Safe displays
Ryan Streb-General Manager, Streb Electric • November 10, 2025
Streb Electric can help you light up safely and save money on electricity this winter and beyond.
The lighting in your home accounts for about 10% of your overall energy usage. You can save by installing manual and light-sensing dimmers, timers, motion sensors, automated systems and task lights.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to get your sparkle on.
I don’t want to sound like the Grinch, but it’s also the time when you should be aware of the safety issues involved with outdoor and indoor lighting. Electrical malfunction is the factor for 73% of fires that involve decorative lighting.
When it comes to putting up a safe display, here are a few things to avoid that would put you on the naughty list:
- Using indoor extension cords outdoors. This is a biggie. With all the moisture outside, cords should be ground fault protected to reduce the risk of short circuits or fires.
- Overloading an outlet. Whether indoors or outdoors, each outlet is only designed to handle a specific amperage of electricity. Going over that can lead to tripped breakers and blown fuses.
- Using nails or staples to affix lights to your home. These can easily pierce cords. It’s best to use plastic light clips.
- Leaving your lights on 24/7. Even energy-efficient LED lights can overheat. We can install timers or photo controlled on-at-dusk/off-at-dawn meters so you don’t have to remember to turn them off.
Along with the holidays, now is the time of year we’re looking to save on heating bills. Here are a few tips:
- The lighting in your home accounts for about 10% of your overall energy usage. You can save by installing manual and light-sensing dimmers, timers, motion sensors, automated systems and task lights.
- We recommend a smart, programmable thermostat that enables you to raise or lower your temperature during times when you’re asleep or not home, which is an energy-saving game changer.
Give us a call so we can help create strategies for safe lighting displays and cost saving during the winter.
From all of us at Streb Electric, our family to yours, here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season. It’s been a pleasure serving your electrical needs for more than 50 years and throughout the year.
Streb Electric is headquartered in Willoughby and serves homes and businesses throughout Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com for more information.
Recent Posts
Modern couples want weddings with intention that reflect who they are. Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante pairs elegant design, thoughtful details and exceptional cuisine to create a celebration that feels uniquely theirs.
The Cottages at Ohman Family Living at Briar provide modern, right-sized homes that blend comfort, meaningful social connection and maintenance-free living.
White Bordeaux wines are the original inspiration behind today’s rare white Meritage blends.
Heavy snow and winter temperature swings create ice dams that can lead to costly damage, but innovative solutions from Gutter Cover Company can keep water flowing safely all season.
If you’re not willing to leave your wedding day to chance, booking space at Encore Event Center is the easiest “yes” you’ll say.
Fairmount Center for the Arts invites supporters new and old to participate in celebrating its 55th anniversary.
Give your family something to look forward to this summer. The team at Impact Landscaping is already preparing designs for what will become some of the most envied yards in the area.
Four weeks. That’s how long The Exercise Coach in Avon wants you to commit to resetting your metabolism and reclaiming your focus on fitness.
All the bride and groom have to do is show up.
Supporting the liver in January can help improve digestion, energy levels and overall balance heading into the new year.
RELATED ARTICLES
Modern couples want weddings with intention that reflect who they are. Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante pairs elegant design, thoughtful details and exceptional cuisine to create a celebration that feels uniquely theirs.
The Cottages at Ohman Family Living at Briar provide modern, right-sized homes that blend comfort, meaningful social connection and maintenance-free living.
White Bordeaux wines are the original inspiration behind today’s rare white Meritage blends.
Heavy snow and winter temperature swings create ice dams that can lead to costly damage, but innovative solutions from Gutter Cover Company can keep water flowing safely all season.
If you’re not willing to leave your wedding day to chance, booking space at Encore Event Center is the easiest “yes” you’ll say.
Fairmount Center for the Arts invites supporters new and old to participate in celebrating its 55th anniversary.
Give your family something to look forward to this summer. The team at Impact Landscaping is already preparing designs for what will become some of the most envied yards in the area.
Four weeks. That’s how long The Exercise Coach in Avon wants you to commit to resetting your metabolism and reclaiming your focus on fitness.
All the bride and groom have to do is show up.
Supporting the liver in January can help improve digestion, energy levels and overall balance heading into the new year.
