Switching to LED Christmas lights?

[sunnmama]

We have the old-fashioned ceramic lights for our tree. I love them and the warm glow the emit. But, they get hot (use a lot of electricity), and every year I need to replace 3-5 bulbs. I've had the same 2 strands for many years now, except for replacing bulbs.

I'm thinking of switching to LED lights this year (the pinecone style that mimics the ceramic bulbs). I'd only need a couple strands, because our trees are always small. I want something that will last. Do these last? What are the pros/cons? I really like that the strand will stay ON even if one of my ceramic bulbs is burnt out. Do the LED work the same way?

Thanks!

[SleeplessMommy]

LED lights have several advantages:
* 25,000 hour bulb life (never burns out!)
* no messing with loose connections like we used to.
* almost NO heat generated.... longer tree life and reduced fire risk
* 80-90% reduction in electricity used ... this is especially important for "whole yard displays."

If you go to Lowes or HomeDepot, you can see the LED bulbs in action - this will be helpful to pick colors for your strands. The white bulbs are not quite the same white as you would get with old style bulbs. Since you mention ceramic, maybe yours are colored? I hope you will be able to find just the right bulbs

We have a dozen + strands, the only failure has been when some #!@ squirrels chewed on the strands we put in a tree outside. We use some year round in the basement play room.