Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional
In years past, high-power 75-watt incandescent bulbs were a must for fixtures in the home that required extremely bright light.
The downside to this was massive energy consumption, considerable running costs, and the safety hazards that came with the high temperatures generated.
Fortunately, 75 Watt equivalent LED bulbs are now available and can provide the same (or more) light while using far less energy, resulting in much reduced running costs.
Not only do LED bulbs save money on electricity bills, but they also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.
This post will teach you the many benefits of switching to 75W equivalent LED bulbs and how to make the switch.
So keep on reading to learn more!
What is a 75-Watt Equivalent Bulb?
A 75-watt equivalent LED bulb is an energy-efficient light bulb that produces the same amount of light as a traditional 75-watt incandescent bulb but uses less energy and has a longer lifespan. This characteristic means that the LED bulb is a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to the incandescent bulb.
What LED Bulbs are Equivalent to 75W Incandescent Bulbs?
LED bulbs that produce equivalent light to a 75-watt incandescent bulb are typically rated between 12 and 30 watts. This rating can vary between brands and bulb types, and there will be other influential factors like color temperature to consider.
How to Shop for 75W Equivalent Bulbs
Previously, we would shop for bulbs based on their wattage rating. However, with modern bulbs, looking for the lumen rating is the best way to find the correct bulb.
Lumens tell us the amount of light emitted by a light source. Specifically, they indicate the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source, regardless of its directionality.
The higher the lumens, the brighter the light source is. For example, a 75W equivalent LED bulb with Energy Star certification should emit a minimum of 1100 lumens.
| Bulb Type | Watts | Lumens | Energy Cost for Three Hours/Day | Up Front Cost | Lifespan |
| Incandescent | 75 | 1100 | $90 | $1.30 | 1000 Hours |
| Halogen | 65 | 1100 | $78 | $7.30 | 2000 Hours |
| CFL | 20 | 1100 | $24 | $6.00 | 20,000 Hours |
| LED | 12 | 1100 | $15 | $8.00 | 35,000 Hours |
What is LED Lighting?
LED, or Light Emitting Diodes, is a type of light that utilizes a semiconductor to produce light through a process known as electroluminescence. This method is far more efficient than traditional incandescent lights, resulting in lower energy use and a longer lifespan.
Additionally, the compact size and lower operating temperature of LEDs enable them to be utilized in various designs and forms that would have been infeasible with traditional light bulbs.
What Styles are 75-Watt LED Bulbs Available In?
There are 75-watt equivalent bulbs available for most household lighting fixtures.
Some of the most common types of bulbs include:
A19 (Regular)
A19 or “regular” bulbs are a standard shape and size that are in table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling fixtures.
BR30
BR30 bulbs are a type of flood light used in recessed or track lighting.
Candelabra
Candelabra bulbs, also known as E12 base bulbs, have a smaller base and are commonly used in chandeliers and decorative light fixtures.
Flood Lights
Floodlights, such as PAR30 and PAR38, have a wider beam angle and are commonly used for outdoor security lighting or spotlights.
GU10
GU10 bulbs are a type of halogen or LED bulb that have a two-pin base and are also used in track lighting or recessed lighting.
Miscellaneous
Other standard sizes of bulbs that are found in homes include MR16 (often used for accent lighting or task lighting), T8 and T12 tubes (often used for fluorescent lighting), and R20 and R30 (often used in recessed lighting).
Where to Find 75-Watt Equivalent LED Bulbs
LED light bulbs can be found at a variety of stores, including:
- Home improvement stores – stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s often carry a wide selection of LED bulbs, including 75-watt equivalent bulbs for various applications, including indoor and outdoor use.
- Electronics stores – retailers like Best Buy and RadioShack may carry 75W equivalent LED bulbs.
- Lighting supply stores – specialty stores that focus on lighting products may carry a variety of LED bulbs for various purposes, including commercial and industrial use.
- Online marketplaces – websites such as Amazon and eBay offer a wide selection of LED bulbs from various manufacturers at various price points.
- Supermarkets – some supermarkets also sell LED bulbs.
- Hardware stores – some hardware stores like Ace hardware also sell LED bulbs.
It’s worth noting that the availability of LED bulbs may vary depending on the specific store and location. For example, some stores may carry a limited selection, while others may offer a broader range of options.
How to Choose the Right LED Bulb
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which LED bulb to choose.
Factors to consider when choosing the right LED bulb for your home include the following:
Brightness
The first thing to consider when choosing an LED bulb is the brightness. Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the number, the brighter the bulb.
For example, a 600-lumen LED bulb will be brighter than a 400-lumen LED bulb.
When selecting the proper brightness for your room, consider the size and the type of activity that will take place there. For example, a brighter bulb would be better for a large living room, while a dimmer bulb would be more appropriate for a bedroom.
Color Temperature
The color temperature of an LED bulb is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light will be, while the higher the Kelvin, the cooler the light will be.
A warm, yellow light is best for creating a cozy atmosphere in a living room or bedroom, while a cool, white light is better for tasks such as reading or working.
Size and Shape
Another factor to consider is the size and shape of the LED bulb. Make sure that the base size will fit into your existing light fixtures. Also, consider the shape of the bulb, as some may be more (or less) suitable for certain types of lighting fixtures.
Dimming Ability
If you want the option to adjust the brightness of your LED bulb, then look for a dimmable model. Dimmable bulbs allow you to control the brightness of the light, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Not all LED bulbs are compatible with older dimming switches, so you may also need to consider new ones.
Energy Efficiency
LED bulbs are known for their energy efficiency, but some are more efficient than others. Look for bulbs with a high efficacy rating, which measures the light output per watt of energy consumed. This due diligence will help you to save money on your electricity bill.
Product Quality
Not all LED bulbs are created equal, so choosing a quality product is essential. Look for bulbs certified by organizations such as Energy Star, UL, and FCC. This designation will ensure that the bulb meets safety and performance standards.
Why Should I Switch to LED Bulbs?
Switching to LED bulbs from a non-energy-efficient light bulb like an incandescent or halogen bulb, or even from inferior energy-efficient bulbs like CFLs has six main benefits:
- LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can lead to lower electricity bills.
- They last much longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing the replacement frequency.
- LEDs do not contain harmful chemicals such as mercury, making them more environmentally friendly.
- They are available in a wide range of colors and brightness levels, allowing you to customize the lighting in your home or office.
- Some LED bulbs are dimmable, which can help create a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere in your home.
- They are more durable and less fragile than incandescent bulbs, making them less likely to break if accidentally dropped or bumped.
Final Thoughts
Making the switch to LEDs from 75W incandescent bulbs is an easy choice. The annual energy cost of running a single 75W incandescent bulb is six times that of an equivalent LED bulb, so you will see dramatic savings if you have multiple bulbs to change.