how much electricity does a led light use?
LED lights are highly energy-efficient, using significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. Here's a detailed breakdown of their power consumption:
1. Electricity Usage of LED Lights (Watts vs. Lumens)
Watts (W) = Power consumed (what you pay for).
Lumens (lm) = Brightness produced.
| Bulb Type | Average Wattage (W) | Lumens (Brightness) |
|---|---|---|
| LED | 4–15W | 450–1600 lm |
| Incandescent | 40–100W | Same brightness |
| CFL | 9–25W | Same brightness |
Example:
A 10W LED bulb produces ~800 lumens (equivalent to a 60W incandescent).
Running it for 5 hours/day costs about $0.15–$0.30 per month (depending on electricity rates).
2. Calculating LED Power Costs
Formula:
Cost=Watts×Hours Used1000×Electricity Rate (per kWh)Cost=1000Watts×Hours Used×Electricity Rate (per kWh)
Example Calculation:
1 x 10W LED bulb, used 5 hours/day, at $0.12 per kWh:
10�×5×301000×0.12=$0.18 per month100010W×5×30×0.12=$0.18 per month
10 x 10W LEDs (whole home) = ~$1.80/month (vs. $10+ for incandescents).
3. Factors Affecting LED Power Use
Dimmable LEDs use less power when dimmed.
Color Temperature (warm vs. cool white) doesn't affect wattage.
Smart LEDs (e.g., Philips Hue) use slightly more in standby mode (~0.5W).
4. LED vs. Other Bulbs: Annual Cost Comparison
| Bulb Type | Wattage | Annual Cost (5h/day, $0.12/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| LED | 10W | ~$2.20 |
| CFL | 14W | ~$3.07 |
| Incandescent | 60W | ~$13.14 |
Savings: Switching from incandescent to LED cuts lighting costs by ~80%.
5. Do LEDs Use Electricity When Turned Off?
Smart/Wireless LEDs may use 0.2–0.5W in standby (negligible cost).
Standard LEDs (no smart features) use 0W when off.
Final Answer:
A single 5W–15W LED bulb costs $0.10–$0.50/month with typical use.
Whole-home LED lighting (20 bulbs) ≈ $2–$5/month (vs. $20+ for incandescents).
Savings tip: Look for ENERGY STAR-rated LEDs for maximum efficiency.
Want help estimating your exact usage? Share your bulb count and daily hours! for more information please visit http://www.benweilight.com
