A light bulb is a common household item that most people use daily. There are many different light bulbs available on the market, but the most popular type is the incandescent light bulb. Incandescent light bulbs have been around for over 100 years and are still used in many homes today.
Although they are not as energy-efficient as other types of light bulbs, they are cheaper to purchase and last longer than other types of bulbs. In this blog post, we will discuss how much do incandescent light bulbs cost and how they compare to other types of bulbs.
Summary: Incandescent light bulbs have been a standard lighting option for many years, providing a warm and familiar glow in households worldwide. However, with the rise of energy-efficient alternatives like LED and CFL bulbs, incandescent bulbs have become less popular due to their higher energy consumption and shorter lifespan. The cost of incandescent light bulbs varies depending on factors such as wattage, brand, and location, but they are generally considered an inexpensive upfront option when compared to their energy-efficient counterparts.
Typically, the price of an incandescent light bulb can range from $0.50 to $2 per bulb, with higher wattage bulbs often costing more. While the initial cost of incandescent bulbs is relatively low, they tend to have a shorter lifespan, averaging around 1,000 hours of use. This means that over time, the cost of frequently replacing incandescent bulbs can add up.
Furthermore, incandescent bulbs consume more electricity, leading to higher energy bills compared to energy-efficient alternatives. For example, an LED bulb uses around 80% less energy than an incandescent bulb with the same brightness, resulting in significant energy savings over time. As a result, although incandescent light bulbs have a lower upfront cost, switching to energy-efficient alternatives can provide long-term financial and environmental benefits.
5 Factors That Determine How Much Do Incandescent Light Bulbs Cost
1. Electricity Usage
One of the primary factors that affect how much an incandescent light bulb costs is the amount of electricity it uses. Incandescent light bulbs are not as energy-efficient as other types of light bulbs, such as LED or CFL bulbs. This means that they will use more electricity and, as a result, increase your electric bill.
2. Bulb Wattage
Another factor determining the cost of an incandescent light bulb is the wattage. The higher the wattage, the more expensive the light bulb will be. Most incandescent light bulbs consume 60 wattages of electricity.
3. Number of Bulbs
The cost of an incandescent light bulb also depends on the number of bulbs you purchase. If you buy in bulk, you will usually get a discount. However, if you only need one or two bulbs, it will likely be more expensive. But the higher the number of bulbs, the more wattage it will take, and the higher your energy cost will be.
4. Bulb Lifespan
Incandescent light bulbs have a shorter lifespan than other types of light bulbs. They typically last for about 1,000 hours before they need to be replaced. This means that you will need to purchase more incandescent light bulbs over time, which will increase the cost.
5. Rebates and Incentives
In some areas, there may be rebates or incentives offered for purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs. These programs can help offset the upfront cost of an incandescent light bulb and make it more affordable in the long run.
How Do Incandescent Light Bulbs Compare to Other Types of Bulbs?
Incandescent light bulbs are not as energy-efficient or long-lasting as other types of light bulbs. However, they are much cheaper to purchase. Here is a comparison of the cost of an incandescent light bulb with other types of light bulbs:
| LED | CFL | Incandescent | |
| Lifespan | 10,000 hours | 9,000 hours | 1,000 hours |
| Wattage | 10W | 14W | 60W |
| Cost per bulb | $2.50 | $2.40 | $1.25 |
| Daily cost* | $0.005 | $0.007 | $0.03 |
| Cost for 1K hour (per 0.10 KWh) | $1 | $1.4 | $6 |
How Much Cost Can You Save Switching Incandescent Light Bulbs to LED?
Although incandescent light bulbs are cheaper to purchase, they are not as energy-efficient as other types of light bulbs. This means that you will spend more on your electric bill in the long run.
However, if you switch from incandescent to LED light bulbs, you can save money on your electric bill. The average household can save $100 per year by switching to LED light bulbs.
For example, Let’s say you have a 60W incandescent bulb that stays for 1000 hours. You’ll need to pay $0.11 per kWh, which will cost you $6.60 for the entire usage.
