Upgrades & Cost

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

Jetco Electrical Team
2025-12-15
6 min read
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


Need Professional Help?

Our expert electricians are ready to assist with your electrical needs

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