Lighting up your home or living space for Halloween has never been easier. Whether you want to give folks a scare or just show your seasonal spirit, there are ways to do so and save energy and stay safe.

1. Light up fright right with LEDs. Today’s LED lights consume 80-90 percent less power than incandescent lights and last up to 100,000 hours. That’s a lot longer than the 3,000-hour average life span of an incandescent light.

“LEDs don’t produce any heat, so they’re much safer than incandescent bulbs,” said Tim Walter, Oncor’s Director of Safety & Health. “You can also substitute LED lights for candles or any kind of open flame.

“Plus, LED lights come in a wider variety of colors and you can safely put together multiple strings of LED lights without worry,” he said.

A few energy-efficient and safe ways to use LED lights include Halloween-themed, solar-powered light stakes, orange luminary bags using flameless, LED candles, and LED rope lights.

2. Check for “wear-wolf” damage. If you’re using the same decorations year after year, be sure to check the wires for wear and tear, Walter said.

“If your lights have been in a hot attic or somewhere damp, the pieces might have deteriorated,” he said. “And if you have an inflatable or anything with an electric motor, check it to make sure it’s not making a loud, grinding noise or spitting out sparks.”

3. Avoid a scary bill, use timers. If you’re planning on using lights outside, check to be sure they’re either water resistant or waterproof. And either unplug the lights when you don’t need them, such as in the daytime, or use a timer, Walter said.

 “A big, inflatable pumpkin or ghost sure looks cool for Halloween, but if it runs all night, you might get a scare when you see your monthly bill,” he said. “Use a timer to save energy and to save a few dollars.”

4. Feel something on your leg? It’s an electric cord! If you’re using extension cords outside, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use to be safe. If you need a long cord, buy one with a 12- or 10-gauge weight. For strings of lights, use a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less and go with a heavier duty 14-gauge cord for runs over 25 feet.

Also check that all of your extension cords aren’t creating a tripping hazard, especially outside where trick-or-treaters are walking and running, Walter said. You should tape down or clearly mark where electrical cords are to avoid any accidents.

“It’s no trick to find lights and decorations that are cool, fun and spooky for Halloween these days,” Walter said. “You should just make sure they’re safety rated and that you take a few precautions before turning them on.”