The National Tree

LED technology leads GE to create the most energy-efficient National Christmas Tree in history

(ARA) – This year, GE Consumer and Industrial has created America’s first National Christmas Tree outfitted from top to bottom with energy-saving LED technology, including many light strings and ornaments used on previous year’s trees. Inspired by the efforts of American families to reduce, reuse and recycle, the tree is the most energy-efficient tree in history – consuming only 6,000 watts of energy, compared to 18,000 watts on last year’s tree and an average of 40,000 watts on national trees in the traditional, all-incandescent light era.

The wattage reduction was possible because GE has, for the last three years, been gradually trimming the tree with more LED (light emitting diode) lighting, which is powered by tiny computer chips and has up to 20 times the life of traditional incandescent lighting. Since they last so much longer, the company was able to reuse more than half the LED light strings from previous year’s trees. They also retrofitted ornaments from previous years with new LED light strands.

“Recycling and reusing LED lights and ornaments from past designs was the smart thing to do, particularly in today’s economy, in which Americans across our nation are becoming more energy conscious,” says Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting & Electrical Institute. “The brightness and variety of the LEDs has improved so much that for the first time, we’re able to incorporate them so broadly in the design.”

A star-studded holiday

Although this year’s tree design will use considerably less energy, it will shine brightly with more lights than ever before. It will feature 750 Energy Star-rated strings of white LED lights, half that are C5 LED lights recycled from last year and half that are LED crystal minis – a new product that will help give the lighting a three-dimensional look. Each string of LED lights only costs about 14 cents to run for the entire holiday season. The heirloom topper – a 42-inch star illuminated with industrial-grade white GE Tetra® LEDs – that has graced the National Christmas Tree for the past three years, will again make an appearance.

The ornaments all come from the tree’s recent history: 42 gold 12-inch stars from 2008; 42 white 15-inch and 20-inch stars from 2004; and 54 red and gold 18-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch starbursts from 1998.

To add more visual interest, the 56 state and territory trees will be adorned with a combination of C5 LED lights from last year and new LED pearl lights. While GE provides the background lights, teams from each state provide ornaments for the state trees.

Survey shows Americans want energy savings

If a recent study commissioned by GE and conducted by Goodmind Market Research is any indication, this year Americans will be decorating with LEDs in growing numbers. When asked if they planned to save energy this season, 56 percent said “yes,” while 24 percent planned on decorating with LED lights.

In the process of doing the research, some other fun facts emerged. People in the West were more likely to decorate with LED lights than the Northeast or South. Females prefer white lights over multi-colored. People in the Northeast are most likely to decorate with white lights and use real trees, while people in the Midwest and South were most likely to use multi-colored lights and artificial trees.

LEDs offer lots of benefits, from Energy Smart ConstantON LED lights that stay lit when a bulb is broken, to five-year limited warranties, and a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from.

“LEDs are quickly becoming the people’s choice, and for good reason. They’re more durable, and reduce energy usage by about 80 percent over traditional incandescent bulbs. The energy-efficient lighting on the National Christmas Tree is symbolic of what’s going on in homes across the nation,” Gotti says.

GE has been designing the National Christmas Tree since 1962, producing and donating the lighting and decorations. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is an unbroken tradition that began in 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree. For more information, consumers may visit www.ge.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Unfortunately QBE Regional companies General Casualty and Unigard often see an increase in fire claims during the holiday season. Property insurance experts Cindy Woodford and Jon Farris have several tips for homeowners that can help prevent a fire from ruining your festivities.

Trimming the tree
Last year more than 33 million American homes included a natural Christmas tree during the holidays and these same trees account for hundreds of fires annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. For example, one Unigard policyholder plugged five strings of lights into a single outlet; the resulting Christmas tree fire caused nearly $300,000 in damage.

Typically shorts in electric lights or open flames from candles or matches start the fires. Farris, homeowners assistant vice president for General Casualty, notes that if your tree is fresh and well watered and hasn’t dried out, the chances of a fire are much slimmer. A fire-resistant artificial tree is an even safer choice.

“It can be hard to tell just how old a pre-cut tree is. On a fresh tree, the needles should be hard to pull out or break, and they shouldn’t fall out when you shake it. The trunk butt should also be sticky from resin when you touch it,” says Farris.

He also advises cutting about two inches off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Most importantly, water the tree daily to keep it green longer. Placing the tree at least three feet away from heat sources like a fireplace or heat register is also recommended.

Candles
Candle fires peak during the holiday season. Many fires start when a burning candle is left unattended or placed too close to combustible decorations, like greenery or wrapping paper.

To help reduce the threat of a candle fire, Woodford, homeowners vice president for Unigard and QBE Regional insurance companies, advises keeping candles at least one foot away from other materials. Only place them in holders that are nonflammable and heat-resistant.

Also keep candles out of the bedroom. Forty percent of fires start in bedrooms, often when the flame ignites bedding or mattresses, says consumerreports.org.

The chemicals used to produce candles and wicks can also affect your health. A small percentage of wicks in older candles may contain lead. These wicks emit lead into the air when burning, increasing the risk of lead poisoning. This threat is even greater in children, and even low levels of exposures can be dangerous over time. Other petroleum chemicals used in candle wax can also cause adverse health reactions.

If you have older holiday candles among your collection of holiday decor, check the wicks for lead. Inspect the wick for a metal-core in the center or contact the manufacturer. Don’t burn the candle if you suspect the wick is lead. Soy candles are another alternative to paraffin or petroleum-based candles and have fewer health effects and are better for the environment.

Lighting up the house
Whether they flash, blink, twinkle or just shine, holiday lights are another common cause of holiday fires. To reduce the chances of an electrical fire, only use lights that have been tested for safety and contain the label of an independent testing laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories. Inspect old lights for cracks, broken sockets or exposed wires and either dispose of or repair them. Invest in light-emitting diode (LED) lights for your holiday decorating. LED lights are more energy efficient and safer because they aren’t combustible like ordinary lights. Don’t leave the lights on when you’re away from home or asleep. Never use lights on a metallic tree. Faulty lights can cause electrocution. Keep lights and wires away from children.

“The last thing anyone wants to experience during the holidays is a fire,” says Woodford. “Even though this time of year can be busy and stressful, take the time to decorate and celebrate safely.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent