Decorating for Halloween can be as simple as carving a pumpkin and hanging a few fake cobwebs. But some families go full Fright Night Lights, transforming their front yards into scenes suitable for a major motion picture.

Americans spend about $4 billion on Halloween decorations each year, according to the National Retail Federation. Much of that goes toward plug-in lights, animated figures, illuminated pumpkins and inflatable creatures of impressive proportions. All of that spooky sparkle uses electricity, so it pays to keep energy efficiency and electrical safety in mind.

Make the switch to LEDs

LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also run cooler and last much longer. They’re an easy way to brighten your display without scaring your energy bill. For jack-o’-lanterns, battery-operated LED candles provide plenty of glow without the heat or open flame.

Give your decorations a once-over

Before plugging in that light-up skeleton that has spent the past 11 months in a garage, check cords and light strands for fraying, cracked sockets or loose connections. Damaged cords can create safety and fire hazards. Look for UL-approved products and make sure anything used outdoors is rated for outdoor use. Indoor decorations and moisture are a bad combination.

Don’t overload your outlets

Your electrical system is not impressed by your Halloween ambitions. Plugging too many decorations into one outlet or extension cord can cause overheating and create a fire hazard. Use properly rated power strips or surge protectors and never connect extension cords to one another.

Put your lights on a timer

Timers turn your decorations on at dusk and off at a reasonable hour so you’re not lighting up the neighborhood all night long. It’s an easy way to cut unnecessary energy use.

Unplug before bed

If you haven’t set up a timer, make sure to unplug your lights after the last trick-or-treater disappears into the night. You also should turn off any other electronic decorations and deflate the inflatables to save energy and reduce fire risks.

Remember: Some Halloween hazards have nothing to do with electricity. Clear any walkways to remove tripping hazards, fix any loose pavers, and trim back cactus or low-hanging branches that could snag costumes.

With a little planning, your porch can stay spooky, your energy bill can stay reasonable, and the biggest Halloween regret will be eating one too many fun-size candy bars at once.