"I've used C7 lights in recent years inside. I don't feel guilty--I figure the waste heat just helps heat the place. My heating is electric, so I figure it's the same, except at least the lights are pretty! "
That is exactly correct. There is no waste with Christmas lights inside during the heating season. .... or any lights running, for that matter.
4 sets of 25 C7 ,or C9, bulbs,
at 7 watts each bulb
is using 700 watts per hour.
compare: the lowest setting on an electric heater uses about 500 watts.
IF you have them on for roughly 6 hours a day = 4200 watts a day
x 30 days a month = 126000 watts a month
= 126 KWH in a month
x $0.10 average KWH billable from utility company
=$12.60 a month to operate
If they were LED it would probably cost about $0.50 a month to operate, but I don't think they give off much heat, and the looks.....?
I know it's not eco-smart, but I like my incandescent bulbs.
