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December 08th, 2025 Festive lights … glowing candles … cheery decorations! It wouldn’t be the holiday season without them! Indeed, may your days be “merry and bright,” but we at Coan Heating & Cooling urge you to follow these tips to decorate safely – and save energy, too!
Holiday decorating safety
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Inspect everything: Before use, check all lights and decorations for damaged or frayed cords, loose connections, or broken bulbs. Discard any damaged items.
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Prevent fire hazards:
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Keep lights, candles, and decorations at least three feet from fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources.
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Never place candles where they can be easily knocked over, and only use them under supervision.
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Consider battery-operated candles instead of real ones.
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Use electricity safely:
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Ensure outdoor lights and cords are weatherproof.
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Plug outdoor lights into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
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Use clips or stakes to hang lights and secure cords. Avoid using nails, staples, or tacks that could damage wires.
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Avoid running cords under rugs or in high-traffic areas, which can cause damage.
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Be careful with heights:
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Always use a sturdy ladder and have a spotter when hanging decorations.
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Before positioning your ladder, look up for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet.
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Energy-saving tips
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Switch to LEDs: LED lights use significantly less energy and are cool to the touch, which also reduces fire risk.
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Use timers: Automatic timers can turn your lights on and off at set times, which is both a safety and energy-saving measure.
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Turn them off: Always turn off all lights and electrical decorations before going to bed or leaving your home.
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Don't overload outlets: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Only connect a safe number of light strands, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Coan Heating & Cooling is your partner in energy conservation throughout the holiday season and beyond. We’re here for you – simply call (508) 653-5050 or(800) 262-6462 (toll free), or contact us.
