Quick Start — Choose a Scenario
Bedroom lamp
1 bulb, 5 hrs/day
Kitchen recessed
6 bulbs, 4 hrs/day
Living room
4 bulbs, 5 hrs/day
Garage / shop
4 bulbs, 3 hrs/day
Outdoor security
2 bulbs, 10 hrs/day
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🟠 Incandescent bulb
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40W
60W
75W
100W
150W
🟢 LED equivalent
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Usage
Low (10¢)
US avg (16¢)
High (22¢)
Very high (34¢)
You save every year
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Payback in — months
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5 years
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10 years
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LED lifetime
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CO₂ saved, trees equivalent, energy reduction
Incandescent to LED Equivalency Guide
| Incandescent | LED equivalent | Energy reduction | Typical annual saving* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40W | 5–6W | 85–88% | $7–17/yr per bulb |
| 60W | 8–10W | 83–87% | $11–25/yr per bulb |
| 75W | 10–13W | 83–87% | $14–31/yr per bulb |
| 100W | 14–17W | 83–86% | $18–42/yr per bulb |
| 150W | 18–25W | 83–88% | $28–63/yr per bulb |
| Halogen flood 65W | 9–12W LED PAR | 82–86% | $12–28/yr per bulb |
*Based on 5 hrs/day use at US average 16¢/kWh. Actual savings depend on usage and local rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LEDs save compared to incandescent bulbs?
LED bulbs use 75–90% less energy than incandescent equivalents. A 60W incandescent replaced by a 9W LED saves roughly $11–25 per bulb per year depending on usage and electricity rate. For a typical home with 30 bulbs, switching to LED can save $200–500 per year.
How long does it take for LEDs to pay for themselves?
Most LED bulbs pay back their purchase price in 1–6 months when replacing incandescent bulbs that are used several hours per day. The more hours of use, the faster the payback. At 8 hours per day with a 60W replacement, payback is typically under 2 months at average US electricity rates.
How long do LED bulbs last compared to incandescent?
Quality LED bulbs last 15,000–50,000 hours vs 1,000–2,000 hours for standard incandescent. At 5 hrs/day, a 25,000-hour LED lasts about 13 years. You’d go through roughly 13–25 incandescent bulbs in that time. This “bulbs avoided” saving is significant for hard-to-reach fixtures like high ceilings, outdoor fittings, and recessed lights.
Do LEDs save money even with low electricity rates?
Yes — even at 10¢/kWh (some of the lowest US rates), switching a 60W incandescent to a 9W LED still saves around $7/year per bulb at 5 hrs/day. With multiple bulbs and higher usage, savings are significant at any rate. At 30¢/kWh (common in California, Hawaii, or UK), savings are three times higher.
Do LEDs reduce heat output too?
Yes. Incandescent bulbs convert only about 5–10% of energy into visible light; the rest is heat. A 60W incandescent releases roughly 51W as heat. LEDs run dramatically cooler, which can slightly reduce air conditioning load in summer. In hot climates, this adds a small additional saving beyond the electricity calculation.
What is the average US electricity rate?
As of 2024–2025, the US average residential rate is approximately 15–17¢/kWh. Rates vary widely by state: Louisiana and Oklahoma average around 10¢, while California, Connecticut, and Hawaii average 30–40¢/kWh. Check your electricity bill for your exact rate — it’s usually shown as “rate” or “energy charge” in cents per kWh.
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