How to Buy Outdoor Christmas Lights

Before stringing up a single strand of Christmas lights, take a moment to plan out what type of lights you'll need, how many, and how you'll deck out your trees, shrubs, windows and eaves with hundreds (or even thousands) of outdoor Christmas lights. Here are step-by-step instructions to make your home a sparkling standout this holiday season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Ladder
• Christmas lights

1. Measure the length of the home that you want to light; add an extra 30 feet or so to allow for the pitch of the roof. Measure the height of bushes and the height of the sections of any trees you want to light.
2. Figure out how many strings of lights you'll need based on your measurements; strings come in lengths from 25 lights to 200 lights. For trees and bushes, figure on about 50 lights per foot of height, or double that number if you're using miniature lights.
3. Decide what type of lights you want: color or white? Regular or specialty lights, such as icicles or pearls? Large (C-7, C-9) or miniature? Keep in mind that full-size lights (C-7 or C-9) are specifically made for outdoor use, and because they run at 125 to 175 watts per string, they are brighter and last longer.
4. Look for light strings that can be plugged into each other, especially if you are using chasing lights.
5. Plan to use shorter strings; if one burns out, it will be easier to replace.
6. Keep an eye out for sales. Many stores compete with each other to have the lowest prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire an electrician to install an outlet or two in your eaves. Make sure to have the electrician put the outlets on a switch so you don't have to unplug the lights to turn them off.
• Consider putting your lights on a timer if possible.
• Pick up great deals for next year during the after-Christmas sales.
• Make sure the strings you're considering are rated by Underwriter's Laboratories and are designed for outdoor use.
• Make sure the model of lights you buy has not been recalled. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Who Can Help:

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