The winter holidays typically conjure up images of brightly wrapped gifts, festivities and decorations.

However, for many families, it’s also a time in which budgets are strained—not only because of the extra expenses of entertaining, and gift-giving. The cold weather-season also is a time of high utility bills, not just because of the extra expense of heating the home but because of decorative lighting.

Fortunately, Energy Star has created an alternative to outdated holiday lights. The new Energy Star-approved LED holiday lights are an improvement for this problem, as they decrease utility costs and increase safety.

Holiday lights are mostly incandescent lights which use more energy than LED (light emitting diode) lights. That is why organizations like the government-backed Energy Star are recommending the use of LED lights during the holiday season.

The most efficient LED lights are Energy Star recommended LED lights. Energy Star reports that not all LED lights are created equal. According to Energy Star, here are some reasons this brand of LED lights should be used this season:

They last longer. LED lights last up to 50 times longer than incandescent lights. This lowers their cost greatly as they need to be replaced less frequently. •

They help save money. LED lights use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights.

Warranty. Energy Star approved LED lights have the longest warranty at 3 years per bulb.

They are safer. They produce less heat that typical holiday lights. This makes them less likely to start a fire or overheat.

If you are ever unsure of your electrical safety with holiday lights, consult a highly rated Boston electrician.