Price as of Jun 27, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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Example Calculations

1Typical Home (20 bulbs, 60W to 9W LED)

Inputs

Bulbs20

Old Wattage60W incandescent

LED Wattage9W

Usage5 hours/day

Result

Annual Savings$268

Investment$240 (20 bulbs × $12)

Payback11 months

Energy savings: 20 × (60-9) × 5 × 365 / 1000 × $0.14 = $261. Automation (15%): $7. Total: $268.

2Small Apartment (10 bulbs, CFL to LED)

Inputs

Bulbs10

Old Wattage13W CFL

LED Wattage9W

Usage4 hours/day

Result

Annual Savings$11

Investment$120 (10 bulbs × $12)

CFL to LED savings are small (4W difference): 10 × 4 × 4 × 365 / 1000 × $0.14 = $8.18. Automation adds ~$3.

Show all examples

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do smart LED bulbs save compared to incandescent?

A 9W LED replaces a 60W incandescent, saving 51W per bulb. With 20 bulbs running 5 hours daily at $0.14/kWh, you save about $260/year in electricity alone. Smart automation adds another 10–15% by eliminating lights left on unnecessarily.

60W incandescent to 9W LED = 85% energy reduction per bulb
20 bulbs at 5 hrs/day save 18,615 kWh over 25,000-hour LED lifespan
LED lifespan: 25,000 hours vs 1,000 hours for incandescent—25x longer
Smart scheduling/motion sensing eliminates 10–15% of unnecessary lighting usage

What is the payback period for smart LED bulbs?

At $8–15 per smart bulb, a 20-bulb setup costs $160–$300 upfront. With $260+/year in energy savings, payback is typically 7–14 months. Standard (non-smart) LEDs at $2–5 each pay back in 2–4 months.

Smart LED bulbs ($8–$15 each) add WiFi/Zigbee control and scheduling
Standard LEDs ($2–$5) provide the same energy savings without smart features
Smart bulbs add 10–15% extra savings from automation—worth it for 10+ bulb homes
Group buying (multi-packs) reduces per-bulb cost by 20–30%

How does smart lighting automation save energy?

Smart automation saves energy through motion-activated on/off, daylight-responsive dimming, scheduled routines, and vacancy detection. Studies show 10–20% additional savings beyond the LED swap itself.

Motion sensors turn off lights in rooms left empty—saves 15–25% in those areas
Daylight harvesting dims lights near windows during sunny hours
Away-from-home routines prevent entire floors of lights from being left on
Dimming to 80% reduces power by 20% while being barely perceptible visually

Should I use smart bulbs or smart switches?

Smart switches ($25–$50 each) are better for rooms with multiple bulbs on one circuit, while smart bulbs ($8–$15 each) are better for lamps and single fixtures. Switches require neutral wire and control all bulbs on the circuit; bulbs offer individual color and dimming control.

Smart switch: 1 device controls 4–8 bulbs on the circuit, lower per-bulb cost
Smart bulb: individual color/dimming control, no wiring needed, works in lamps
Switches need neutral wire—check before purchasing (older homes may lack it)
Smart bulbs are ideal for renters since no wiring changes are required

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Last Updated: Jul 20, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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