Christmas lightbulb guide
Bulb names sound like a parts catalog, but there are only a handful you need to know.
Incandescent
The traditional bulb. It has a warm glow and costs less up front, but it uses more power, runs hot, and burns out sooner than LED.
LED
LEDs are the default now: according to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED holiday lights use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent ones and last up to 25 times longer. They barely get warm and they're harder to break.
C5, C7, and C9
These describe the bulb's shape and size, from small to large. C5s suit trees and wreaths, C7s work indoors or out, and C9s are the big classic roofline bulb. You can get all three in LED or incandescent.
Mini lights
The small bulbs on most string sets. They go on trees, garland, wreaths, and pretty much anything else.
Globe lights
Round bulbs with a softer glow. They're popular on porches and patios and come in a range of sizes.
Icicle lights
Short strands hanging at different lengths from one long cord, so they look like icicles along the gutter.
Twinkle and effect sets
Some sets blink, fade, or chase on their own with a built-in controller. Lights that move with music are a different setup, covered in syncing lights to music.
Before you plug in
Make sure your extension cords are rated for the load and that you aren't overloading the circuit. The safety guide has the rest.
Next up: 5 tips for lighting up your house.