National Grid is urging North Country residents to think about energy efficiency while decorating and entertaining this year.

Energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) decorative light strings have advantages over incandescent lighting because they use up to 90 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light, which results in significant savings. LEDs are also more durable and safer – especially when used around dry trees – because unlike traditional lights that can get hot and pose a fire hazard, LED light bulbs always stay cool.

Advanced power strips can save up to $100 per year in energy costs by eliminating “standby energy loss.” When peripheral appliances such as audio equipment or computer monitors are not being used, they often still consume energy. Advanced power strips shut off electricity to such devices automatically, while maintaining power to products that need it, such as cable boxes or modems.

People might also consider using fewer lights and more decorations that do not use energy, such as wreaths or poinsettias, the company suggests.

Other things to think about:

• “Yard inflatables” such as blow-up cartoon characters and eight-foot-tall globes with rotating figures, blowing snow and lights, can use a lot of electric power. Large globes consume about 150 watts per hour, while rotating carousels consume around 200 watts. At 10 hours per day, the total cost of electricity could be $10 per inflatable, per month.

• When cooking a holiday meal, or anytime, consider using the smallest appliance, pan and burner while cooking to save energy. For example, microwave ovens require less than half the energy of a conventional oven. Slow cookers are one way to cook for a family and save money. On average, a whole meal can be cooked in a slow cooker for 17 cents worth of electricity.

• People can improve oven efficiency by keeping the doors closed as much as possible and baking several dishes at the same time and temperature.

• Newer refrigerators are more energy efficient than older ones. Refrigerators and freezers operate more efficiently when the doors are kept closed as much as possible. If necessary, leaving the doors open for a longer period of time is more efficient than opening and closing them several times.

• We in the North Country have an advantage in one area over warmer places. We can keep extra beverages and holiday leftovers cold by storing them in a garage or on a porch, if temperatures permit. Unplugging a second refrigerator or freezer can save $23 per month in electricity costs.

• Dishwashers use less water than running the water while hand-washing dishes. However, if washing by hand is the only option, using a wash and rinse basin saves water and money compared with letting the water run.

• Limit the time that lights are on. Wait until dark to turn on your holiday lights; then, turn them off before you go to bed. Six hours or less of daily use is a good goal, National Grid says. Turning off room lights when the tree is lit can also make a difference. The lights on a holiday tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room.

• If you are giving a television, computer or other big electronic gift this year, people might consider purchasing a product with the ENERGY STAR label. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov, and for the most efficient products, visit www.toptenusa.org.

• Overhead power lines are not insulated and carry enough energy to cause serious injury or even death. Never use an aluminum ladder within 10 feet of power lines, and keep yourself and outdoor holiday decorations at least 10 feet away from residential electric lines and equipment.

• Make sure your lights have a safety listing from a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). A safety approval seal means the lights have been tested and are safe to use. Use lights only as intended. Always unplug your lights before going to bed or leaving home.

• Plug outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters, which are available at hardware and electrical supply stores. If there is an electrical fault with a light string, GFCIs will automatically shut off the electricity well before any electric shock could occur. Also, cover outdoor plugs and connector joints with a water-resistant layer of plastic wrap and electrical tape.

• If you have an artificial tree, make sure it’s been tested for flammability by the Underwriters Laboratories. To prevent electrical shock, never use electric decorations on artificial trees with metallic needles, leaves or branches. Instead, place colored spotlights above or beside the tree, never attached to it. Keep your natural tree well watered to prevent bulbs from igniting dry branches. Keep extension cords and light sets away from the tree stand.

• Don’t overload electric circuits. Check your fuse or breaker panel to see how much your home can handle and stay well within limits.

• Avoid shock by making sure there’s a bulb in each socket. If a bulb has burned out, leave it in until you have a replacement.

National Grid delivers electricity to about 3.3 million customers in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.