LED vs. Incandescent Savings Calculator
See exactly how much you'll save — per bulb and across your whole home — by switching to LEDs.
Per-Bulb vs. All Bulbs
LED Savings by Bulb Size
3 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh, 1 bulb
| Incandescent | LED equiv. | Save/Year | Save/10 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40W | 6W LED | $5.96 | $60 |
| 60W | 9W LED | $8.94 | $89 |
| 75W | 12W LED | $11.04 | $110 |
| 100W | 15W LED | $14.89 | $149 |
| 150W | 22W LED | $22.43 | $224 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LED bulbs save vs incandescent?
LED bulbs use 75–80% less electricity than equivalent incandescent bulbs. A 60W incandescent is replaced by a 9–10W LED producing the same 800 lumens. At $0.16/kWh and 3 hours/day use, you save about $7.50 per bulb per year. For a home with 30 bulbs, that's $225/year just on lighting.
How long do LED bulbs last compared to incandescent?
ENERGY STAR LED bulbs are rated for 15,000–25,000 hours. At 3 hours/day, that's 13–23 years. Incandescent bulbs last 1,000–2,000 hours — about 1–2 years at 3 hrs/day. Over 25 years, you'd buy 15–25 incandescent bulbs for every 1 LED bulb. The bulb replacement cost alone favors LEDs significantly.
Is the higher cost of LED bulbs worth it?
Yes, almost always. A quality LED bulb costs $3–$8. A 60W equivalent incandescent costs $0.50–$1. But the LED pays for itself in electricity savings in 3–6 months (at average US rates and 3 hrs/day use), then keeps saving for 13+ more years. Total 10-year cost: LED ~$10 (bulb + electricity) vs. incandescent ~$60 (multiple bulbs + electricity).
Do LEDs produce the same light quality as incandescent?
Modern LEDs match incandescent light quality closely. Look for 2700K–3000K color temperature for warm white (matching incandescent feel), and a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 90+ for accurate color rendering. Cheap LEDs may flicker or have poor CRI — stick to ENERGY STAR certified bulbs from established brands.
Do CFLs save as much as LEDs?
CFLs save 60–70% vs. incandescent (less than LED's 75–80%), take time to warm up to full brightness, contain mercury (hazardous waste), and last 6,000–15,000 hours (less than LED). LEDs are better in every category. If you still have CFLs, replace them with LEDs when they burn out — don't wait.