While Christmas LED lights are some of the most energy efficient and brightest you can find, there are some mistakes that are commonly made by consumers when buying them. The result is that sometimes LED lights can get a misleading reputation from consumers that unknowingly made these mistakes and were dissatisfied with their purchases.
Here are some common mistakes by consumers who have bought LED lights.
Buying Cheap From Big Box Stores
While these might seem like a good deal when you are first deciding to try LED lights, they can often create the impression that LEDs are as not as great an idea as they’ve been said to be. When you buy a cheap product, however, you get a product that has been made cheaply. While this concept may work out fine for some things, forChristmas LED lights it is most definitely will not. While they may cost more to buy from a reputable light dealer, you will be more satisfied with a better-quality product.
Buying Retail Grade Lights When You Can Afford Professional
While it is understood that some people can only afford to buy retail-grade lights from a reputable dealer, they do not last as long or shine as brightly as a professional-grade strings. While retail-grade LEDs are best for people on a budget, if you can afford it, it’s best to buy commercial-grade Christmas Lights. These are best in durability and longevity, and they also look the best.
Avoiding Pure White LEDs
Although pure white LEDs certainly did have a bluish tinge when they first arrived on the market, the technology has improved and most high quality sets no longer have this blue cast. Cheaply made LED lights are the exception—another reason not to shop for them at a big-box store!
Buying Stringer Sets of C9 Bulbs
While these are the most popular types of bulbs, buying a stringer set of these lights is often not the best option. While they would seem to be more convenient, they are often not suitable for the purpose for which they are purchased. Most professionals will buy the cords and bulbs (often called “retrofit” bulbs) to build a custom light string that is perfectly suited to their needs.
Underestimating Lighting Needs
No matter how carefully you plan and budget, often you can be caught with not enough lights to complete your holiday lighting display. By the time you realize this, it can be very late in the season and you may be scrambling to find enough strings. This can be embarrassing as well as inconvenient and add needless stress to an already stressful time of year. It is always recommended that you buy a little more than you think you’ll need. You can always use the extra for backups—or for expansion!
Now that you know the common pitfalls with buying LED lights, you can shop for them with a little more confidence, and your lighting projects this holiday season will go a lot smoother.
