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What are LED Window Candles?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

Light emitting diode (LED) candles can offer a safer alternative to open flames. This can be especially true with LED window candles, as the close proximity of fire to glass could cause discoloration or even cracking if the window pane is thin and it is very cold outside. Modern LED technology can be used to imitate candles in a fairly realistic manner, including faux-flames that flicker much like real candles. LED window candles are typically available in a wide variety of configurations, including units that run off alternating current (AC) power, and others that use batteries.

Many people enjoy placing candles in their windows as a winter holiday decoration, though this activity can come with some inherent risks. A potential fire hazard can be created any time an open flame is left unattended. If a window has cloth drapes or shades, traditional window candles may be even more dangerous. LED window candles can create the same kind of decorative effect without the dangers of fire. In the past, electric lights replaced candles as holiday tree decorations in much the same way that LED window candles can offer an alternative that lacks an open flame.

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Woman posing

Advances in LED technology have resulted in imitation candles that look very much like the real thing. The flames are typically constructed of plastic or similar materials, and the LED can create a realistic effect by flickering or subtly changing color. Flickering LED candles may be able to create the same type of visual effect as real candles, both lighting the home and casting a warm, welcoming glow outside. This can allow technology to facilitate the same types of holiday experiences enjoyed in the past without some of the potential dangers.

LED technology may also offer a number of different benefits when used in imitation candles. The power consumption of an LED can be very low in comparison to other electric light sources, allowing a battery powered window candle to stay lit all day and night. Cordless LED window candles can be used on just about any window sill, regardless of whether it is close to a power outlet. Other window candles may be able to run on AC power without noticeably increasing the electricity bill. It may also be possible to obscure the cords with imitation holly or other holiday themed materials, furthering the illusion that the LED candles are actually real candles.

Discussion Comments

anon924419

I was wondering can you buy "LED" replacement bulbs and put them into electric window candles? Will they work?

golf07

I like to use window candles all year long. Through the years I have tried many different kinds, from those that use batteries, electric window candles and flameless candles.

I think the electric candles are the most economical because you don't have to worry about batteries, and they don't use up that much electricity.

You can also set these up on a timer so you don't have to worry about turning them on every night. I really enjoy driving in the driveway when it is dark and see the candles already lit in the windows.

If I am using the battery candles, I make sure and use batteries that can be recharged. They last quite a while and this makes it much more economical.

I have also used flameless tea lights inside candle holders, but these batteries do not seem to last very long. They also don't seem to put off as much light.

SarahSon

I think my favorite Christmas decorations are when I see big houses with window candles in all of the windows.

I always wondered in homes that use a lot of them whether they are battery operated or if they are electric window candle lights.

I think it would be hard to find outlets close to all the windows, so imagine they would have batteries in them.

That would also take a lot of batteries! One huge house that I love to drive by during the Christmas season has at least 30 windows they have candles in.

It looks absolutely gorgeous and inviting from the outside, and I look forward to seeing her decorations every year.

letshearit

@Sara007 - On average if you have a LED window candles they should light from between 100 to 120 hours, if they have the long life lithium batteries in them. I have some LED Christmas window candles that we used for nearly an entire month in the evenings and they still had life left in them.

If you have a different kind of battery you may need to check the back of the package to see how long they should last for. I wouldn't worry too much though, it takes quite a lot of effort to run down your batteries on LEDs, as they are really easy on power.

Sara007

My friend gave me some battery operated window candles a little while back and I was wondering how long they generally last for?

I think they are really pretty, but I don't want to kill their batteries too fast if I can help it. I am not used to dealing with battery operated candles because I either use real ones or a set of solar window candles that I have. I figure that the battery operated candles will come in handy during blackouts, and that I won't use them too much otherwise. It is a shame though because they are quite lovely.

drtroubles

My wife and I have pets and were looking for a safe alternative to regular candles to decorate for the holidays and we found some beautiful LED Christmas window candles. We love that they don't get hot and because they are in such pretty holders, you can't tell that the light isn't generated by an actual flame.

We think that more people should switch to flameless candles, as it is a lot better than hurting yourself on a real one or setting a curtain on fire. We are thinking that beyond Christmas decorations we might end up buying some battery operated candles to use year round.

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