Running a Christmas tree throughout the holiday season involves a few key factors: the type of lights you use, how many hours per day the tree is lit, and the electricity rates in your area. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to keep your tree glowing from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Cost Factors for Running a Christmas Tree
- Type of Lights:
- Incandescent Lights: Older-style lights are less energy-efficient and use more electricity.
- LED Lights: Modern LED lights are highly energy-efficient and cost significantly less to operate.
- Electricity Rates:
- Electricity costs are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the average price in the U.S. is around 15 cents per kWh. Rates vary by state and utility provider.
- Usage Duration:
- Assume the tree is lit 6 hours per day over 40 days (roughly Thanksgiving to New Year’s).
Cost Comparison: Incandescent vs. LED Lights
| Type of Lights | Watts per String (100 bulbs) | Cost per Season (40 days, 6 hours/day) | Annual Savings (LED vs. Incandescent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Lights | 40-70 watts | $5 – $10 | – |
| LED Lights | 5-8 watts | $0.50 – $1 | ~$8 |
- Example Calculation:
- Incandescent: A string of 100 incandescent lights uses 70 watts. Over 240 hours (6 hours/day × 40 days), it consumes 16.8 kWh. At 15 cents per kWh, the cost is $2.52 per string.
- LED: A string of 100 LED lights uses 8 watts. Over the same 240 hours, it consumes 1.92 kWh, costing $0.29 per string.
If you use 5 strings of lights on your tree, incandescent lights will cost $12.60, while LEDs will cost only $1.45 for the season (Sporting News)
Additional Costs: Real vs. Artificial Trees
| Tree Type | Average Cost (USD) | Energy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Real Tree | $50 – $100 | None |
| Artificial Tree | $100 – $300 | Long-term cost savings as they are reused yearly. |
Real trees add no direct energy costs but require disposal fees in some areas, while artificial trees can last for years, reducing waste but costing more upfront.
How to Save on Costs
- Switch to LEDs: This is the easiest and most effective way to reduce electricity costs.
- Use Timers: Limit the hours your tree is lit with a programmable timer.
- Reduce Lighting Time: Decrease lighting hours to 4-5 hours daily for further savings.
- Bundle with Solar Power: If you use solar panels, operating costs can be virtually eliminated.
Total Estimated Cost for the Season
For a tree with 500 LED lights, running for 6 hours/day over 40 days, the total electricity cost would be under $7.50. For incandescent lights, the cost could exceed $50 depending on the wattage.
By switching to energy-efficient LEDs and limiting operating hours, you can keep your tree festive and environmentally friendly without breaking the bank. For more details on LED holiday lighting and energy-saving tips, visit EnergyStar or US Energy Information Administration.
