You’ve decided that this holiday season your home will shine brighter than ever before, with the perfect permanent Christmas lights. You’ve done your research, compared styles, and are excited about the endless possibilities. However, there’s one crucial question left unanswered: How much do permanent Christmas lights cost?
The last thing you want is to overpay for subpar quality or be stuck with poor customer service, and making the wrong choice can lead to frustration. Luckily, with thousands of satisfied customers, we can help you navigate these costs. This guide will walk you through the various factors that influence pricing and help you decide whether permanent Christmas lights are a good investment for your home.
What Contributes to the Cost of Permanent Christmas Lights?
The cost of permanent Christmas lights isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors can affect the price you’ll pay, including:
- The type of lights you buy
- The capabilities of the lights
- The quality of the Channels
- The controller and app
- Where the lights are installed on your house
- When the installation occurs
- The quality of labor and installation
Let’s break down each factor to better understand how they influence the final cost.
1. The Type of Permanent Christmas Lights You Buy
Not all Christmas lights are created equal. The specific type of lights you choose significantly affects the price.
LED bulbs: Lights with fewer diodes per bulb are more affordable than those with more. For example, a light with one LED is cheaper than a light with three or six LEDs. The number of diodes determines the brightness and performance of the lights, so ask your vendor for details about what type they use.
Cost Impact: More diodes = higher cost.
2. The Capabilities of Your Permanent Christmas Lights
Do you want simple white lights, or are you after a dazzling display with full control over colors and animations?
Plain white LEDs are cheaper, while RGBWW lights (which offer millions of colors, shading options, and animations) are at the higher end of the price range.
Cost Impact: Complex capabilities = higher price.
3. The Quality of Your Permanent Christmas Lights Channels
The country of origin can also play a role in the price. For instance, USA-made channels tend to be more expensive due to higher manufacturing standards, while outsourced or overseas-made channels are usually cheaper but can be of lower quality.
Higher-quality channels offer better protection and aesthetic appeal and will not be as susceptible to fading and changing colors due to UV, but they come at a higher price.
Cost Impact: Higher-quality materials = higher cost.
4. The Capabilities and Quality of Your Permanent Christmas Light’s Controller and App
The controller and its app significantly affect how easy it is to manage your lights. Some apps are cloud-based and don’t require Wi-Fi, syncing seamlessly with Google and Alexa. A quality app will also feature music-syncing capabilities. Others might be generic, harder to use, and offer fewer customization options.
Cost Impact: More advanced controllers and apps = higher cost.
5. Where the Permanent Christmas Lights Are Installed on Your House
How many lights you need and where they’re installed (e.g., just on the front of the house or around the entire perimeter) are major contributors to cost. The more lights and more coverage, the more expensive your project will be.
Cost Impact: More linear footage = higher total cost.
6. When Your Permanent Christmas Lights Are Installed
Timing is everything! The closer to the holidays you schedule your installation, the more you’ll likely pay. If you’re looking to save, consider having your lights installed during the off-season when demand is lower.
Cost Impact: Installation closer to holidays = higher cost.
7. The Quality of Labor and Installation of Your Permanent Christmas Lights
Proper installation is essential for both aesthetics and longevity. Many companies that dabble in lighting may not have the expertise needed for permanent installations, often leading to poor results and unreliable service.
It’s best to choose a company that specializes in permanent Christmas lighting, ensuring skilled labor, high-quality installation, and a robust warranty.
Cost Impact: Higher labor and installation quality = higher upfront cost but potentially more savings in the long run.
So, How Much Do Permanent Christmas Lights Cost?
Now that you understand the factors influencing the price, let’s get down to numbers. Prices vary depending on the options you choose, but here are some average costs based on 100 feet of installed lights:
Do-It-Yourself Permanent Christmas Lights
- Price Range: $350–$3,000
- This option includes the cost of lights, adhesives, and tools needed for a DIY installation. Prices vary based on the complexity and quality of the lights. The wide range of cost of these lights is in part due to whether or not you decide to install the lights in a track or channel system or if you choose to have exposed wires.
Professionally Installed Single LED Outward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights
- Price Range: $1,500–$3,000
- These are basic single LED outward-facing lights, offering a bright punch but less refined aesthetics. The reason why this is a cheaper option is because these lights don’t use a channel or track system and holes are drilled through the gutters, drip edges, and existing material on the home. In turn, this leaves the lights exposed to the elements.
Professionally Installed Single LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights
- Price Range: $2,000–$3,500
- By using a track system these avoid being invasive with gutters, but with a single LED, you will still be limited in capabilities, being unable to cast light onto the home.
Professionally Installed RGB 3 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights
- Price Range: $2,500–$4,000
- These lights create a splash effect onto the walls of the home, but without the full spectrum of white, they are notably limited when it comes to architectural or security lighting. The white light that they produce is very intense and more appropriate for commercial applications than home accent lighting.
Professionally Installed RGBWW 6 LED Downward-Facing Permanent Christmas Lights
- Price Range: $3,000–$4,500
- Offering millions of colors and true white, these lights are the best option for high-end architectural lighting.
What Else Do You Need To Know Before Buying Permanent Christmas Lights?
When considering the purchase of permanent Christmas lights for your home, several key factors go beyond just the initial cost. In this companion article, Permanent Christmas Lights: What You Need To Know Before Buying, you will discover the essential aspects to keep in mind before making this long-term investment.
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