However, if you have a 12W LED Bulb with the same lifespan, you only need to spend $1.32 for the entire usage despite its higher initial purchase price. In this case, you will save $5.28 per year, and the LED will pay for itself in 2 years.
When it comes to light bulbs, it’s not just about the money. LED light bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often. They also emit less heat, so they’re safer to use and won’t add to your summer cooling costs.
Switching to LED light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to save money on your electric bill. You will see a difference in your bill almost immediately. So if you are looking for ways to save money, this is a great option.
Should You Still Use Incandescent Light Bulbs?
Even though LED and CFL bulbs are more energy-efficient and long-lasting, there are still some situations where you might want to use incandescent bulbs. Here are a few reasons you might choose incandescent over LED or CFL:
You Prefer the Light
Some people prefer the light emitted by an incandescent bulb to the light emitted by an LED or CFL. If you are using the light bulb in a place where you want to create a certain atmosphere, such as a living room or bedroom, you might prefer the light from an incandescent bulb.
You Need Instant Light
Incandescent bulbs provide instant light when they are turned on. If you need light right away, such as in an emergency situation, an incandescent bulb is a good option.
You Are on a Budget
Incandescent bulbs are the cheapest light bulbs to purchase. If you are looking for a light bulb on a budget, an incandescent bulb is good. As the light fixture of incandescent bulbs are also cheaper, they are popular among people who DIY their own lamps or light fixtures at home.
In Low Traffic Areas
Because they don’t last as long as LED or CFL bulbs, incandescent bulbs are not a good choice for high-traffic areas. However, an incandescent bulb is a good option if you are using the light bulb in a low-traffic area, such as a closet or basement.
Inside of Any Heating Equipment
Incandescent bulbs emit less heat than LED or CFL bulbs. So if you use the light bulb inside any heating equipment, such as a stove or oven, an incandescent bulb is a good option.
However, because the LED or CFL do output heat, but they are not as heat resistant as incandescent bulbs, they have the potential to overheat and cause a fire. So sticking an LED or CFL light bulb in any kind of heating equipment is not advised.
In Cold Weather
Incandescent bulbs work better in cold weather than LED or CFL bulbs. If you are using the light bulb in a place where the temperature is below freezing, an incandescent bulb is a good option.
Because the heat they emit can help to thaw out the area around the light bulb, incandescent bulbs are also a good choice for outdoor lighting in cold weather.
If You Have Sensitive Eyes
Incandescent bulbs emit a softer light than LED and CFL bulbs. If you have sensitive eyes, an incandescent bulb is a good option. Because Incandescent bulbs don’t produce that harsh bright light, they are less likely to trigger migraines or other headaches.
Is Incandescent Light Cheap?
The initial purchase price of an incandescent light bulb is cheaper than the purchase price of an LED or CFL light bulb. However, over time, LED and CFL bulbs will save you money because they last longer and use less energy.
The cost of an incandescent light bulb depends on the wattage. For example, a 60-watt incandescent light bulb might cost around $0.10, while a 100-watt incandescent light bulb might cost around $0.30.
If you’re looking for a light that will save you money in the long run, LED and CFL bulbs are a better choice than incandescent bulbs. However, if you’re looking for a light bulb on a budget or you need instant light, an incandescent bulb is a good option.
Conclusion
Incandescent light bulbs have been around for over a century and are still being used in many homes across the globe.
Despite their declining popularity, incandescent light bulbs remain the least expensive option for most home lighting needs. But Incandescent light bulbs cost more to use in the long run because they use more electricity.
On the other hand, LED light bulbs also have a longer lifespan than incandescent ones, meaning that you will not have to replace them as often. In addition, LED light bulbs do not produce heat like incandescent light bulbs, making them safer and more energy-efficient.
We hope this guide was helpful in giving you an overall idea about how much do incandescent light bulbs cost. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us, and we would be happy to help!