The real cost of LED vs. traditional lighting

Comparing incandescent and LED bulbs

Start with a basic question: what’s the real difference between incandescent and LED lighting?

• Traditional incandescent lightbulbs generate light by heating a wire filament until it glows. However, this older technology is highly inefficient, as about 90% of that energy is lost as heat. A single incandescent bulb typically uses around 60 watts, which is why they’re so hot to the touch and known to even cause fires.
• LED lightbulbs, on the other hand, use a semiconductor to pass an electrical current through a microchip and produce light, a process that’s significantly more energy-efficient. LEDs use only 8 to 12 watts to produce the same brightness as a 60-watt incandescent bulb, which also makes them cooler to the touch and safer to operate.

Over the last decade, LED adoption has skyrocketed nationwide. In Texas, that shift has been especially prominent, driven by growing energy-efficiency throughout homes and business places, changes to building codes and  consumer demand for safer, more sustainable energy use.

More about energy-efficiency

Most people think of lightbulbs in terms of wattage, but watts actually measure how much energy a bulb uses rather than its brightness. The real measure of brightness is lumens, and this is where LED bulbs really shine.

Let’s look at the numbers:

• Incandescent bulbs use about 60 watts and produce around 13 lumens per watt.
• LED bulbs use only about 8–12 watts and produce 70–100 lumens per watt.

Using these measurements, LEDs can be up to seven times more efficient than traditional bulbs. You’re not only getting a larger amount of light, but it’s also using less power.

Here’s a quick example: 

To produce roughly 3,000 lumens of light (enough to light a medium-sized room), you’d need:

• Four incandescent bulbs, using roughly 240 watts total
• Three to four LED bulbs, using only about 35 to 48 watts total

That’s a huge difference — up to 85% less energy used with LEDs!

These savings add up over time, especially in businesses or areas where lights are used often or left on for long periods, like hallways, stairwells and outdoor fixtures.

Cost analysis: Incandescent vs. LED lighting

LED bulbs typically cost more up front when compared to incandescent bulbs, but they can result in measurable savings over time.

Are LEDs more expensive than traditional lightbulbs?

At first glance, LEDs can cost more up front. Factoring in how much energy they save and how long they last, LEDs end up actually being much cheaper. 

Let’s examine costs in the long run.

Initial price:

• Incandescent bulb: Around $1 per bulb
• LED bulb: Around $3–$5 per bulb

That initial difference may seem like a downside, but over time LEDs can pull ahead in value. Take a typical Texas household using ten lightbulbs for an average of three hours per day.

• Using incandescent bulbs, you'd spend about $70–$75 per year in energy costs.
• With LED bulbs that cost drops to about $10–$15 per year.

That’s a savings of around $60 per year, just from swapping out ten bulbs. If you take into account that LED bulbs last significantly longer, there’s added value in replacing them less often.

For someone scaling this across their entire home, or even an entire apartment complex, the up-front cost quickly pays for itself, making LEDs the smarter financial choice.

Are there any instances in which traditional lightbulbs are cheaper to use than LEDs?

LEDs are usually more cost-effective over time, but there are a few specific situations where traditional incandescent bulbs might seem cheaper.

• Lower up-front cost fits short-term use: Incandescent bulbs are often less than $1 each, which can be appealing for temporary setups or tight budgets.
• Older dimmer compatibility: Some older dimmer switches don’t work well with LED bulbs, leading people to use incandescents until they can upgrade.
• Extreme cold environments: While rare today, some older LEDs may underperform in very low temperatures, where incandescent bulbs still operate reliably.

Apart from exceptions like these, LEDs tend to pull ahead as a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Lifespan and durability: A long-term perspective

LEDs can be more expensive up front, raising the question of how often they need to be replaced. Do they break easily? Do they burn out quickly?

What is the lifespan of an LED lightbulb vs. a traditional lightbulb?

LEDs far outperform incandescent bulbs in longevity across the board.

