# LED Savings Calculator

Calculate how much you save by switching to LED bulbs. Compare annual electricity costs, see 10-year savings, and find your CO2 reduction from lower.

## What this calculates

Wondering if switching to LED bulbs is worth it? Enter your current bulb count, wattages, daily usage, and electricity rate to see the annual and 10-year savings, plus the environmental benefit of reduced CO2 emissions.

## Inputs

- **Number of Bulbs** — min 1, max 500 — Total light bulbs to replace
- **Incandescent Wattage** (W) — min 1, max 300 — Wattage of the incandescent bulbs being replaced
- **LED Equivalent Wattage** (W) — min 1, max 100 — Wattage of the equivalent LED bulbs (a 60W incandescent is roughly 9W LED)
- **Hours Used per Day** (hours) — min 0.5, max 24 — Average daily usage hours per bulb
- **Electricity Rate** ($/kWh) — min 0.01, max 1 — Your electricity cost per kilowatt-hour

## Outputs

- **Annual Incandescent Cost** — formatted as currency — Yearly electricity cost using incandescent bulbs
- **Annual LED Cost** — formatted as currency — Yearly electricity cost using LED bulbs
- **Annual Savings** — formatted as currency — Money saved each year by switching to LED
- **10-Year Savings** — formatted as currency — Total savings over a 10-year period
- **CO2 Reduction** (lb/yr) — Annual carbon dioxide reduction from lower electricity use

## Details

LED bulbs use about 75-85% less electricity than incandescent bulbs for the same light output. A standard 60-watt incandescent can be replaced by a 9-watt LED that produces the same 800 lumens. The electricity savings add up quickly, especially across an entire home.

The cost formula is: Annual Cost = Bulbs x Watts x Hours/day x 365 days / 1000 x $/kWh. The CO2 reduction is calculated using the US average grid emission factor of 0.92 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour.

Beyond electricity savings, LED bulbs last 15,000-50,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for incandescents, meaning you also save on replacement bulb costs. A typical LED bulb pays for itself in energy savings within 3-6 months of use.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How much does an LED bulb actually save per year?**

A: A single 9W LED replacing a 60W incandescent and used 5 hours per day saves about $4-5 per year in electricity at average US rates. Across 20 bulbs in a home, that is $80-100 per year.

**Q: What LED wattage replaces my incandescent?**

A: Common equivalents: 40W incandescent = 6W LED, 60W = 9W LED, 75W = 12W LED, 100W = 15W LED. Look for the lumens (brightness) rating on the LED package rather than wattage for the best match.

**Q: How long do LED bulbs last?**

A: Most LED bulbs are rated for 15,000-25,000 hours, with premium bulbs lasting up to 50,000 hours. At 5 hours per day, a 25,000-hour LED lasts about 13.7 years. Incandescents typically last only 1,000 hours (about 7 months at the same usage).

**Q: Where does the CO2 figure come from?**

A: The US EPA estimates that generating one kilowatt-hour of electricity produces about 0.92 pounds of CO2 on average, based on the national fuel mix (coal, natural gas, renewables). Your local grid may differ.

**Q: Are there LED equivalents for all bulb types?**

A: Yes, LED versions are available for nearly every bulb type including standard A19, candelabra, recessed (BR30/BR40), globe, tube (T8), and flood lights. Dimmable options are also widely available.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/everyday/led-savings
Category: Everyday Life
Last updated: 2026-04-21