How to Save Money Using Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 3/8/2022
By now, you've probably heard all about how LED light bulbs are better than other light bulb types, but how does that actually benefit you as a consumer? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of switching to LED bulbs, including how much you can save on your energy costs.
Do Energy-Efficient Bulbs Save Money?
In 2020, incandescent and halogen bulbs still accounted for approximately 30% of all standard bulbs sold in the United States (excluding California). The problem with incandescent bulbs is that they are incredibly inefficient. Halogens are slightly better, however, fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFLs) and LED bulbs use even less energy. Because they use less energy, they have much longer lifespans and cost less to use, which saves you money on your energy bill.
Do LED Bulbs Use Less Electricity?
LED (short for light emitting diodes) bulbs are the most energy-efficient light bulbs available. They consume 80-85% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Not only that, an LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours before it needs to be replaced. That averages out to a lifespan of around 20 years per bulb! You can find a comparison of different light bulb lifespans in our blog entitled "What Kind of Light Bulb Lasts the Longest?"
Do Energy-Efficient Bulbs Save Money?
While the initial price of more efficient bulbs is higher than traditional incandescents, more efficient bulbs cost less to operate, saving you money on your energy bill. How much savings? For a single LED bulb, you can expect to save around $150 to $200 in energy costs over the course of its life. See the chart below for a breakdown of how much it costs to run each of the four different light bulb types.
Are There Rebates for Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs?
Many utility companies offer energy rebates just for switching to more efficient lighting. Visit your utility company's website for more information regarding rebates in your area. Some utility companies may provide you with a list of retailers that offer instant rebates on in-store purchases of energy-efficient light bulbs. Other utility companies sell EnergyStar certified products directly from their website, complete with pre-applied rebates.
How Do Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Help the Environment?
Not only does saving energy help reduce your energy bill, it also protects the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2027, widespread use of LED bulbs could cause a reduction in electrical use in America equivalent to the output of 44 large electric power plants.
Shop Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs at Batteries Plus
Are you looking to upgrade to more energy-efficient lighting? Batteries Plus has a large selection of light bulb types, including LEDs, CFLs, pin based CFLs, fluorescents, halogens and more. Want to learn more about lighting? Our Lighting Purchasing Guide will help explain key concepts like color temperature, light bulb sizing and the difference between watts and lumens. Looking for useful tips on lighting your home? Read our blog article entitled "Lighting Tips that are Easy on the Eye."