Tip
LED conversion math
Per-bulb savings
| Old bulb | LED replacement | Annual savings (3 hr/day × 365 days × $0.13/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 60W incandescent | 9W LED | $7.30 |
| 75W incandescent | 11W LED | $9.10 |
| 100W incandescent | 16W LED | $11.95 |
| 13W CFL | 9W LED | $0.57 (negligible — CFLs are already efficient; replace for color quality and longevity) |
Color temperature guide
- 2700K (warm white) — most living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms (mimics incandescent)
- 3000K — kitchen general lighting, bathroom vanities
- 3500-4000K (neutral) — kitchen task lighting, garages, workshops
- 5000K (daylight) — outdoor security floodlights, accurate-color tasks
CRI matters more than people think
CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source shows colors. Incandescent CRI = 100. Cheap LEDs are 70-80 CRI; quality LEDs are 90+ CRI. The difference is dramatic on skin tones, food, and artwork. Pay extra for 90+ CRI in living areas.
Dimmable LED gotchas
Not all LEDs are dimmable, and not all dimmers work with all dimmable LEDs. Buy a verified-compatible LED + dimmer pair, or you'll see flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range.