Short answer: ENERGY STAR-rated LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer, according to the Department of Energy. Swapping one 60 W bulb used 3 hours a day for a 9 W LED saves about $10 a year at average U.S. rates, and the LED usually pays for itself within months.
Savings per bulb
| Bulb (equal brightness) | Watts | kWh/year at 3 h/day | Cost/year at 18.2ยข |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent (about 800 lumens) | 60 | 65.7 | about $11.96 |
| Halogen | 43 | 47.1 | about $8.57 |
| LED | 9 | 9.9 | about $1.79 |
Saving: about $10 per bulb per year versus incandescent. Twenty frequently used bulbs: about $200 a year. Price per kWh is the EIA’s 2026 forecast average (EIA). Wattages are typical for 60 W-equivalent bulbs; check the package.
Where it matters most
Lighting is about 10% of a typical home’s electric bill (DOE). Start with bulbs that are on the longest: kitchen, living room, porch and outdoor security lights. A closet light used five minutes a day can wait.
LEDs also give off little heat. Incandescent bulbs release about 90% of their energy as heat, which adds to air conditioning load in summer.
How to choose the right LED
- Buy by lumens, not watts. About 800 lumens matches an old 60 W bulb; about 1,600 lumens matches 100 W.
- Pick a color temperature. 2700K is warm, like incandescent; 3000K slightly whiter; 4000-5000K cool, good for garages and workspaces.
- Check dimmer compatibility. Use bulbs labeled dimmable on dimmer switches, and consider an LED-compatible dimmer if they flicker.
- Look for ENERGY STAR for tested brightness, color and lifespan.
- Enclosed fixtures: use LEDs rated for enclosed fixtures to avoid heat shortening their life.
Beyond bulbs
- Motion sensors and timers for outdoor lights.
- Smart bulbs use a little standby power for their radios; fine for convenience, not a savings tool on their own.
- Holiday lights: LED strings use a fraction of the power and can last for decades of seasons, the DOE notes.
FAQ
Do LEDs really last 25,000 hours? Quality LEDs last far longer than incandescent bulbs, but heat, cheap drivers and enclosed fixtures can shorten their life.
Are fluorescent tubes worth replacing? Often yes: LED tubes or fixtures use less energy and avoid mercury.
Want more quick wins? See phantom power and 12 ways to cut your winter bill.