The Pros and Cons of Permanent Christmas Lights

George Wise • September 3, 2024

Introduction
Many people enjoy the festive lights that brighten homes during the holidays. Some people now choose to keep these lights up all year round, making their homes feel more cheerful. This idea might sound fun, but it's important to think about the good and bad things about it before deciding.

Permanent Christmas Lights: A Stress-Free Solution
Hiring a professional to install and take care of your permanent Christmas lights can save you time and energy. They can also help you use the lights for different holidays throughout the year. In this article, we'll talk about the good and bad things about permanent Christmas lights and how they can save you money.

Cost of Permanent Christmas Lights
The cost of permanent Christmas lights depends on a few things. First, the type of lights you choose can affect the price. Second, the size of your home and how easy it is to reach all the places you want to put the lights on can also make a difference.

Permanent lights typically last longer than temporary ones. For example, LED lights can last around 7 years, compared to the 4 to 5-year lifespan of traditional lights. While this durability makes them more expensive, you also need fewer bulbs to maintain their brightness over time, which adds to the cost compared to seasonal lights.

The cost of hiring a professional to install Christmas lights can vary based on several factors. These include the length of your roofline, the size of your home, and the number of light strands you want. Some companies charge a flat rate, while others base their prices on square footage. The type of lighting you choose also affects the cost.

Benefits of Keeping Lights Up Year-Round
Year-Round Cheer

Keeping your holiday lights up all year round can make your home feel more festive and welcoming. The lights can brighten your mood and make you feel happy and comfortable, no matter what time of year it is.

Time and Effort Savings

Installing holiday lights takes a lot of time and effort. Permanent holiday lighting can save homeowners the trouble of putting up and taking down lights every year. Once installed, these lights need little maintenance, freeing up time for other activities.

A Chance to Be Creative

Permanent holiday lights can be a fun way to decorate your home. There are many different styles and colours to choose from, so you can create a unique look. You can even change the lights to match different holidays or special events.

Improve Your Home’s Value

Making your home look more attractive can help it sell for more. Permanent holiday lights can make your property stand out and attract potential buyers. Well-designed lighting can add a touch of elegance and charm, making a lasting impression on people who see your home.

Drawbacks of Keeping Lights Up Year-Round

Cost More to Run

Permanent holiday lights use more electricity than temporary ones, which can lead to higher energy bills. It's important to think about the cost and the impact on the environment before deciding to use permanent lights.

Light Pollution Can Be a Problem

Too much light from homes can be bad for the environment. It can disturb animals that are active at night and affect their natural behaviour. It's important to find a way to have festive lights without harming the environment. We recommend turning off the lights by 11pm or midnight to help protect wildlife.

Need for Maintenance

Permanent holiday lights still need maintenance and repairs, even though they're easier to set up than temporary ones. Bad weather can damage the lights or the wiring, which can lead to costs for repairs or replacements. It's important to consider these costs before deciding to use permanent lights.

May Lose Their Special Meaning

Holidays are special times for many people. Some people think that having holiday lights up all year round can make them less special. The lights might not seem as exciting if they're always there, so they might not have the same effect during the actual holiday season.

Conclusion

Permanent holiday lights can make your home look festive all year round, but it's important to consider the pros and cons first. They can use more energy, affect the environment, and need maintenance. They might also make holidays feel less special. Before you decide, think about these things and call Ak Trimlight to talk to our holiday lighting designer.

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Breaking the Blockade: Expert Strategies to Stop Alaska Ice Jams for Good

By George Wise • March 4, 2026

If you read our last post, you know that ice dams (or "ice jams") are more than just a winter nuisance—they are a direct threat to your home’s structural integrity. Within our 150-mile service area, from the coast to the valley, Alaska homeowners face some of the toughest winter conditions in the country. At AKTrimlight / Hert's Handman , we don't just identify the problem; we provide professional solutions to stop it. Here is your definitive guide to breaking the blockade and protecting your home. 1. The Right Way to Remove Snow In Alaska, we don't just get a dusting; we get feet of heavy, wet snow. The 6-Foot Rule: You don't necessarily need to clear your entire roof, but keeping the bottom 6 feet clear is critical. This removes the "fuel" that feeds the ice dam. Safety First: Climbing a ladder in sub-zero temperatures is a recipe for disaster. Our team uses specialized roof rakes and safety gear to clear your eaves without risking a fall or damaging your shingles. 2. Professional Steam Removal: The Gold Standard If you already have a massive ice jam, do not reach for a hammer, salt, or a pressure washer. Why Steam? High-pressure steam is the only method that melts ice safely without high-impact force. It "cuts" the ice into manageable chunks that can be removed without compromising your roof's granules or shingles. The Damage of DIY: Using a pick-axe or hammer can lead to thousands of dollars in roof repairs come springtime. Let AKTrimlight / Hert's Handman handle the heavy lifting with the right equipment. 3. The "Cold Roof" Conversion The long-term fix isn't on the outside of your house—it’s in the attic. To stop ice dams forever, we focus on three pillars: Sealing Air Leaks: We find the "hot spots"—places where warm air from your kitchen or bathroom is leaking into the attic. High-Efficiency Insulation: Most Alaska homes are under-insulated. We help bring your attic up to modern standards to keep your heat where it belongs. Proper Ventilation: We ensure your soffit vents and ridge vents are clear, allowing cold air to flow under the roof deck, keeping the surface temperature uniform. 4. Gutter Maintenance and Repair Ice jams often weigh down and warp gutters. Once the ice is gone, the damage remains. We provide full-service gutter inspections to ensure your drainage system is ready for the spring melt. If your gutters were ripped away or bent by the "Big Freeze," we can get them back in working order. Your Local Alaska Partner Hurt's Handyman AKTrimlight / Hert's Handman is your local authority on winter home maintenance. We live here, we work here, and we know exactly what a Mat-Su Valley wind or an Anchorage heavy-snow event can do to a roof. Don't let an ice jam turn into an indoor flood. Whether you need emergency snow removal or a long-term attic solution, we’ve got you covered. Stay warm, stay dry, and let us handle the heavy lifting this winter. If you need help with your ice jam issues, call me at 1-907-748-2655. – Nathanial Hurt

Snow and ice buildup on a house roof and gutters, with icicles hanging down.

What Alaska Homeowners Need to Know About Ice Dams

By George Wise • March 2, 2026

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Snow-covered wooden cabin at dusk, lights glowing from windows and porch.

Preventing the Freeze: A Homeowner’s Guide to Ice Dams

By George Wise • February 25, 2026

We all know, winter in Alaska brings a specific kind of beauty, but for homeowners, it also brings a specific kind of headache: ice dams. While they might look like charming holiday decorations, those thick ridges of ice building up along your eaves are a sign of trouble. At AKTrimlight / Hurt’s Handyman, we want to make sure your home stays dry and your gutters stay functional all season long. Here is everything you need to know about ice dams and how to protect your property.