LED vs Incandescent Recessed Lights: How Much Will You Really Save?

If you're considering recessed lighting for your Chicago-area home, you've probably heard that LED is the way to go. But how much will you actually save? Is it worth the higher upfront cost?

In this article, we'll run real numbers using current ComEd electricity rates to show you exactly what LED recessed lighting will save you - and how quickly the investment pays off.

LED vs Incandescent: Quick Comparison

Factor	Incandescent	LED
Wattage (equivalent brightness)	65W	10-12W
Energy Use	100%	15-18% (75-85% less)
Lifespan	1,000-2,000 hours	25,000-50,000 hours
Years of Use (3 hrs/day)	1-2 years	22-45 years
Heat Output	High (90% as heat)	Low (minimal heat)
Bulb Cost	$2-$5	$5-$15 (integrated)
Dimmable	Yes	Yes (most models)

Real Energy Savings: The Math

Let's calculate actual savings for a typical Chicago-area home using current ComEd rates.

Assumptions

• ComEd rate: $0.14 per kWh (approximate average including delivery charges)
• Daily use: 4 hours per day (average for living areas)
• Incandescent wattage: 65W per light
• LED wattage: 11W per light (equivalent brightness)

Single Light Annual Cost

Multiple Light Scenarios

Scenario	# of Lights	Annual Savings	10-Year Savings
Kitchen Only	8 lights	$88	$880
Kitchen + Living Room	16 lights	$177	$1,770
Main Floor	24 lights	$265	$2,650
Whole Home	40 lights	$442	$4,420

The Hidden Savings: No More Bulb Replacements

Energy savings are just part of the story. LED's incredible lifespan means you also save on bulb replacement costs and hassle.

Bulb Replacement Comparison (Per Light, Over 22 Years)

For a home with 20 recessed lights, that's $960 in avoided bulb replacement costs over the LED's lifespan - not to mention the time and hassle of climbing ladders to change bulbs every year or two.

Total Cost of Ownership: 10-Year Comparison

Let's compare the true cost of running 8 recessed lights (a typical kitchen) for 10 years:

Cost Category	Incandescent	LED
Electricity (10 years)	$1,063	$180
Bulb Replacements	$168 (7 changes × 8 bulbs × $3)	$0
Total 10-Year Cost	$1,231	$180
10-Year Savings with LED	$1,051

How Long Until LED Pays for Itself?

If you're replacing existing incandescent recessed lights with LED, the payback period is remarkably short:

• LED retrofit kit cost: ~$15-$25 per light
• Annual savings per light: $11.04
• Payback period: 1.4 - 2.3 years

After that, every dollar saved goes directly into your pocket for the next 20+ years.

Beyond Energy: Other LED Benefits

Better Light Quality

Modern LED recessed lights offer excellent color rendering (CRI 90+), meaning colors appear natural and vibrant. You can also choose your preferred color temperature - from warm (2700K) to daylight (5000K).

Less Heat

Incandescent bulbs convert 90% of their energy to heat. In summer, this means your air conditioning works harder. LED's minimal heat output reduces cooling costs - an additional savings not reflected in our calculations above.

Instant On

Unlike some older energy-efficient bulbs (CFLs), LEDs reach full brightness instantly. No warm-up period.

Dimmable

Most LED recessed lights are fully dimmable with compatible switches, allowing you to set the perfect ambiance and save even more energy when full brightness isn't needed.

No UV Emissions

LEDs produce virtually no UV light, making them better for artwork and fabrics that can fade under UV exposure.

Common LED Myths Debunked

"LED light looks harsh and blue"

False. Early LEDs had this problem, but modern LEDs are available in warm white (2700K) that looks identical to incandescent. We typically install warm white for living areas and slightly cooler tones for kitchens and workspaces.

"LEDs aren't bright enough"

False. LED brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. A 10-12W LED produces the same 800+ lumens as a 65W incandescent - same brightness, fraction of the energy.

"LEDs are too expensive"

Outdated. LED prices have dropped dramatically. The slightly higher upfront cost is recovered within 1-2 years through energy savings, with 20+ years of additional savings after that.

"You can't dim LEDs"

False. Most modern LED recessed lights are dimmable. Just ensure you use a compatible LED dimmer switch (we handle this during installation).

Making the Switch

There are two ways to switch from incandescent to LED recessed lighting:

Option 1: LED Retrofit Kits

If you have existing recessed light housings in good condition, LED retrofit kits screw into the existing socket. Cost: $15-$25 per light, DIY-friendly.

Option 2: New LED Fixtures

If installing new recessed lighting or replacing old housings, modern LED recessed lights have the LED built into the fixture. This is what we install for new projects - better quality and longer lifespan than retrofit kits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do LED recessed lights save on electricity?

LED recessed lights use 75-85% less electricity than incandescent. For a typical Chicago home with 20 lights, that's $150-$200/year in savings on your ComEd bill.

Do LED recessed lights really last 22 years?

Quality LED fixtures last 25,000-50,000 hours. At 3 hours of daily use, that's 22-45 years. In practice, they'll likely outlast your ownership of the home.

Are LED recessed lights worth the higher price?

Yes. The higher upfront cost is recovered in 1-2 years through energy savings. After that, you save $11+ per light per year for decades.

Can I replace incandescent recessed lights with LED myself?

Retrofit kits for existing housings are DIY-friendly. For new installations or if you're unsure about your existing setup, professional installation ensures proper wiring and optimal results.

Ready to Save?

Chicago Ceiling Lights installs energy-efficient LED recessed lighting throughout Chicago and the suburbs. All our installations use high-quality LED fixtures that will save you money for decades.

Contact us for a free quote:

• Phone: (630) 331-9347
• Online: Request a Quote

Serving Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Oak Park, Wheaton, and all Chicago suburbs within 50 miles.