As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners begin finding themselves untangling strings of Christmas lights and braving the cold to hang them up. But what if there is a way to simplify this annual tradition? We have just the thing, permanent Christmas lights! They are a modern, hassle-free solution for creating a festive atmosphere year after year.
Permanent lights come with many perks, such as they save your time and hard-earned money required for installation every year and maintenance, then taken down. So, why not get your hands on this festive new tech? Wondering what permanent Christmas lights are and how they work? No worries! We did all the research for you, so that you can make the switch to this innovative lighting option easily.
What are Permanent Christmas Lights?
Permanent Christmas lights, or trim or architectural lighting, are designed to be installed on your home’s exterior and remain in place throughout the year. These lighting systems typically consist of durable, low-profile RGB LED light strips or channels that blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture.
With a wide range of colors and customizable effects, these lights offer endless possibilities for creating festive displays during the holidays and for various occasions and celebrations.
How Do Permanent Christmas Lights Work? The Inner Workings
Let’s look at the permanent Christmas light components, installation process, and control options.
Components of Permanent Christmas Lights
Permanent Christmas light systems typically consist of the following components:
- LED Light Strips or Channels: These low-profile and durable light strips or channels house the LED bulbs, creating a vibrant and energy-efficient display. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions and offer long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
- Mounting Tracks or Clips: To ensure a discreet and seamless appearance, mounting tracks or clips are used to install such lights. They are custom-painted to match your home’s exterior. These tracks or clips hold the LED light strips or channels securely in place invisibly.
- Power Supply and Wiring: A weather-resistant power supply unit provides electricity to the permanent Christmas light system, while the wiring connects the different components and ensures proper functioning.
- Control Unit: The control unit is the primary handler behind the permanent holiday light system. It lets you choose from various colors, patterns, and lighting effects. Some advanced control units also feature Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities that give access through a smartphone app or smart home assistant.
Installation Process of Permanent Christmas Lights
The permanent Christmas light installation process typically involves the following steps:
- Planning and Design: Before installation, it is essential to plan your lighting design. For this, consider factors such as the layout of your home, desired lighting effects, and architectural features you want to highlight.
- Mounting the Tracks or Clips: Now attach the mounting tracks or clips to your home’s exterior, usually along the roofline, eaves, or around windows and doors. You can custom paint the tracks or clips to blend seamlessly with your home’s facade.
- Installing LED Light Strips or Channels: Fit the LED light strips or channels into the mounting tracks or clips to ensure a secure and discreet installation. Proper wiring and connections are essential at this stage to ensure the system functions correctly.
- Connecting the Power Supply and Control Unit: The power supply unit is connected to an outdoor electrical outlet. The control unit is then connected to the light strips, channels, and power supply to manage the lighting effects and settings.
- Testing and Adjustments: The system is tested once the installation is complete to ensure proper functioning and correct any issues. Maybe you have to make adjustments to the design or settings.
Controlling Permanent Christmas Lights
One of the significant advantages of permanent Christmas lights is the ability to control and customize your lighting display easily. Most systems offer a variety of control options given below as a part of their system:
- Wired Controllers: Basic wired controllers provide simple on/off functionality and may include options for adjusting colors, patterns, and brightness levels.
- Wireless Remote Controls: Some systems have a wireless remote control that allows you to manage your lighting display from a distance without needing a smartphone.
- Smartphone Apps: Many permanent Christmas light systems feature Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, enabling you to control your lights using a dedicated smartphone app. It gives flexibility and customization with scheduling, color selection, etc.
- Smart Home Integration: For homeowners with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, some permanent Christmas light systems can be integrated into your existing setup so that you can control your lights using voice commands or through the app.
Tips for Installing Permanent Christmas Lights
Here are some of the tips that help install permanent Christmas lights:
Choose the Right System
Before investing in permanent Christmas lights, research various products and companies to find a system that best suits your needs and budget. Go for the features such as energy efficiency, customizable settings, and compatibility with smart home devices.
Hire a Professional Installer
Although some homeowners may be comfortable with a DIY installation, hiring a professional for a seamless and secure installation is generally recommended. It ensures your lights are properly installed, reducing the risk of damage or malfunction.
Plan Your Lighting Design
Consider the layout of your home and the desired effect when planning your lighting design. Think about which architectural features you would like to highlight and how different colors and patterns can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Regular Maintenance
Permanent Holiday lights require minimal maintenance; it’s essential to periodically inspect the system for any signs of wear or damage. They help ensure the longevity and performance of your lights.
Embrace Creativity
Don’t limit your permanent Christmas lights to the holiday season. you can experiment with different colors and effects for other occasions, such as birthdays and sports events, or simply add a touch of ambiance to your outdoor living space.
You can also have a look at the tips for taking down the Christmas lights.
Ending Note
Permanent Christmas lights offer a convenient and long-lasting alternative to traditional holiday lighting, with durable components, discreet installation, and versatile control options. By understanding the inner workings of these innovative systems, you can appreciate the benefits they bring to your festive celebrations. Plus, you can create a captivating display that can be enjoyed year after year.