Did you know you can save substantially on your monthly electric bill by making one simple change? Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED options in your light fixtures can lead to significant cost savings. LEDs are about 10x more energy efficient than traditional incandescent options, which means savings are as simple as screwing in a new bulb. LEDs have rapidly become the standard for modern lighting, thanks to their longevity, low energy consumption and superior performance.
Choosing to Upgrade: Why LED Just Makes Sense
Lighting makes up approximately 15% of the average family’s electric bill, but it can be as high as 30% or more, depending on the type of bulbs and your usage habits. In commercial businesses, lighting can be even more costly. Since incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of the electricity they use on heat, these lighting solutions are inefficient and costly in more ways than one. You pay more per lumen, and you pay more to keep your space cool when using older-style illumination.
Switching out your bulbs to an equivalent LED option can mean energy use that’s 90% lower compared to incandescent bulbs. LEDs even offer substantial savings compared to compact fluorescent lamps, often used in office buildings and retail locations, delivering savings of up to 40%.
How LED Lighting Works
Incandescent lights use a filament that heats up and produces light as a byproduct. The result is lots of heat and a little bit of light. CFLs use an electric current passed through argon and mercury gas to produce light. The result is UV light and toxic chemicals that need specialty disposal. LEDs produce light through electroluminescence. When an electric current goes through a semiconductor material, it emits photons, producing light efficiently and safely.
LEDs don’t burn out in the traditional sense. Instead, they gradually fade over time, with most rated for 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use. That’s roughly 10–25 years of service, depending on usage. Compare that with the 1,000-hour lifespan of a standard incandescent bulb, and the advantage becomes clear.
Key Benefits of LEDs
In addition to savings on your electric bill, there are several other reasons to switch to modern LED alternatives for your older bulbs. First and foremost is the quality of the light you receive. Incandescent bulbs are plug-and-play. There’s only one color and one brightness level, but LED bulbs come in a wide range of colors, from warm to cool. These bulbs do it all without the need for toxic chemicals that can pollute the environment after disposal.
Did you know that fluorescent bulbs need specialty disposal? If you’ve been tossing them with the regular trash, you’ve been adding mercury to landfills, making them an ongoing toxicity challenge.
Another major benefit is that LEDs don’t heat up the way incandescents do. Less heat means it’s cheaper to keep your home cool in the summer, and you waste less energy every time you flip the switch. It’s a significant win when you replace your older bulbs with modern, energy-efficient models.
The most important benefit for many people is the convenience of a longer-lasting bulb. With incandescent bulbs, you typically need to replace them every 2-3 years, depending on your usage patterns. If you leave the bulb on all the time, you’ll likely need to change it out in less than 18 months. An LED can last for more than 5 years, even if it is never turned off.
How to Shop for LEDs
While it may feel cathartic to replace every bulb at once, it’s also fairly expensive. While you’ll almost certainly see long-term savings by making the switch, LED bulbs cost substantially more than incandescent bulbs—up to five times more. If you can’t afford to make sweeping changes, that’s okay! Start with the rooms you use the most and replace bulbs as they burn out. Keep in mind that even with a higher price tag, light bulbs aren’t a super expensive upgrade. LEDs typically cost less than $10 each, allowing you to brighten up your home without breaking your budget.
When shopping for LED bulbs, always look for the lumens, never the wattage. One of the significant benefits of LED bulbs is that they use fewer watts to achieve the same brightness level. If you’re upgrading in a commercial setting, consider a professional lighting audit. A lighting specialist can evaluate current usage, recommend replacements, and even assist with incentive programs or rebates.
Make the Switch Today
LED lighting technology is readily available with affordable pricing and delivers real savings. Instead of wondering why to switch, the real question is, why wouldn’t you? Whether you’re lighting a single bedroom or an entire commercial complex, switching to LEDs is a smart move for your wallet, your comfort and the environment.
You might also be interested in: 12 Effective Options to Reduce Your Home’s Energy Use
