As the weather cools and the holiday lights start to appear around Savannah, TN, Corinth, MS, Iuka, MS, and small towns across the Tennessee Valley, it’s easy to feel your energy bills start to climb right along with your decorations. Whether you love a fully lit tree, glowing garlands, or the kind of outdoor display that stops traffic, the holidays don’t have to send your electric bill into a tailspin.
At Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning, we hear from homeowners every winter who want to keep their homes festive and efficient. And the truth is, you can absolutely do both. The right choices not only lower your power usage — they also help keep your home’s electrical system running smoothly during the coldest months of the year.
Here are a few simple, smart Christmas decorating tips that help you shine bright without the energy spike.
Tip #1: Switch to LED Lights — the Easy Win Your Wallet Will Love
If you’re still using traditional incandescent holiday lights, you may as well be hanging tiny space heaters on your tree. Those old bulbs pull significantly more energy, release more heat, and burn out faster. LED holiday lights, on the other hand, use up to 80% less energy, last longer, and stay cool to the touch — a safety bonus for families.
LEDs come in warm whites, cool whites, color-changing strands, net lights for bushes, cascading icicles, and even programmable outdoor smart systems. Whether you’re decorating a front porch in Savannah or a backyard patio in Corinth, there’s an LED option that will stretch your decorating power without overloading your electric bill.
And bonus: LED bulbs reduce the risk of overheating dry Christmas trees — something every homeowner should think about before the season gets into full swing.
Tip #2: Put Your Lights on Timers & Smart Plugs
Few things drain electricity faster than lights that stay on long after everyone’s gone to bed. Instead of relying on memory (or holiday chaos) to turn things off, plug your indoor and outdoor lights into:
Smart plugs
Programmable timers
Smart power strips
This one change helps you avoid overnight energy waste and extends the life of your lights. It also prevents your holiday setup from pulling power during the coldest hours of the night — when your HVAC system is already working hardest to keep up.
If you’re tech-friendly, connect your lights to a home assistant and create a routine that fits your lifestyle. A homeowner in Iuka may want lights on from 5–9 PM, while someone in Corinth who hosts family dinners may prefer a later schedule. With timers, you’re in control — and your energy bill shows it.
Tip #3: Decorate With Fewer Lights & Add Fiber Optic Pieces
Holiday magic doesn’t require every surface to glow. In fact, intentional decorating often looks more polished — and uses far less energy. Fiber optic decorations, such as tabletop trees, wreaths, and centerpieces, create a beautiful shimmering effect using only a single light source.
If you want a warm glow without wiring your entire house, consider:
Fiber optic garlands
Lighted mantle pieces
Illuminated glass decor
Pre-lit decorations that use micro LEDs
This is one of the easiest ways to create a festive holiday atmosphere without forcing your home’s electrical system — and your heat pump — to work overtime.
How Energy-Smart Decorating Helps Your HVAC System Too
Many homeowners don’t realize that inefficient holiday lighting setups can indirectly affect heating performance. When lights generate heat or overload circuits, it can cause your HVAC system to cycle more frequently or work harder to stabilize temperatures.
When your home is already dealing with winter weather, you want your system running as efficiently as possible. These small decorating changes help keep your electrical load balanced and your HVAC system operating smoothly — especially during high-use evenings.
Homeowners in Savannah, TN; Counce, TN; Corinth, MS; Iuka, MS; and Florence, AL all deal with fluctuating fall and winter temperatures, so anything you do to maintain efficiency really does pay off.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Home Efficient This Holiday Season
Beyond decorating choices, a few small steps can keep your energy bills steady:
Seal drafts around windows and doors
Change your air filters before guests arrive
Avoid blocking vents with trees or decorations
Lower the thermostat when hosting large gatherings
Schedule a quick HVAC tune-up if it’s been a while
Each of these things supports your system and improves comfort — something every homeowner appreciates when cold weather hits.
Keep the Holidays Bright & Cozy with Help from Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning
The holidays should feel warm, joyful, and stress-free. And when your energy bill isn’t creeping higher every week, you can enjoy the season without worrying about what January will bring.
If you want to go further with winter efficiency — from heat pump upgrades to insulation advice — our team is here to help. Families across Savannah, TN; Corinth, MS; Iuka, MS; Counce, TN; and Florence, AL trust Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning for honest, dependable service all year long.
đź“ž Harbin Heating & Air Conditioning
đź“Ť 5910 Hwy 57, Counce, Tennessee 38326
📱 (731) 689-3651
Proudly serving Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama with hometown care and reliable HVAC expertise.
Energy Tips → http://tva.me/43it50XlMkp