• Average incandescent lifespan: 750–1,000 hours (about 31 to 42 days)
• Average LED lifespan: 15,000–25,000 hours (about 625 to 1,040 days)

With a drastically longer life expectancy, the up-front costs of LED lights are practically insignificant compared to the savings they offer over time.

LED durability

Compared to traditional bulbs, which can break easily and be sensitive to temperature and moisture, LED lights are significantly more durable.

• Incandescent bulbs use delicate filaments that can break from shock, vibration or even temperature fluctuations. They also tend to struggle in outdoor settings, especially where humidity is high or temperatures vary drastically.
• LED bulbs, on the other hand, are solid-state light sources, meaning they don’t use fragile filaments or glass components prone to breakage. This makes them much more resistant to shock, vibration and external stress. Many outdoor-rated LED bulbs are also water-resistant or weatherproof, making them a great choice for landscape lighting, porch lights or commercial exterior lighting.

Environmental impact: Why LEDs are the more sustainable choice

Incandescent bulbs aren’t just inefficient and hot to the touch, they also contribute more to environmental waste and emissions than LEDs.

LEDs are the greener choice for four major reasons:

1. Lower energy use = reduced carbon emissions

LEDs use up to 85% less electricity than incandescent bulbs for the same light output. In Texas, where energy demands spike during hot summer months, lower energy consumption means greater efficiency and thus lower emissions tied to electricity generation.

2. Longer lifespan = less waste

While incandescent bulbs typically last 750 to 1,000 hours, LED bulbs last 15,000 to 25,000 hours. That means fewer replacements and significantly less waste going to landfills over time, which is especially important in large residential communities with multiple light fixtures.

3. No toxic materials

LEDs do not contain mercury or other hazardous substances often found in older lighting technologies, making them safer both during use as well as disposal.

4. Recyclable components

Many LED bulbs are made with components like aluminum, plastic and glass that may be recycled through local programs. Several Texas municipalities accept LEDs at designated drop-off centers or during electronics recycling events.

Making the switch to LEDs: Top tips

Not all LED lightbulbs are the same. To make the best choice, keep a few energy-saving tips in mind as you shop around.

Check lumens for brightness, not watts

Look at lumens to understand how bright a bulb will be, instead of watts. To use an example, when replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb, look for an 800-lumen LED; it provides the same brightness using only 8–12 watts. This will give you the light output you expect while using far less energy.

Select the right color temperature

LEDs come in a range of color tones that can cool down or warm up your space – choose one that gives you the feeling you’re looking for.

• 2700K–3000K (warm white light): Soft, cozy and warm light, which is ideal for relaxed settings like living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas
• 4000K–5000K (cool white/daylight): Bright, crisp and energizing light, great for kitchens, bathrooms, garages and workspaces where visibility and focus are key

Bonus color tip: Look for the Kelvin (K) rating on the packaging to guide your choice

Bulbs in the 5000–6500K range emit more blue light, which can improve alertness and visibility but may interfere with sleep if used late at night.

Look for ENERGY STAR® certification

Bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label have been tested to meet strict efficiency, brightness and longevity standards. Bulbs vetted this way should save energy and replacement costs over time.

Choose dimmable bulbs if needed

If you use dimmer switches, be sure to buy LEDs labeled as dimmable. Also, check that they’re compatible with your dimmer model to avoid flickering or reducing their lifespan.

Go smart for added savings and control

Pair energy-efficient LED bulbs with a smart home system to automate lighting schedules, control lights remotely and reduce unnecessary energy use. Features like motion sensors, timers for outdoor lighting and app-based controls can help you fine-tune how and when your lights are being used.

Start saving with LEDs

Whether you're renovating your home or upgrading the lighting in your rental unit, switching to LEDs is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut energy use and lower your monthly bills. These modern bulbs use up to 80% less energy, last 15–25 times longer than incandescent lighting options and are especially helpful in reducing utility costs, which is something every Texan can appreciate during the hot summer months.

All throughout our state people are seeing noticeable savings by making the LED switch. Pair them with a smart home system and an energy plan from Reliant, and you could save 10–15% on your monthly electricity bill.