If you haven't made the switch to LED lighting yet, you're paying more than you need to on your electricity bill every month. LED technology has come a long way, and the savings are real. Here's a practical breakdown of what you can expect when you upgrade your home's lighting.
The Numbers: LED vs. Incandescent vs. CFL
A traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb produces about 800 lumens of light. To get that same brightness, you only need:
- LED: 8-10 watts (85% less energy)
- CFL: 13-15 watts (75% less energy)
- Incandescent: 60 watts (baseline)
For a home with 30 light fixtures running an average of 5 hours per day, switching from incandescent to LED saves roughly $150-$200 per year on your electricity bill. In Southern California, where SCE rates continue to climb, those savings add up fast.
LED Lifespan: Buy Less, Replace Less
Beyond energy savings, LEDs last dramatically longer than traditional bulbs:
- LED: 25,000-50,000 hours (15-25 years of typical use)
- CFL: 8,000-10,000 hours (5-7 years)
- Incandescent: 1,000-2,000 hours (less than 1 year)
That means fewer trips to the store, fewer ladders to climb, and fewer bulbs in the landfill.
Recessed Lighting: The Most Popular LED Upgrade
One of the most requested services we perform is converting old recessed can lights to modern LED retrofits. Old recessed fixtures often use 65-watt BR30 flood bulbs that generate a lot of heat and run up your energy bill. LED retrofit kits slip right into the existing housing, look cleaner, and use only 10-12 watts per fixture.
For a home with 20 recessed lights, that's a drop from 1,300 watts to about 220 watts — a massive reduction that you'll see on your very next bill.
Dimming and Smart Controls
Modern LED bulbs are fully dimmable when paired with the right dimmer switch. If your current dimmers are buzzing or flickering with LED bulbs, you likely need an LED-compatible dimmer installed. This is a quick fix that our electricians handle regularly.
Smart LED bulbs and switches take it a step further, letting you control brightness, color temperature, and schedules from your phone. These are great for setting the right mood and saving even more energy by automating when lights turn off.
Under-Cabinet and Accent Lighting
LED strip lights and puck lights are perfect for under-cabinet kitchen lighting, closet illumination, and accent lighting. They produce minimal heat, use very little power, and can transform the look and functionality of a space. We hardwire these installations for a clean, professional result — no visible plugs or adapters.
Ready to Upgrade?
Whether you want to swap out a few bulbs or do a whole-home LED conversion, Westek Electric Corp. can help. We'll assess your current fixtures, recommend the best LED options, and handle the installation. Call (909) 996-6678 for a free estimate.