VPH Starry Night Hurricanes

JudyL · ‎07-11-2010

Bought 3 sets of these for my Fall decor when VPH was on the middle of August. I've had them out and on a timer since maybe the third week or so of August. I already need to replace batteries in some of them! Is that normal? Think I've only had them for about 5 weeks and they already need batteries! That's ridiculous! I expected them to last at least a 2 to 3 months. Too late to send them back.

Bought and gave a set to a friend for her birthday and now I'm so embarrassed that they will only last her about 5 weeks before she needs new batteries. If I'd known this, I wouldn't have given her a set.

Can someone let me know if this is normal for these hurricanes?

Maizie Green · ‎10-01-2024

I use RayOVac batteries and mine last forever.

PA Mom-mom · ‎05-27-2015

@JudyL Valerie's battery operated lights don't last as long as Bethlehem Lights strands. I bought these hurricanes last year for my DIL. I gave her extra sets of BL twinkling lights to replace if she chose to do so. They don't display quite as well, but they do last longer.

ETA: I think I may have given her the Simply Stunning light strands. They are done by BL.

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

I get two months out of mine.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@Maizie Green wrote:
I use RayOVac batteries and mine last forever.

@Maizie Green

Good to know will give them a try. Panasonic C batteries last a few short time.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@JudyL

A lot of VPH items eat up batteries.

Bought the harlequin glass spheres and don't think they even last 4 weeks.

They use AA batteries I believe.

loriqvc · ‎11-06-2011

@JudyL - For whatever reason, these new-ish twinkling lights from Valerie do tend to go through batteries much more quickly than other strands or illuminated items she has offered in the past. Part of the problem is likely the fact that they have a six-hour timer rather than the typical four-hour timer. As another poster mentioned, I use Rayovac Fusion batteries (recommended by Consumer Reports in a major test; they were at the top of the rankings along with Duracell Quantum) and they seem to have a longer life than other batteries.

And although the battery situation may not be ideal, I wouldn't worry about your gift—these hurricanes are lovely and unique, and I'm sure they'll be well received. Your friend certainly wouldn't expect you to keep supplying batteries for her, and as long as the light strands operate properly, they'll bring beauty and joy to any home.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@JudyL I don't own her hurricanes but I do have a few items of hers that have the fairy lights in them. Mine last a couple of months. If they take AAA batteries vs AA they will not last at all. I never buy items that take that size battery for that reason. The BL fairy lights are okay as long as they take the AA but their brightness is not as nice, IMO.

JudyL · ‎07-11-2010

@LindaSal @loriqvc @rockygems123 @AuntG @PA Mom-mom

Thank you all for your responses. Will look into the RayOVac batteries. The light strands do take AA but can't remember which brand that I got. Will check before purchasing more batteries. I do love them and they look so pretty. Thanks again!