Many homeowners are looking for ways to simplify their decorating routine as the holidays approach. One popular solution is permanent Christmas lighting, eliminating the hassle of hanging strings of lights each year. While the upfront cost can seem high, the long-term benefits of convenience, energy efficiency, and safety are worth considering.
However, certain factors must be considered before you make the final decision. These generally include the cost of permanent Christmas lights, including installation, materials, and potential savings, and the comparison to traditional lighting solutions. Understanding the financial investment can help you decide if permanent lighting is the right choice for your home. Let’s explore how much do permanent Christmas lights cost this year.
Understanding the Cost of Permanent Christmas Lights
Permanent Christmas lights typically cost more upfront than traditional holiday lighting, but they offer long-term benefits that can make them a worthwhile investment. The total price includes the cost of the lighting system, installation, and any necessary maintenance over time. Permanent lighting systems are designed to last many years.
It makes them more cost-effective than purchasing new temporary lights each holiday season. When considering the cost, it’s important to factor in the energy savings, reduced maintenance, and safety improvements over traditional lighting options, as these can lead to significant holiday savings in the long run.
Factors Affecting the Price of Permanent Lights
Several factors influence the cost of permanent Christmas lights. The size of your home, the type of lighting system chosen, and the complexity of the installation. The price can vary depending on the brand of lights, the materials used, and the technological features of the system.
Additional features like color-changing capabilities, smart controls, and customizable scenes can increase prices. Additionally, labor costs will be a key consideration if you choose to install the lights or hire a professional installation service. The rule of thumb here is that the more intricate the design or the larger the property, the higher the cost.
Read related blog: How to Save for a Christmas Budget
Average Cost Breakdown: Installation and Materials
The cost of permanent Christmas lights, including materials such as LED bulbs, light tracks, and wiring, can range from $17 to $22 per linear foot. Installation costs typically range from $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on factors such as the height of the building and the complexity of the setup.
For example, if you have a 100-foot single-story home, the lighting system and installation costs range from $2,800 to $3,800. The total cost for larger, multi-story homes can rise to between $4,500 and $6,500 for 200 feet of lighting. While the upfront costs are high, these lights’ energy efficiency and long-lasting durability can provide excellent value.
Comparing Permanent vs. Temporary Christmas Lights
When comparing permanent and temporary Christmas lights, the primary difference lies in the upfront cost and long-term investment.
Temporary lights: Temporary lights typically cost between $200 and $1,000 to install, but they must be replaced annually due to wear and tear. Also, temporary lights are labor-intensive to install and remove each year.
Permanent lights: On the other hand, permanent lights are a one-time investment that lasts up to 20 years or more. Permanent lights are easy to maintain and require no annual setup.
Additionally, permanent lights consume far less energy, which can result in lower utility bills over time.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Pros and Cons
You can either DIY your permanent Christmas lights or get them professionally installed. However, this decision should depend upon the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional installation.
1. DIY Installation
Cost-Effective: Installing permanent lights yourself can save you money on labor costs.
Time-Consuming: DIY installations can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re unfamiliar with electrical work.
Risk Factor: Climbing ladders and handling electrical wiring can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken.
2. Professional Installation
Expertise: Professional installers ensure the lights are properly installed without damaging your home or electrical system.
Convenience: Hiring professionals saves you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy the holidays stress-free.
Higher Cost: Professional installation adds to the overall cost, but the quality and safety benefits may outweigh the expense.
Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
One of the main advantages of permanent Christmas lights is their energy efficiency. LED lights use about 1 watts per bulb, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent lights, which use about 5 watts per bulb. Over time, these energy savings can add up, lowering your monthly utility bills.
For example, running permanent lights for six hours a day costs just $4 to $5 per month, while traditional incandescent lights could cost $40 to $50 for the same usage. Given their long lifespan—up to 100,000 hours—permanent lights can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity costs, making them a smart investment.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Permanent Lights
To ensure you’re getting the best value for your permanent Christmas lights, here are some tips to consider:
Shop Around: Compare different brands and installers to find the best price and features that suit your needs.
Consider Package Deals: Many companies offer discounts on full installation packages, which may include the lights, wiring, and labor at a reduced cost.
Look for Promotions: Some installers offer seasonal discounts, especially during the off-season.
Check for Warranties: Ensure that your lights come with a solid warranty, which can protect your investment in the long term.
Read related blog: How Much Do Christmas Trees Cost
How Beem Can Help You Manage Holiday Lighting Expenses
Managing holiday lighting expenses can be challenging, especially when faced with the upfront cost of permanent lights. Beem, a financial app designed to help users budget and save money, can assist in managing all holiday costs. By tracking your spending, setting savings goals, and receiving insights into your financial habits, Beem helps you plan for large expenses like permanent holiday lighting.
Using Beem, you can create a savings plan for your lighting system, ensuring you have the funds when it’s time to invest in a year-round lighting solution. Beem’s budgeting tools can help you stay on track with your financial goals while brightening your home during the holidays.
Conclusion
Permanent Christmas lights offer a stylish, energy-efficient, and hassle-free solution for decorating your home during the holidays. While the initial investment may be significant, the long-term savings on energy bills and the convenience of never installing lights again make it worthwhile.
Whether you install the lights yourself or hire a professional, many options suit your needs and budget. When deciding, be sure to consider the lights’ energy efficiency and durability. With the help of Beem’s financial tools, you can easily manage the costs of your new holiday lighting system while staying within your overall budget.
FAQs About How Much Do Permanent Christmas Lights Cost
How much do permanent Christmas lights cost per linear foot?
Permanent Christmas lights typically cost between $17 and $22 per linear foot for the materials. Installation can add $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on factors such as home size and complexity of the installation.
Are permanent Christmas lights worth the investment?
Yes, permanent Christmas lights can be worth the investment for their convenience, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. They eliminate the need for yearly installation and replacement, and their LED technology helps reduce energy costs in the long run.
What factors affect the cost of installing permanent Christmas lights?
The cost depends on the size of the home, the type of lights and features (e.g., smart controls or color-changing), and whether you choose professional installation. Labor costs and the complexity of the installation also impact the price.
How long do permanent Christmas lights last?
Permanent Christmas lights, especially LED lights, can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. Their durability and energy efficiency make them a long-term solution compared to traditional holiday lights requiring frequent replacements.
Can I install permanent Christmas lights myself?
You can install permanent Christmas lights yourself with the necessary skills and tools. However, it can be time-consuming and requires safety precautions, especially installing electrical wiring and climbing ladders.
