Learn how to pick safe, durable and energy-saving Christmas lights that can handle Canadian winter conditions. Practical tips on LEDs, ratings, outdoor use and reducing holiday power costs.
Picking Lights That Can Take The Cold Canadian Weather
Cold snaps, sudden thaws and heavy snow can be pretty tough on holiday lights. Many of us put up the strings in early December and leave them up till January, so picking the right type really matters. A few simple steps can help you avoid damaged wires, burned-out bulbs and higher bills.
LED Options That Will Survive Harsh Temperatures
LEDs are a great choice for freezing conditions – they stay bright, draw less power than old bulbs and can last through several holiday seasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing one:
- LEDs stay relatively cool, which makes them less likely to get damaged by ice
- They also draw a lot less power which can help prevent tripped breakers if you have a long display
- Many of these sets can withstand sudden temperature drops without cracking
Before you buy, check for:
- CSA or cUL marks– you’ll know the product has passed safety checks
- Outdoor labels– and make sure it’s specifically made for snow and wind
- Thick insulation– that won’t stiffen up on you during those cold winter nights
Safety Ratings That Matter in Canada’s Changeable Weather
We all know that Canadian weather can be pretty wild, and your holiday lights need to be able to handle it. Look for a set that has a clear safety rating on the box. You’ll typically want one that has:
- A moisture seal to keep water out
- UV-resistant coating to stop the lights from fading in the sun
- A plug with a built-in fuse for added protection
But be careful – if a string comes with frayed sections or loose ends, it’s best to avoid using it outside. Damaged pieces can lead to shorts when it’s wet and that’s just a recipe for disaster.
Tips To Keep Your Holiday Power Use Down
I know it’s easy to see a spike in your electricity bill in December, but there are a few small habits you can get into to keep costs down:
- Use a timer to turn the lights off at bedtime so you’re not wasting power when you don’t need it
- Choose LEDs over old bulbs – they’ll save you money in the long run
- Try to avoid those long chains of lights that require a million adapters to plug in
- If you want a soft, warm look without raising the power draw, go for LEDs that are packaged as warm white
Simple Ways To Make Your Budget Go Further
- Keep your extension cords short – it’s better to use a few shorter ones than to have a single long one
- When you do need to use extension cords, make sure they’re rated for the outdoors
- And try to keep those snow piles off your lights – it’s a fire hazard waiting to happen and can also overheat the lights
Making Sure Your Outdoor Lights Can Take The Snow, Ice and Wind
Outdoor sets need to be a lot tougher than indoor sets – they need to have wires that can take a beating and seals that will keep the moisture out even in the harshest conditions. Look for products that are labeled as extreme cold – these will bend without cracking and keep the moisture out even when it’s warm and then suddenly freezes.
Make sure the clips hold tight – loose fasteners can let the lights rub against the eaves or gutters and wear down the casing. And when you do choose clips, go for ones made from flexible plastic that can withstand the winter.
Holiday lighting can be a real pain – it takes time and effort, and sometimes it’s just easier to bring in a pro who knows what they’re doing. Especially when the snow starts falling and you don’t want to be climbing up the ladder.