LEDs are taking over the lighting industry. In truth, there’s a high chance you’ll find them in 90% of the places you visit. But most people talk about the benefits of LEDs with little or no focus on the costs. When carrying out new installations or retrofitting, it’s crucial to know how much they cost. Otherwise, you might exceed your budget. Luckily, this article will give you a breakdown of the LED light cost to prepare you for related projects.
A Glimpse of LED Light Cost in 2022
Cost
LED lights have several benefits that make them cost-effective in the long run. But that’s only the case when you’ve made the purchase. So let’s see how much it costs to get LED lights in 2022.
The Initial Costs of Buying LEDs
LED bulb on hand
It would help to consider the cost of getting LED bulbs before installation. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs don’t have cheap upfront costs. And we can attribute it to several reasons.
- The raw materials for producing LEDs are pretty expensive. In addition, since the technology is relatively new, some components used to make them are rare and costly.
- LED manufacturers are few compared to other lighting technologies. As a result, most manufacturers haven’t reached the threshold where it’s possible to sell cheaper LEDs and make a profit.
- Lastly, the balance between demand and supply is unsteady. Generally, the store does not meet the demand for LED technologies.
These are only a few reasons why LEDs are more expensive. But compared to other lighting, LEDs are more expensive. Here’s a comparison of the stable lighting fixture with other technologies.
Table showing bulb price
On the bright side, LEDs are worth the higher expense as they are often a one-time investment.
LED Fixture Installation Costs
LED Center Fixtures
Usually, there are two situations for LED light installation:
- Retrofitting LED lights from older technologies like incandescent or CFL.
- Installing LED fixtures from scratch.
If you’re retrofitting, there’s a high chance it would cost less. But that’s if the existing fixtures have compatible voltage and no wiring faults. So, if everything looks good, you’ll only need a fast and easy swap.
Another thing you need to know is that the LED bulbs must match the fittings of the existing fixtures. The standard bulb fittings are the E27 screw and GU10 pin type. Thankfully, you can find LEDs with these fits.
Contrarily, installing LEDs from scratch may be more expensive because it’ll need correct wiring. Also, you’d have to install fuses, fittings, switches, and circuit breakers. Then, it would help if you placed live, neutral, & earth wires correctly.
Sadly, it’s not safe to do a DIY here. So, it’s best to hire a professional. Most professionals charge between $50 to $300 per hour. Some even allow negotiations if the hourly payment is beyond your budget.
Wiring experts may also charge you according to the number of fixtures or building size. Typically, simple lights take about an hour to install and two for more complex ones.
For example, if you have six simple fixtures, it’ll take an estimated 8 hours to install (including unexpected events and delays). That means you may spend about $500 on installation costs.
But that’s just an example. Your total cost will depend on the agreed working rate after negotiations. Here’s a summary of the price of installing various LED lights.
Table showing different installation prices
Note: These prices are only known averages.
LED Light Maintenance Costs
Different LED bulbs
After installation, you’ll need to factor in maintenance costs too. However, unlike incandescent bulbs, LEDs need little maintenance, thanks to their long life span.
LEDs can give you six years of uninterrupted lighting, even if you leave it on for twenty-four hours.
For instance, It costs about $3 to replace an LED bulb and less than a dollar for an incandescent bulb. But since LEDs last up to sixty times longer than incandescent bulbs, you’ll replace the latter more than an LED bulb.
So, it will cost you about $3 for LED bulbs, while incandescent bulbs cost $180 for maintenance when running for the same timeframe.
In short, LED lights have low maintenance costs compared to other lighting options.
LED Electricity Costs
Most people favor LEDs over incandescents and CFLs because of their low energy consumption. Though they have high upfront costs, they can save you a lot in energy costs.
LEDs have a +75% energy efficiency rating, cutting down electricity bills by large margins. And it’s because LED lights create more light using less power. Further, since they don’t use filaments, LEDs don’t waste energy in the form of heat.
Hence, they’re cost-effective lighting options. Let’s look at some sample energy costs from different lighting technologies.
Table showing energy cost of different lighting technologies
Generally, LEDs are pricey but the most affordable to run and maintain.
How to Save on Your Lighting Costs?
Different LED bulbs
Here are some tips to help you save your lighting costs.
Tip 1: Replace Old Bulbs with Energy-Efficient Bulbs
LEDs have the highest energy efficiency compared to other lighting options. So, it helps you save up to $225 per year in energy costs.
Tip 2: Use more Natural Light.
Natural light is even more efficient than LED technology. Asides from saving you some lighting costs, it also improves mental health. In short, natural light is more energy-efficient and brighter than any lighting technology.
Tip 3: Use a Light-Efficient Home Design
You don’t need bright lights in every room. So, you can start by deciding which rooms need simple lamps or more colorful lights.
Tip 4: Install Dimmers
Installing dimmers are pretty cheap. And they’re not only great for mood-setting, but dimmers also help cut down your electricity bills. For instance, you can save roughly 20% on lighting costs by setting your lights to less than 80% brightness.
FAQs
How much does a LED light cost per hour, month, or year?
LED bulbs cost $0.2 per hour, $2.40 per month, and $28.80 annually.
Are LED lights expensive for electricity?
LED bulbs use less electricity to create light, reducing electricity bills.
What is the function of a LED light cost calculator?
You can use LED light calculators to calculate the cost of using LEDs in your home or office.
What’s the cost of getting LED lights installed?
The average cost is $165, but it can cost up to $1000 to install them.
Last Words
Woman choosing LEDs
No doubt, LEDs are the best option for energy-efficient lighting. But the LED light cost is worth considering due to the initial upfront and installation expenses. Interestingly, in the long run, they are cost-effective as LEDs need less electricity to run and last for extended periods.
Additionally, LED lighting is now a more popular option, and it keeps growing with government programs pushing campaigns for reduced energy consumption. Although you can get cheaper LED bulbs, they come with quality control and reduced longevity.
But a cheap LED bulb with quality control is still better than CFL or incandescent bulbs.
What do you think about the costs of getting LEDs? Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.
