Comparing Retail Christmas Lights to Commercial-Grade Lights
Comparing Retail Christmas Lights to Commercial-Grade Lights (LED Edition)
Subtitle: Discover the details about longevity, light quality, and more.
When it comes to Christmas lights, LEDs have become the top choice due to their energy efficiency, long-lasting performance, and the way they just shine brighter than incandescent bulbs. It’s a good thing too, because the days of hunting for exactly which bulb is broken are behind us thanks to LEDs.
But within the world of LED lights, you have two main options: retail store LEDs and commercial-grade LEDs. While both options can give you a beautiful holiday display, they differ in several areas to take note of. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
1. Durability and Construction
Retail-Grade LEDs: Last 2-3 seasons on average.
Department store LEDs are typically made for casual, seasonal use. While they do offer good performance and durability compared to older incandescent bulbs, they often have thinner wiring and thinner plastic bulbs, making them less sturdy when exposed to harsh outdoor elements for long periods. These lights are designed for light-to-moderate outdoor exposure but may not hold up well in extreme weather conditions over multiple seasons.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: Last 7+ seasons on average, often longer.
Commercial-grade LED lights are designed with more heavy-duty construction. They use thicker, more durable wiring, and the bulbs are often made of polycarbonate, a shatterproof material that’s more resistant to weather conditions like snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. These lights are built to last longer in outdoor environments and can withstand more wear and tear, making them ideal for those who want a reliable, long-term solution.
2. Brightness and Appearance
Department Store LEDs: LEDs from department stores generally provide adequate brightness and color options for most homeowners. However, the quality and color consistency of the bulbs can vary depending on the brand, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to match color temperatures such as warm white.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: Commercial-grade LEDs are built for consistent, high-quality brightness and color over a long period. The light output is often more uniform across strands, and they tend to have a more polished appearance.
3. Customization and Flexibility
Department Store LEDs: The selection of department store LEDs usually comes in preset lengths and designs, limiting your ability to customize the length or bulb spacing. This can make it challenging if you need specific lengths for rooflines or large areas like trees. Most department store lights come in standard sizes, and you may need to buy more strands than you need.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: With professional-grade lights, you can customize everything from bulb spacing to the exact length of the strands to the color scheme you’re looking for. This allows for more flexibility in creating a display that fits your home perfectly. Custom timers are easy to pair with these lights.
4. Installation
Department Store LEDs: Installing department store lights is typically a DIY job. If you don’t mind heights or spending a little free time on a project, this is a good way to save.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: Commercial-grade lights often come with professional installation. A professional team installs your lights so you get a great look without fall risks, ladders, or taking time away from your schedule.
5. Maintenance
Thankfully, LED lights are way more durable and require less frequent upkeep than older incandescent bulbs
Department Store LEDs: Occasionally, a bulb still goes out or a section of the strand stops working, so you can repair or replace the strand. This can involve troubleshooting electrical issues or untangling and replacing damaged strands, adding to time, cost, and potentially waste.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: With commercial-grade lighting, maintenance is often included in the service package when you hire a professional installer. If a bulb burns out or a strand malfunctions, the professionals handle the repairs or replacements, ensuring your display stays flawless throughout the season (and beyond if they store the lights after the season).
6. Energy Efficiency
Both Department Store and Commercial-Grade LEDs: LEDs in general are highly energy-efficient, consuming far less power than incandescent bulbs. Both retail and commercial-grade LEDs offer significant savings on your energy bill compared to traditional lighting. The difference between the two options in terms of energy efficiency is usually minimal, as both typically use the same technology even if the materials are very different.
7. Up Front Cost and Long-Term Value
This one is more dependent based on what you personally value and prefer. For some, a lower cost and higher time investment is ideal. For others, saving time and energy is preferred.
Retail LEDs: Department store LEDs are generally more affordable upfront, with prices ranging from $.25-$1.25 per foot. For most homeowners, this is appealing because it allows you to get a holiday display without a large initial investment. However, the lower price often comes with less durable materials or wiring.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: Commercial-grade LEDs are more of a long-term investment, with prices typically ranging from $2-5 per foot. While the initial cost is higher, these lights are built to last for many years with minimal replacement.
8. Warranty and Support
Department Store LEDs: Many department store lights come with short-term or limited warranties (if any). This means if something goes wrong after a season, you will probably need to purchase new lights.
Commercial-Grade LEDs: Professional-grade lights often come with longer warranties—at Bright Lights, for example, we offer 5 years. In addition, if you hire a professional installer, you’ll usually get ongoing support throughout the season, meaning if anything happens, it’s covered by your service provider.
Both department store and commercial-grade LED lights have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and whether you’re more of a DIYer or prefer professional installation. There’s no right answer, only what you prefer.
If you’re looking for an affordable, DIY option and don’t mind occasional maintenance or replacing strands every few seasons, department store LEDs are a great choice.
If you want a more customizable, durable, and professional installation and support, commercial-grade LEDs are for you.
At Bright Lights Utah, we specialize in commercial-grade LED lighting solutions that provide unmatched durability, customization, and professional service. Whether you choose to DIY or go professional, we’re here to help you create a bright, beautiful holiday display!