How to Reduce Your Electric Bill By Replacing Incandescent Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to reduce your electric bill is by replacing your old, inefficient incandescent light bulbs with new, more energy-efficient LED bulbs. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch and start saving money.

Why Replace Incandescent Bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs are extremely inefficient - 90% of the energy they consume generates heat, not light. This wastes a lot of electricity.

On the other hand, LED bulbs use 75-80% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Replacing all the incandescent bulbs in your home with LEDs can reduce your lighting electricity costs by 75% or more.

Here are some key advantages of LED bulbs over incandescent bulbs:

Longer lifespan - LED bulbs can last over 25,000 hours compared to just 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. This means 25x less bulb replacements.
Lower energy use - LED bulbs use at least 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
Reduce cooling costs - LED bulbs generate very little heat, helping reduce AC costs in summer.
Better light quality - LEDs provide a cleaner, crisper light compared to incandescent bulbs.
Durability - LED bulbs have no filament or glass bulb to break. They are much more durable.

Determine Which Bulbs to Replace First

When replacing incandescent bulbs, prioritize the ones that are used most frequently and for longest durations. This will maximize electricity savings.

The best bulbs to replace first are:

Fixtures used multiple hours per day - ceiling lights, kitchen lights, living room and bedroom lamps, etc.
High wattage bulbs - 75W, 100W bulbs waste more energy.
Floodlights and spotlights - Replace outdoor security and spotlights with LED floods.

Also check lamp and fixture compatibility before purchasing replacement bulbs to ensure the new LED bulbs will physically fit and work properly.

Calculate Cost Savings

Before replacing bulbs, take note of the wattage of existing incandescent bulbs and calculate potential cost savings.

For example, replacing a 60W bulb that's used 5 hours per day with a 9W LED bulb will save:

(60W - 9W) x 5 hours x 365 days x $0.12 per kWh 
= 51W x 1825 hrs x $0.12 
= $110/year

At this rate, the LED bulb pays for itself in less than a year and will keep saving money year after year with its 25+ year lifespan.

Purchase Quality LED Bulbs

Important factors to consider when purchasing replacement LED bulbs:

Lumens - Select bulbs with equal or greater lumens as the incandescent they are replacing. Lumens indicate brightness.
Color temperature - Choose warm white (2700-3000K) to match traditional bulbs. Cool white (5000K) appears more blue.
Light color - Pick clear bulbs for an evenly distributed light. Frosted bulbs scatter the light.
Beam angle - Wider beam angles like 120° provide broader light distribution.
Reputable brand - Stick with major brands like Philips, Osram, GE, etc. for quality and reliability.
Energy star certified - Certified bulbs meet government quality and efficiency standards.

Avoid extremely cheap LED bulbs as they often use low quality components that don't last. Paying a couple dollars more per bulb will be worth it in the long run.

Install the New LED Bulbs

Installation is simple:

Turn off power to the light fixture at the switch or breaker panel.
Remove the old incandescent bulb.
Insert the new LED bulb, ensuring it is seated properly.
Turn power back on and test that the new bulb works.

Take care not to touch the LED bulb glass as oil from skin can cause hot spots and shorten its lifespan. Use a tissue instead.

If the fixture has a dimmer switch, use LED bulbs specifically designed to work with dimmers. Also replace any high wattage halogen floodlights with equivalent LED flood bulbs.

Finally, make sure to dispose of old bulbs properly as they contain mercury - take them to hazardous waste recycling.

Start Saving Money!

That's it! With all your inefficient incandescent bulbs replaced, you can now relax and enjoy immediate savings on your electric bill month after month while also reducing environmental impact.

The longer you use your long lasting LED bulbs, the more savings will accumulate. You'll also avoid the hassle of frequent bulb replacements.

Converting fully to LED lighting is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce home energy costs today. The payback period is very short compared to many other home efficiency upgrades. Plus it's easy and inexpensive to do yourself.