How Much Can You Save? The ROI of Upgrading to LED Lighting

Benefits of Switching to LED Recessed Lighting
Still using incandescent or CFL bulbs? You're throwing money away. Here's exactly how much you can save by upgrading to LED lighting.
LED Savings Calculator
Average Home (30 Light Bulbs)
Current incandescent setup:
- 30 bulbs × 60 watts = 1,800 watts
- 5 hours daily use = 9 kWh/day
- 9 kWh × $0.25/kWh × 365 = $821/year
After LED upgrade:
- 30 bulbs × 9 watts = 270 watts
- 5 hours daily use = 1.35 kWh/day
- 1.35 kWh × $0.25/kWh × 365 = $123/year
Annual savings: $698
10-year savings: $6,980
Brooklyn Apartment (15 Bulbs)
Current CFL setup:
- 15 bulbs × 13 watts = 195 watts
- 4 hours daily = 0.78 kWh/day
- 0.78 kWh × $0.25 × 365 = $71/year
After LED upgrade:
- 15 bulbs × 9 watts = 135 watts
- 4 hours daily = 0.54 kWh/day
- 0.54 kWh × $0.25 × 365 = $49/year
Annual savings: $22
Plus: LEDs last 25,000 hours vs. CFL's 8,000 hours
LED vs. Incandescent vs. CFL
| Feature | Incandescent | CFL | LED |
|---------|-------------|-----|-----|
| Lifespan | 1,000 hours | 8,000 hours | 25,000+ hours |
| Energy use (60W equivalent) | 60 watts | 13 watts | 9 watts |
| Annual cost per bulb | $7.50 | $1.65 | $1.15 |
| Heat output | High | Medium | Low |
| Mercury content | None | Yes | None |
| Instant on | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dimmable | Yes | Some | Most |
| Color options | Limited | Limited | Many |
Types of LED Upgrades
1. Simple Bulb Swap
What: Replace existing bulbs with LED equivalents
Cost: $3-15 per bulb
Best for:
- Table lamps
- Standard fixtures
- Ceiling fixtures with exposed bulbs
DIY friendly: Yes
2. LED Recessed Lighting
What: Replace or retrofit recessed can lights with LED
Cost: $15-50 per fixture (retrofit) or $100-200 (new fixture installed)
Best for:
- Kitchens
- Living rooms
- Basements
- Commercial spaces
DIY friendly: Retrofit yes, new install no
3. Under-Cabinet LED
What: Strip or puck lights under kitchen cabinets
Cost: $150-500 installed
Best for:
- Kitchen task lighting
- Display lighting
- Accent lighting
DIY friendly: Some systems
4. Smart LED Systems
What: WiFi/Bluetooth controlled LED lights
Cost: $200-1,000+ depending on scope
Best for:
- Tech-savvy homes
- Automated lighting scenes
- Voice control integration
DIY friendly: Some, professional recommended for switches
LED Lighting Benefits Beyond Savings
Better Light Quality
- Color options: 2700K (warm) to 6500K (daylight)
- Color rendering: LEDs show true colors better
- Dimming: Smooth dimming without flickering
- Instant on: Full brightness immediately
Environmental Impact
- 80% less energy than incandescent
- No mercury (unlike CFLs)
- Fewer bulbs in landfills
- Lower carbon footprint
Reduced Cooling Costs
- LEDs produce 80% less heat
- Less strain on AC in summer
- Safer in enclosed fixtures
- Won't scorch lampshades
Safety Benefits
- Cool to touch
- No glass envelope (many designs)
- No UV emission
- Lower fire risk
LED Upgrade Process
For Simple Bulb Swaps:
1. Note current bulb wattage
2. Choose LED equivalent (9W LED ≈ 60W incandescent)
3. Select color temperature (2700K for warm, 5000K for bright)
4. Check dimmer compatibility if using dimmers
For Recessed Lighting Retrofit:
1. Measure existing can size (4", 5", or 6")
2. Choose retrofit kit with trim style you like
3. Turn off power
4. Remove old trim and bulb
5. Connect retrofit kit wires
6. Push into can and secure
For Full LED Upgrades:
1. Assessment: Electrician evaluates existing setup
2. Selection: Choose fixtures and color temperature
3. Installation: Professional installation
4. Programming: Set up any smart controls
Best LEDs for Different Rooms
Living Room
- Color temp: 2700K-3000K (warm white)
- Type: Dimmable recessed or chandeliers
- Brightness: 800-1100 lumens per fixture
Kitchen
- Color temp: 3000K-4000K (neutral to bright)
- Type: Recessed for general, under-cabinet for task
- Brightness: 1100+ lumens for work areas
Bedroom
- Color temp: 2700K (warm)
- Type: Dimmable, possibly smart
- Brightness: 800 lumens, dimmable
Bathroom
- Color temp: 3000K-4000K
- Type: Vanity lights, recessed for shower
- Note: Must use damp-rated in shower area
Home Office
- Color temp: 4000K-5000K (energizing daylight)
- Type: Recessed or desk lamp
- Brightness: 1100+ lumens for task area
LED Upgrade Costs in Brooklyn
DIY Bulb Replacement
- 30 bulbs @ $10 each = $300
- Your time: 1-2 hours
- Payback: 5-6 months
Professional Recessed Retrofit
- 10 fixtures @ $75 each = $750
- Includes labor
- Payback: 10-12 months
Full Kitchen LED Upgrade
- New recessed + under-cabinet
- $1,500-3,000 installed
- Payback: 2-3 years
Whole-Home LED Transformation
- All fixtures, smart controls
- $3,000-8,000 installed
- Payback: 3-5 years
Ready to Start Saving?
Let Jetco help you calculate your exact savings and plan your LED upgrade:
✓ Free lighting assessment
✓ Energy savings calculation
✓ Product recommendations
✓ Professional installation
✓ Smart control setup
Call: (667) 455-6368


