Switching to LED bulbs: how much do you really save?
LEDs are one of the easiest energy wins there is. Here's the honest maths on what you save.
Swapping to LED bulbs is the classic energy tip for good reason — it's cheap, instant, and the savings are real. Here's what's actually going on.
The difference in plain numbers
An LED uses roughly 80–90% less electricity than an old incandescent bulb, and around 80% less than a halogen, to produce the same brightness. A bulb that drew 60 watts might now draw 6–9 watts for the same light.
Why it adds up
- Lighting is a meaningful chunk of a typical home's electricity.
- LEDs last far longer — often 15,000–25,000 hours — so you replace them rarely.
- They're brightest the moment you switch them on, with no warm-up.
Getting it right
Look at lumens (brightness), not watts, when choosing. For colour, 2700K is warm white (cosy, like old bulbs), 4000K is cool white (kitchens, workspaces). Buy dimmable LEDs if you have dimmer switches.
Quick win
Replace the bulbs in the rooms you use most first — living room, kitchen, hallway — and you'll see the benefit fastest.
Which bulbs to prioritise
Start with the lights you leave on longest — the kitchen, living room and hallway. Those are where an inefficient bulb costs you most, so switching them first gives the fastest return. Bathrooms, bedrooms and rarely-used spaces can follow. There's no need to bin working bulbs all at once; swap them as you go and as they fail.
A quick buying checklist
- Check the cap/fitting type (bayonet, screw, GU10) matches your fixture.
- Choose lumens for brightness, colour temperature for mood.
- Buy dimmable LEDs if you have dimmer switches.
More practical advice in our Insights & Guides.