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LED Bulb Savings Calculator
See how much you'd save by replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs, and how many months it takes for the new bulbs to pay for themselves.
19¢ is roughly the 2026 U.S. average. Your bill lists your actual rate.
How much does one LED bulb save?
Replacing a single 60 W incandescent bulb with a 9 W LED saves 51 watts every hour it's on. At the 2026 U.S. average of about 19¢ per kWh:
| Hours on per day | Energy saved per year | Money saved per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 18.6 kWh | $3.54 |
| 3 hours | 55.8 kWh | $10.61 |
| 6 hours | 111.7 kWh | $21.22 |
Multiply by the number of bulbs in your home and the savings add up quickly. Bulbs you leave on the longest, like porch lights and kitchen lights, are the best ones to switch first.
How the savings are calculated
The payback time divides what the new bulbs cost by your monthly savings. Most LED switches pay for themselves within a year, and often much sooner for bulbs that are on for hours a day.
Savings this calculator doesn't count
- Fewer replacements. Incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours. LEDs are commonly rated for 15,000 hours or more, so one LED can outlast many old bulbs.
- Less heat in summer. Incandescent bulbs turn most of their energy into heat, which your AC then has to remove.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do LED bulbs save?
Switching one 60 W incandescent bulb to a 9 W LED saves about $10 a year if the light is on 3 hours a day at 19¢ per kWh. A home that switches 20 bulbs can save $200 or more per year.
What LED wattage replaces a 60 watt bulb?
An LED of about 8 to 10 watts gives roughly the same light as a 60 W incandescent. Check the lumens on the package: a 60 W equivalent is around 800 lumens.
Is it worth replacing working incandescent bulbs?
Usually yes for bulbs you use daily, since the energy savings often cover the cost of the LED within months. For bulbs in a closet or attic that are rarely on, it's fine to wait until they burn out.
How long do LED bulbs last?
Many LED bulbs are rated for 15,000 to 25,000 hours, compared to around 1,000 hours for an incandescent bulb.