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Smart bulbs have really caught on in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They are a breeze, work as advertised and provide a simplified introduction to the world of smart home automation. Plus, there’s just something fun about barking “turn off the lights” like a spoiled king and getting the light bulb to do your bidding.
Smart bulbs tend to be filled with nifty, or simple, technology, leaving many to wonder if they use more energy than traditional LEDs. After all, they contain many components to connect to your smartphone or Wi-Fi. So are these gadgets really energy efficient or does the utility come with a price?
Do smart bulbs use more energy than standard LEDs?
The answer is yes. Smart bulbs use much less energy than standard LEDs. This is due to the nature of technology. The two types of bulbs use the same amount of energy when lighting a space, but standard LEDs do not draw energy when they are off. Smart bulbs draw less power when not in use, so they can stay connected to Wi-Fi or a hub.
According to a 2019 study published in ScienceDirect, “when a user turns off a smart LED light on a mobile device, the light stops emitting light; but it still uses power.” The study found that out of 30 smart LED bulbs tested, 21 had standby power consumption levels of less than 0.5 watts, meeting the requirement set by the Energy Star program.
How much energy does a smart bulb use?
Smart bulbs use very little electricity in standby mode. This varies by manufacturer and model, but we’ve found devices like the TP-Link Tapo advertised as using around 0.2 watts on standby, while Philips Hue claims that most of its “modern products” consume less than 0.5 watts while in standby mode.
Standby power use of a single bulb will increase your energy bill by $0.35 to $1.30 per year, although this will vary depending on local utility costs. For many, this difference in usage will not matter and will not prevent the use of smart bulbs.
The US Department of Energy notes that devices left in standby mode account for about 5 to 10 percent of a home’s total electricity use. The biggest set-aside thieves are things like microwaves, televisions, routers and computers, however.
Can you save money in the long run?
Definitely. The added power draw of a smart bulb is so small that the various benefits it offers can reduce costs and offset. One of the main functions of a smart bulb is the ability to turn it on or off at will with an app or smart assistant. Another key function is the ability to create schedules. Combined, this can significantly reduce the amount of time a lamp is used. Many models even allow dimming, which further reduces the energy load.
Are there any hidden costs with smart bulbs?
There is another cost factor that is important, but it is not hidden at all. That’s the number of real bulbs. Smart lights tend to be more expensive to purchase compared to traditional light bulbs. Traditional LEDs cost anywhere from $1.50 to $4 per bulb, and combo packs can lower the price even more. Smart bulbs start at around $6, in the case of IKEA’s latest offering, and shoot up to around $90. However, the price tag stays around $8 to $15 per bulb. Combo packs can help keep costs down.
Do smart bulbs last longer than standard LEDs?
No, but it’s more complicated than that. Smart bulbs are generally rated slightly below traditional LEDs when it comes to lifespan. This is because of the extra parts involved with a smart bulb, which can wear out over the years. On paper, standard LEDs last 20 to 40 years and LED smart bulbs last anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
Again, this can be fixed by the nature of technology. Smart bulbs won’t stay on as long as old-school light bulbs, but the additional control options can translate into a more economical usage schedule.
