Is a CFL bulb expensive to run?

When a CFL burns out, replace it with an LED — cheaper to run and no special disposal. At typical use it adds about $0.35 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $0.25 in the cheapest states to $0.91 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a CFL bulb use?

CFL Bulb typically draws about 14 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a CFL bulb use?

At typical use (14 W for 5 hours a day), a CFL bulb uses about 0.1 kWh per day — roughly 2 kWh per month, or about 1% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a CFL bulb?

When a CFL burns out, replace it with an LED — cheaper to run and no special disposal. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a CFL Bulb?

A CFL cut the incandescent's draw by three-quarters, but today's LEDs beat it again while lasting longer and containing no mercury. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a CFL bulb costs about $0.35/month ($4.21/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 5

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a CFL bulb

$4/yr

Per day: $0.01
Per month: $0.35
Energy per year: 26 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a CFL bulb use?

At 14 W for 5 hours a day, a CFL bulb uses about 0.1 kWh per day — roughly 2 kWh per month and 26 kWh per year. That's about 1% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a CFL bulb draws.

Cost to run a CFL bulb by electricity rate

Same 14 W appliance, 5 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$0.25	$2.94
US average	16.5¢	$0.35	$4.21
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$0.91	$10.95

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a CFL bulb drawing 14 watts for about 5 hours a day costs roughly $0.01 per day, $0.35 per month, and $4.21 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a CFL Bulb?

How much electricity does a CFL bulb use?

Cost to run a CFL bulb by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions