When comparing incandescent bulbs to LEDs, the wattage difference is significant because LEDs use much less power to produce the same amount of light. Wattage refers to the amount of electrical power the bulb consumes, while the luminous output (measured in lumens) indicates how much light the bulb emits. LEDs are much more efficient, so they require far fewer watts to achieve the same light output as incandescent bulbs.
Here’s a comparison of typical wattages for incandescent bulbs versus LEDs for different levels of light output (lumens):
Comparison Table: Incandescent vs. LED Wattages for Similar Light Output
| Light Output (Lumens) | Incandescent Bulb Wattage | Equivalent LED Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 450 lumens | 40 watts | 4–6 watts |
| 800 lumens | 60 watts | 8–12 watts |
| 1,100 lumens | 75 watts | 9–13 watts |
| 1,600 lumens | 100 watts | 15–20 watts |
| 2,600 lumens | 150 watts | 25–28 watts |
Typical Examples:
- 40-watt incandescent bulb: Produces around 450 lumens of light.
- LED equivalent: Consumes only about 4 to 6 watts for the same light output.
- 60-watt incandescent bulb: Produces around 800 lumens of light.
- LED equivalent: Consumes around 8 to 12 watts to produce the same amount of light.
- 75-watt incandescent bulb: Produces around 1,100 lumens of light.
- LED equivalent: Uses about 9 to 13 watts for similar light output.
- 100-watt incandescent bulb: Produces around 1,600 lumens of light.
- LED equivalent: Consumes around 15 to 20 watts to deliver the same brightness.
- 150-watt incandescent bulb: Produces around 2,600 lumens of light.
- LED equivalent: Requires 25 to 28 watts for comparable light output.
- LED equivalent: Requires 25 to 28 watts for comparable light output.
Why LEDs Are More Efficient:
- Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament to a high temperature until it glows, which also generates a lot of heat. This process is inefficient, as most of the energy (around 90%) is lost as heat rather than light.
- LEDs, on the other hand, produce light through electroluminescence, which directly converts electrical energy into light with minimal heat loss, making them far more energy-efficient.
Summary:
LEDs use 75–85% less energy than incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. This significant difference in wattage means that LEDs are not only more energy-efficient but also last much longer, reducing both energy costs and maintenance over time.
