses across the city. With our professional holiday light installation, maintenance, and removal services, you can enjoy a hassle-free holiday season and a display that’s safe, secure, and tailored to your style. Our team is dedicated to serving the Seattle community, with expertise that includes sustainable lighting solutions, tech integration, and designs that reflect the unique charm of each neighborhood. Ready to make your home or business shine this holiday season? Contact Seattle Holiday Lights today for a free quote and let us help you bring your festive vision to life. Get Started Today! Call/Text (206) 682-7110 9585 8th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98108
The holiday season in Seattle is a magical time, with homes, businesses, and neighborhoods glowing bright with festive displays. Preparing your property for professional holiday light installation can make all the difference, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and visually stunning display. At Seattle Holiday Lights, a division of All Covered Painting, we offer expertly managed, full-service light installation so you can relax and enjoy the season. Here’s how you can get ready for the big installation day. Schedule Early and Choose Your Design Our schedule fills up fast! By booking early, you secure a spot with Seattle Holiday Lights and benefit from the best availability. During the planning phase, brainstorm designs that speak to your style, from classic all-white lights to a more elaborate winter wonderland. Researching local trends or popular ideas is a great start—King5 notes that Seattle residents continue to favor classic whites and cool blues for a sophisticated, modern look year after year. Once you have a general idea, our team will help tailor a custom design to fit your home’s or business’s unique architecture.
Which is Best Approach for Seattle Businesses and Homes?
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