Whether you’re going all out like Buddy the Elf or Clark Griswold, or planning something a little simpler, these easy tips will help brighten your holidays without overloading your outlets or your energy bill.

Make a list and check it twice. Use the holiday lighting cost calculator on our website to compare your options this season and get an idea of what to expect on your energy bill.

Hanging 25,000 twinkle lights? Switch to LEDs. They use less energy compared to incandescent lights and can last up to 20 years.

Timing is everything. Put your holiday lights and powered outdoor decorations on a timer. That way, there’s no risk you’ll forget to turn them off when you go to bed.

Reflect on your options. Rather than adding more lights to your tree, brighten existing lighting with tinsel, mirrored ornaments and other reflective items.

Simplify and save. Consider using festive floodlights on the outside of your home rather than multiple strands of string lights. Halogen and LED bulbs will use less energy.

Be safe. Make sure to inspect your strands of lights and throw away any that are damaged. Also, don’t overload your outlets or string too many lights together — follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how many strings you can connect and how to connect them safely.

For more energy efficiency tips, go to our website.