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Smart bulbs have really gained popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. These are very easy to use, work exactly as advertised and provide a simplified introduction to the world of smart home automation. Plus, there’s something fun about barking “turn off the lights” like a spoiled king and getting the bulb to do your bidding.
Smart bulbs are packed with relatively simple technology, leading many to wonder whether they use more energy than traditional LED bulbs. After all, they contain more components to enable communication with your smartphone or Wi-Fi. So are these gadgets really energy efficient or does the convenience come with a price?
Do smart bulbs use more energy than standard LED bulbs?
The answer is yes. Smart bulbs use slightly more energy than regular LED bulbs. 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 draw no power when turned off. Smart bulbs draw little 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 bulb from a mobile device, the bulb stops emitting light; however, it continues to consume power.” The study found that 21 of the 30 smart LED bulbs tested 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 power in standby mode. This varies depending on the manufacturer and model, but we found devices like the TP-Link Tapo that are advertised as consuming about 0.2 watts in standby, while Philips Hue said in a whitepaper that most of its “more modern products” consume less than 0.5 watts in standby mode.
The additional power consumption 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 people, this difference in consumption will be negligible and will not hinder smart bulb adoption.
The U.S. Department of Energy says appliances left in standby mode make up about 5 to 10 percent of a home’s total electricity use. However, the biggest standby power thieves are things like microwaves, televisions, routers, and computers.
Can you still save money in the long run?
Absolutely. The additional power consumption of smart bulbs is so low that the various benefits offered can offset and even reverse the cost. One of the primary functions of a smart bulb is the ability to turn it on or off at will through an app or smart assistant. Another primary function is the ability to create schedules. Overall, this can significantly reduce the bulb usage time. Many models also allow dimming, further reducing the energy load.
Are there any other hidden costs with smart bulbs?
There is another fairly significant cost factor, but it is not exactly hidden. This is the price of the actual bulbs. Smart bulbs are more expensive to buy than regular bulbs. Traditional LEDs cost $1.50 to $4 per bulb, and combo packs can reduce the price even further. In the case of IKEA’s latest offering, smart bulbs start at around $6, and reach up to around $90. However, the average price sits around $8 to $15 per bulb. Combo packs can help keep costs down.
Do smart bulbs last longer than traditional LEDs?
No, but it’s a little more complicated than that. Smart bulbs are generally rated slightly inferior to traditional LED bulbs when it comes to lifespan. This is mainly due to the extra components attached to the smart bulb, which can wear out as the years go by. On paper, regular LEDs last 20 to 40 years and smart bulb LEDs last 15 to 25 years.
Once again, this may be compensated for by the nature of the technology. Smart bulbs won’t stay on as long as old-school light bulbs, but the added control options will likely translate into a more affordable usage schedule.
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