The Core Numbers
An LED bulb producing 800 lumens (equivalent to a classic 60-watt incandescent) uses about 8–10 watts. That same incandescent used 60 watts. The LED uses 87% less energy to produce the same light output. At today's electricity prices and lighting usage patterns, this difference adds up to real money.
Annual cost per bulb formula: (Watts ÷ 1,000) × hours/day × 365 days × rate/kWh
- 60W incandescent, 3 hours/day: 0.060 × 3 × 365 × $0.174 = $11.45/year
- 9W LED equivalent, 3 hours/day: 0.009 × 3 × 365 × $0.174 = $1.72/year
- Annual savings per bulb: $9.73
Whole-Home Savings: 15 Bulbs Replaced
The average US home has about 30–40 light bulb sockets. A typical household running 15 most-used fixtures for an average of 3 hours/day saves approximately:
| Scenario | Annual Electricity Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 15 × 60W incandescent, 3 hr/day | $171.75 | — |
| 15 × 9W LED, 3 hr/day | $25.76 | $145.99/year |
Plus, LED bulbs last 15,000–25,000 hours vs. 1,000–2,000 hours for incandescent. At $1.00 per incandescent bulb replaced every year, you save another $15/year in bulb costs. Total savings from switching 15 fixtures: roughly $160/year.
Payback Period
Good LED bulbs cost $2–$5 each in 2026 (4-packs available at most hardware and home stores for $8–$15). Replacing 15 bulbs costs $30–$75. At $160/year in savings, payback is 2–6 months. This is one of the best ROI home improvements available.
LED Bulb Types: Matching Bulb to Fixture
| Fixture Type | Recommended Bulb | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Table lamps, floor lamps | A19 LED | 800+ lumens, 2700K color temp |
| Recessed can lights (BR30) | BR30 LED flood | Beam angle 100°+, dimmable |
| Recessed can lights (PAR38) | PAR38 LED | For large 5–6" cans outdoors |
| Bathroom vanity | A19 or G25 globe LED | High CRI (90+) for accurate colors |
| Ceiling fan light kit | A15 or candelabra LED | Check base size: E26 or E12 |
| Outdoor security light | LED floodlight | Weatherproof, motion-sensing option |
| Under-cabinet kitchen | LED strip or puck lights | Plug-in or hardwired, 3000K |
Color Temperature: Getting the Right Light
LED bulbs come in a range of color temperatures measured in Kelvin (K):
- 2700K (Warm White): Closest to old incandescent light. Warm, cozy feel. Best for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms.
- 3000K (Soft White): Slightly cooler than 2700K but still warm. Good general-purpose option.
- 4000K (Cool White/Neutral): More neutral, slightly blue-white. Good for kitchens, offices, workshops.
- 5000–6500K (Daylight): Closest to natural daylight. Bright and crisp. Good for garages, basements, task lighting.
For most living spaces, 2700K or 3000K is the right choice if you want the warm feel of traditional incandescent lighting. Many people who say "I don't like LED light" are simply using bulbs that are too cool (4000K+) in spaces where warm light is appropriate.
Dimmable LEDs: What You Need to Know
Most standard LED bulbs are dimmable, but they require a compatible dimmer switch. Old incandescent dimmers (TRIAC-based) often don't work correctly with LEDs — causing flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range. Replacing old dimmer switches with LED-compatible dimmers (Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora) costs $15–$25 each and ensures proper LED dimming.
Smart LED Bulbs: Energy Savings Are Similar
Philips Hue and similar smart bulbs use 8–10W just like standard LEDs — the same energy savings apply. The premium you pay for smart bulbs ($10–$20 per bulb vs. $2–$5 for standard LEDs) buys automation and color-changing features, not additional energy efficiency. If you want smart lighting for energy management (auto-off when rooms are empty), smart switches (which control any bulb type) are more cost-effective than smart bulbs.
Bottom Line
If your home still has any incandescent bulbs, replacing them with LEDs is one of the fastest-payback home improvements available — typically less than 6 months. Modern LEDs produce beautiful, warm light and last 15–25 years. There is no good reason to keep incandescent bulbs in any fixture in 2026. Start with your highest-use fixtures (kitchen, living room, main bathroom) for the fastest payback, and work through the rest of the house over time. Use our electricity cost calculator to see exactly what the wattage difference costs at your local rate.