Do LED Bulbs Really Save You Money? The Facts Might Surprise You

There is no question that LED bulbs are here to stay for at least the foreseeable future. However, many people wonder: do they really save money? We have heard from homeowners who do not see savings at all. Keep reading to get the facts, and remember to contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 if you need help with residential electrical issues.

LED Lights Are Smart for the Long-Run

One of the reasons a person might not see an immediate improvement is because LED lights are not a magic answer – they are long-term solutions that will save you money over time but will not lower your bills dramatically each month. If you plan to stay in a home for a few years, then it can make sense to update. If not, then you might stick with the bulbs you have until they burn out.

LED Bulbs Are Definitely Worth the Cost in Specific Situations

If you run your lights all the time, then LED lights are smart. They do use 75% less power than incandescent lights and 50% less than CFLs. If you have a lamp that stays on 24 hours a day, or if you have people coming in and out at all hours, then it is best to use LED. However, if you live alone and the lights are all out for most of the day, then it is not necessary to immediately change your lightbulbs.

LEDs Are a Must for Hard to Access Places

One of the reasons that LEDs do save you money in the long run is that they last much longer than other lights. In fact, the average LED light will last 25 times as long as the incandescent light, and three times as long as a CFL. If you have lights to install in cathedral ceilings, outdoors, or anywhere else that you dread having to change, then you should invest in LED lights that will not need to be replaced for much longer.

Which Lightbulbs to Leave Alone

On the other hand, if you are in your home for just a year or two, it does not make sense to remove all your lightbulbs and replace them all with LEDs. Generally, it takes about 12 – 18 months to see the payback compared to a CFL to LED. However, some more expensive bulbs, for example, those in bathroom vanities, can cost much more and take up to four years to recoup the cost.

Remember that the average home has anywhere from 20 to 40 lightbulbs and LED bulbs average $5 each. This results in potentially several hundred dollars of investment – which might not be worth it if you are renting for a few months.

If you are in need of other lighting advice, such as installing low-voltage exterior lighting, contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126.