Mr. Comfort

The types of lamps used in Christmas lighting also vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of modern lighting technology in general. Common lamp types are incandescent light bulbs and now light-emitting diodes (LED’s), which are being increasingly encouraged as being more energy efficient.

Incandescent lights are the ones that started it all. Even though they are well over a hundred years old now, the technology largely remains the same. The shapes and sizes of the bulbs, on the other hand, have been in constant change.

Flashback: Traditionally, the set is wired in series, hence the age old problem where if one bulb goes out, the rest won’t light. Who else remembers being forced to check each individual Christmas light? Fingers cramping from ceaseless labor. The memories still haunt me! Most sets are wired in parallel nowadays.

Factoid: Incandescent lights have a lo-tech twinkle method. That little redtipped bulb that comes with each set is made in a way that as the filament heats up, it rises and breaks the circuit. That, of course, shuts of the rest of the lights. When it cools down, it falls again to complete the circuit.

LED lights have been growing in popularity for the past few years. Regardless of what you think of their light output, there’s no denying that they’re much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, and give off less heat. In fact LED lights consume about 90% less electricity and can last 100,000 hours (If you figure the average Christmas lights are used only 200 hours per year, that is a lot of years).

I am Jim Steigner (Mr. Comfort) and I just wanted you to know. As always please feel free to contact me at www.mrcomforthvac.com under the “Ask Mr. Comfort” Section, or at www. facebook/mrcomforthvac. Thanks again for all your input and questions. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. And from all of us at E.H. Roberts Co.’s Comfort Experts a thank you for your business and support.