How Experts Install Holiday Christmas Lights in Texas: 10 Things NOT to Do (and What to Do Instead)
The holiday season in Texas is a time to shine, literally! Installing holiday Christmas lights can make your home a showstopper, but it’s easy to make mistakes with Christmas light decorations if you’re not careful. Follow our guide to avoiding common pitfalls with holiday Christmas lights and creating a safe, stunning display for your house.
1. Don’t Skip Planning Your Design
Why Not? Hanging outdoor Christmas lights without a plan can result in a chaotic look.
What to Do Instead: Sketch out your Christmas lights design first. Decide where light bulbs will go, how many string lights you’ll need, and what colors of Christmas lights you want. This saves time and frustration.
2. Don’t Use Indoor Lights Outside
Why Not? Indoor LED Christmas lights aren’t weatherproof and could short-circuit in rain or humidity.
What to Do Instead: Buy string lights labeled for outdoor use. They’re designed to withstand the outdoor elements, from unexpected rain showers to wind and even snow.
3. Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
Why Not? Plugging in too many string lights can trip breakers or cause fires.
What to Do Instead: Check the wattage limits of your outlets. Use extension cords with built-in surge protectors. Consider LED Christmas lights—they use less power and are safer.
4. Don’t Use Old, Damaged Lights
Why Not? Choose Christmas lights without frayed wires or broken bulbs, which can be dangerous.
What to Do Instead: Inspect all your bulb lights, icicle lights and net lights before hanging them. Replace damaged LED lights and test everything to ensure it works.
5. Don’t Hang Lights Without Secure Fasteners
Why Not? Tape or cheap clips can fail, leaving your Christmas lights dangling or damaged.
What to Do Instead: Shop for sturdy, weatherproof light clips. There are specific clips designed for your home roofs, gutters, fences, landscaping or siding. They have the advantage of being safer. They are also more durable in the wind.
6. Don’t Ignore Ladder Safety
Why Not? Falling off a ladder could lead to severe injuries, which could dampen the holidays.
What to Do Instead: Shop for a stable ladder and use it on level ground. Have someone hold the ladder for extra safety, and never overreach or unsafely carry it.
7. Don’t Leave Cords Dangling on Walkways
Why Not? Tripping hazards can ruin the holiday spirit.
What to Do Instead: Use simple cord covers or secure cords along edges where people don’t walk. You can also run cords through bushes, alongside trees or out of sight.
8. Don’t Forget About GFCI Outlets
Why Not? Regular outlets don’t protect against electrical shocks, especially in wet areas.
What to Do Instead: Plug your lights into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. If you don’t have any outside, there are a variety of portable GFCI adapters.
9. Don’t Leave Christmas Lights on 24/7
Why Not? Running lights constantly wastes energy and shortens their lifespan. This may also lead to Christmas lights not shining as bright.
What to Do Instead: Invest in timers or smart plugs. Set your Christmas lights to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime. This keeps your Christmas lights festive while conserving energy.
10. Don’t Forget to Weatherproof Connections
Why Not? Exposed plugs and sockets can short out in rain or dew.
What to Do Instead: Use waterproof electrical covers for your light connections. Wrap electrical tape for extra protection, especially if rain is in the forecast.
Wrapping It Up
Expert installation of holiday Christmas lights in Texas doesn’t have to be stressful. Avoid the common light mistakes above. Follow our tips, and your home will be illuminating like a winter wonderland. With the right Christmas lights preparation and tools, you can spread holiday Christmas light cheer. Creating a display your neighbors will admire!
Happy decorating for the Holidays!
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