Warning issued to anyone who bought their Christmas lights before 2021

Now, we all know that December is an extremely expensive time of year, and it can be tempting to cut corners where we can to avoid parting with our cash.

However, some aspects simply aren't worth the compromise - and one of those is Christmas lights.

While it may seem appealing to reuse the same ones you've been wrapping around your tree or up on your roof for the past decade, experts have urged the importance of replacing them to avoid an accidental house fire.

Speaking to The Express, experts at LED & Power have warned people to replace their Christmas tree lights every four years to reduce the risk.

No matter how nostalgic they might feel, the older the lights are, the more chance they have of overheating, causing electric shocks or even setting alight.

Sam Garbutt, lighting expert at the company, has also encouraged that people make the switch from incandescent Christmas lights to LED lights as they are a much safer option.

Experts have stressed the importance of replacing your Christmas tree lights every four years at least (Getty Stock Image)

Why LED bulbs are safer than incandescent bulbs on the Christmas tree

He told the publication: "Incandescent light bulbs produce significantly higher amounts of heat than LED bulbs, which increases their risk of causing a fire.

"Therefore, it’s a good idea to purchase LED lights for your Christmas tree as not only do they pose less of a fire hazard, but they are more energy efficient and over time can provide some cost-saving benefits”.

To break it down, the experts explained that incandescent Christmas tree lights have an average total operational time of 1,000 to 3,000 hours.

So, having them on for eight hours a day throughout December would equate to a whopping 248 hours each year.

If you use the same lights for four years, this adds up to 1,000 hours of use, meaning they should be replaced to reduce the risk of faults that could result in fires.

The expert also warned not to leave the lights on for longer than needed.

Old bulbs can pose a fire risk (Getty Stock Image)

Be mindful of how long you leave the lights on for

He said: “Leaving your Christmas tree lights on for extended periods of time can result in overheating. As trees are flammable, overheating can lead to ignition and result in house fires, especially if you leave them on overnight as smoke can go undetected.

"Make it a habit to switch your Christmas tree lights off every night before going to bed."

Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade advise that the bulbs on fairy lights can get hot, so you shouldn't let them touch anything that can scorch or burn easily - like paper or fabric decorations.

Avoid paper decorations on the Christmas tree, if you can (Getty Stock Image)

Serious fire hazards

They also echo the advice of the experts and recommend choosing LED lights for your tree rather than the older incandescent bulbs as they use less energy and stay cooler.

In a press release, they advise: "Before you put fairy lights on your tree, check their condition. Loose wires, blown bulbs, or damaged cords are a sign that it’s time to replace them.

"If you’re buying new fairy lights, make sure you buy them from a reputable seller and that they have a CE or UKCA safety mark. Indoor lights won’t survive being used outdoors, and outdoor lights may pose a risk if used indoors. Only use them as intended."