Lighting accounts for about 10–15% of home electricity use. Choosing the right bulbs can cut that figure dramatically. This guide compares LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Incandescent Bulbs: The Old Standard
Traditional incandescent bulbs have been phased out in many regions because they convert only about 10% of energy into light—the rest becomes heat. A 60-watt incandescent produces roughly 800 lumens. They're cheap to buy but expensive to run and typically last only 1,000 hours.
CFL Bulbs: The Middle Ground
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use about 70% less energy than incandescents and last 8–10 times longer (8,000–10,000 hours). A 15-watt CFL produces similar light to a 60-watt incandescent. Downsides include slower warm-up time, sensitivity to cold, and small amounts of mercury requiring careful disposal.
LED Bulbs: The Clear Winner
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescents and last 25,000–50,000 hours. A 10-watt LED can match a 60-watt incandescent. LEDs turn on instantly, work in cold temperatures, and contain no mercury. Prices have dropped significantly, making them the best long-term value.
Lumens vs Watts: Understanding Brightness
Watts measure power consumption; lumens measure light output. When comparing bulbs, look at lumens, not watts. For general room lighting, aim for 800–1,100 lumens. For task lighting, 1,600+ lumens may be better.
- 450 lumens: Accent or nightlight
- 800 lumens: General room (equivalent to old 60W)
- 1,100 lumens: Brighter room (equivalent to old 75W)
- 1,600 lumens: Kitchen, workspace (equivalent to old 100W)
Color Temperature and Quality
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers (2700K–3000K) give warm, yellowish light similar to incandescent. Higher numbers (4000K–5000K) produce cooler, whiter light. Choose based on room use: warm for living spaces, cool for kitchens and workspaces.
"Replacing all incandescent bulbs with LEDs is one of the fastest payback upgrades you can make. Most households see a return on investment within one year."
When to Upgrade
If you still have incandescent or CFL bulbs, replace them with LEDs as they burn out. For high-use fixtures (kitchen, living room, bathroom), consider replacing immediately—the savings justify the upfront cost. Use ElectriBill's calculator to estimate how much you'll save based on your usage.