TXU Energy

The large, traditional colored bulbs that many people use year after year could be costing you more than you think. While most C7 or C9 lights use 5 to 7 watts per bulb, some of the older strings use up to 10 watts per bulb.

Consider buying new miniature lights, which use about 70% less energy and last much longer than the larger bulbs. If you prefer the brilliance of the larger lights, switch to 5-watt bulbs, which use about 30 percent less energy than 7- to 10-watt bulbs. Although the new bulbs will cost money initially, you will see energy savings immediately.

To save up to 80 - 90% of your energy costs, look for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - they're shatterproof, shock resistant, safe to touch and present no fire hazard from heat generation. LEDs have been around for years, but new technological advances have made them more energy efficient, brighter and available in a wide range of colors.

LEDs work differently than lightbulbs. They're illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. LEDs do not use glass or tungsten fibers. This means that LEDs are very lightweight and environmentally safe. They produce brighter light with virtually no heat and consume less energy than conventional lighting.

Buy LED Holiday lights at EFI's Online Store for TXU Energy.