Deck the halls without blowing your budget this holiday season [Video]

(InvestigateTV) — According to This Old House, the cost of outdoor holiday lights is about $175 for the season.

Matt Brannon, a data journalist with This Old House, said the biggest thing to keep in mind when splurging on lights, is the electric bill.

36% of those surveyed told Brannon they are not decorating the outside of their homes this year because of concerns about how much it would increase their power bill. But Brannon said there are some key benefits to decorating as well.

“There’s not a better time of the year to start decorating and allowing yourself to put a little bit more of your expression on the exterior of your home,” Brannon commented. “It’s a great way to connect the neighbors. There’s also some research showing that decorating for the holidays early can brighten your mood. It’s not something we looked at in this survey, but it is something other researchers have looked …