LED vs. Incandescent Energy Savings Calculator
Compare LED and incandescent lighting costs. Instantly see annual energy savings, payback period, total cost of ownership, and CO₂ reduction.
How It Works
Calculates the financial savings of replacing incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with LEDs based on their lower wattage and longer lifespan.
Formula
Annual Cost = (Wattage × Hours per Day × 365 / 1000) × Electricity Rate (kWh)
First, find the kWh consumed per year. Then multiply by your local electricity cost to find the annual running cost. Savings = Old Bulb Cost - LED Cost.
Worked Example
Replacing a 60W Incandescent with a 9W LED
- Usage: 5 hours/day, Rate: $0.15/kWh
- Incandescent Annual Energy: (60W × 5h × 365) / 1000 = 109.5 kWh
- Incandescent Cost: 109.5 × $0.15 = $16.42/year
- LED Annual Energy: (9W × 5h × 365) / 1000 = 16.4 kWh
- LED Cost: 16.4 × $0.15 = $2.46/year
- Annual Savings per bulb: $13.96
Common Mistakes
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Assuming LED bulbs are too expensive to be worth it
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While LEDs cost more upfront, their 10x longer lifespan means you save on replacement bulbs, entirely ignoring energy savings.
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Confusing Watts with Lumens
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Watts measure energy, Lumens measure brightness. A 9W LED produces the same Lumens (brightness) as a 60W Incandescent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guide & Instructions
2026-07-07
Switching to LED: How Much Money Do Energy-Saving Bulbs Really Save?
Compare electricity consumption, replacement costs, and lifetime savings of LED vs. incandescent bulbs.
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DisclaimerThe results provided by this calculator are estimates and for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for your specific needs.