Smart technology is changing how homeowners think about energy use by promising to make homes more efficient, convenient, and even more affordable. But many homeowners wonder: Do smart devices, like smart bulbs, actually save energy? Or are they vampire devices that quietly drain electricity even when turned off?
At Mirsky Electric, we help homeowners across Seattle make smart, informed decisions about their electrical upgrades. If you’re considering switching to a smart home lighting design, you should understand how these bulbs work, how much electricity they use, and whether they can help you save money over time. Let’s break down the facts about smart light bulbs, their energy efficiency, and their impact on your home’s electric bill.
What Are Smart Light Bulbs?
Smart light bulbs are energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, smart home system, or voice commands using devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
While many homeowners start by comparing a smart plug vs. a smart bulb for their first automation upgrade, smart bulbs offer direct control over lighting, allowing for more customized brightness, color, and scheduling options. Unlike traditional lighting that requires a manual light switch, smart bulbs use your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, giving you complete control over your lighting from anywhere. With smart bulbs, you can:
- Turn lights on or off remotely,
- Schedule lights to turn on and off at specific times,
- Adjust brightness levels,
- Change colors,
- Set up motion-activated lighting,
- Integrate lighting into full smart home routines.
Smart light bulbs are often the first step many homeowners take toward creating a smarter, more energy-efficient home. They use far less electricity because they are built on LED technology than older incandescent bulbs. However, the real advantage comes from the added energy monitoring through automation.
Do Smart Light Bulbs Use Electricity When Off?
Yes, smart light bulbs use a small amount of electricity even when they appear to be off, because they stay in a low-power standby mode to maintain a connection with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. Without this constant connection, you couldn’t control them remotely or automate their schedules.
The good news is that smart bulbs use very little electricity in standby mode, usually around 0.2 to 0.5 watts. Compared to a traditional incandescent bulb that uses 40 to 100 watts, a smart bulb’s standby power consumption is tiny and unlikely to make a noticeable difference on your monthly energy bill. For most homeowners, the convenience and energy-saving benefits of automating and controlling lighting far outweigh the minimal standby power smart bulbs consume.
How Energy Efficient Are Smart Light Bulbs?
Smart bulbs may use a fraction more energy than basic LEDs, but they still deliver significant savings compared to older lighting technologies. Smart LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Even when you factor in the slight increase in energy use from their constant connectivity, smart bulbs remain highly efficient for several reasons:
- Lower energy consumption while on: Smart LEDs typically consume between seven and 10 watts to produce the same light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.
- Dimming features: Many smart bulbs allow you to dim the lights easily through an app or smart home device, further reducing electricity usage when full brightness isn’t needed.
- Automated energy management: Smart bulbs can be scheduled to turn off when not needed, avoiding wasted energy from lights left on accidentally.
Compared to regular LED lights, smart bulbs use slightly more electricity because they stay connected to your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network. However, the extra usage typically costs only a few dollars per year, and it’s often offset by the energy savings gained from better control over when and how your lights operate.
Do Smart Bulbs Save Money in the Long Run?
Smart bulbs can help homeowners save money over time, especially when used strategically. While the upfront cost of a smart bulb is higher than that of a traditional LED, the long-term savings often make up the difference. Here’s how smart bulbs stack up against standard LEDs and old incandescent bulbs:
| Feature | Incandescent Bulb | Standard LED Bulb | Smart LED Bulb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ~$2 | ~$5 | ~$7-$15 |
| Energy use (on) | ~60 watts | ~10 watts | ~10 watts |
| Standby power draw | N/A | N/A | ~0.2-0.5 watts |
| Annual energy prices | ~$8.50 | ~$1.20 | ~$1.30-$1.50 |
| Lifespan | ~1,000 hours | ~25,000 hours | ~25,000 hours |
| Estimated 10-year savings | – | ~$70 per bulb | ~$65-$68 per bulb |
In homes where these features are used thoughtfully, smart bulbs can deliver energy savings that match or exceed those of basic LEDs, while also providing added convenience, comfort, and control.
Although smart bulbs cost a few dollars more over their lifespan than standard LEDs, advanced features, such as scheduling, dimming, and motion-activated lighting, can close that gap and even lead to additional savings. Automating your lights to turn off when rooms are unoccupied, adjusting brightness based on the time of day, and minimizing wasted electricity can help homeowners offset the slight standby energy use.
Smart Bulbs Are The First Step Toward Smart Home Automation
Smart bulbs are often the first step toward a smarter, more energy-efficient home, but they’re just the beginning. Professional smart home automation can combine all your devices into one streamlined system, giving you greater control, improved security, and even more ways to reduce energy waste. Here are some of the smart home upgrades that can build on your smart lighting foundation:
- Smart lighting systems: Beyond individual bulbs, you can automate indoor and outdoor lighting setups with smart switches, timers, and motion sensors to maximize energy savings and improve security, especially when you’re away from home.
- Smart thermostats: Automatically adjust your home’s heating and cooling based on your schedule and habits, helping you save on utility bills year-round.
- Smart door locks and garage door openers: These devices allow you to lock and unlock doors or garages remotely, assign temporary access codes, and receive alerts to keep your home secure.
- Smart security systems: Integrate alarms, motion detectors, door/window sensors, and surveillance cameras into a single network for real-time monitoring and faster emergency alerts.
- Leak detection sensors and smart smoke/carbon monoxide detectors: Protect your home from water damage, smoke, and dangerous gases with real-time mobile notifications, whether home or away.
- Smart blinds and shades: These automatic window coverings adjust based on the time of day or sunlight levels to help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce HVAC energy use.
- Smart irrigation systems: Automate your lawn and garden watering based on weather conditions to save water and lower your electricity bills.
- Smart appliances and home hubs: Connect refrigerators, ovens, washers, dryers, smart speaker technologies, and more to centralized control apps, which will help you easily manage energy usage across your home.
Smarter Lighting Is Smarter Living
Improving your home’s lighting with smart bulbs is a practical step toward better energy management, lower utility costs, and a more comfortable home. While they use a tiny amount of electricity even when turned off, the savings from automation, dimming, scheduling, and integration with broader smart home systems more than make up for it over time.
For Seattle homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency and modernize their homes, smart bulbs are a “smart” investment. And when combined with a professionally installed smart home system, the benefits grow even greater, delivering more control, more security, and real savings you can feel.
At Mirsky Electric, we specialize in designing and installing complete smart home solutions tailored to your lifestyle. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a smarter, more efficient home, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can design and install a smart lighting and home automation system tailored to your needs.
