Do soffit lights use a lot of electricity?

Soffit lights generally don’t use a lot of electricity if you choose the right type and size, but their overall energy consumption depends on several factors. Let’s break it down so you can calculate the cost, save on energy, and make an informed decision when choosing lights for under your eaves or soffits.

1. Do Soffit Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?

The amount of electricity used by soffit lights depends on the type of light you choose. Here's a quick comparison:

• LED Lights: These are the most energy-efficient option, consuming very little power. They typically use between 3 to 15 watts per light depending on the brightness and size of the light.
• Halogen Lights: These are less energy-efficient, consuming more power for the same level of brightness. They can use anywhere from 35 to 50 watts per bulb.
• Incandescent Lights: These are also inefficient, using 40 to 60 watts for standard bulbs, and they often burn out more quickly than LEDs.

2. How to Calculate the Cost of Running Soffit Lights

To calculate how much electricity your soffit lights will use, you need to know:

• The wattage of the light(s) (e.g., 10W for LED)
• How many hours per day the lights are on (e.g., 6 hours)
• The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that your utility company charges (this is usually on your electricity bill, and can range from $0.08 to $0.30 per kWh depending on where you live).

Formula:

To calculate the cost, use this formula:

For example, if you have a 10W LED light that runs for 6 hours a day, and your electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh:

So, 0.216 USD per month to run one 10W LED light for 6 hours every day.

If you have multiple lights, you can multiply this by the number of lights.

For a Halogen light (35W), for the same usage:

So, 0.756 USD per month for running one 35W halogen light.

3. How to Save on Energy Costs and Choose the Right Light

To reduce the energy cost of your soffit lights, here are some tips:

a. Choose LED Lights

LEDs are far more energy-efficient compared to halogen or incandescent lights. They provide the same brightness but use only a fraction of the energy. Here’s why LEDs are great:

• Energy Efficiency: LEDs use about 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
• Long Lifespan: LED lights last much longer, which means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
• Dimmable Options: If you want more control over energy use, consider LED lights that can be dimmed.

b. Use Motion Sensors or Timers

Using motion sensors or timers can help you save on electricity by ensuring the lights are only on when needed.

• Motion Sensors: These automatically turn on the lights when movement is detected, ensuring they’re not running all the time.
• Timers: Set the lights to turn on or off at specific times to avoid leaving them on unnecessarily.

c. Consider Solar-Powered Lights

Solar-powered soffit lights use energy from the sun to run, so they don't increase your electricity bill. They work best in sunny areas, but modern solar lights have rechargeable batteries that can store energy for night use.

• Pro: No electricity cost.
• Con: Limited brightness and sometimes higher initial cost.

d. Install Fewer Lights

While under soffit lights can be decorative, they don't always need to be on all night or be spaced too closely together. Depending on your purpose (e.g., just for ambiance), fewer, strategically placed lights can be just as effective.

e. Look for ENERGY STAR Rated Products

When shopping for lights, look for ENERGY STAR-rated lights. These are certified to use less energy without compromising performance.

f. Use Lower Wattage Lights

If your lighting doesn't need to be extremely bright, consider using lower-wattage bulbs that still provide sufficient illumination for the desired effect.

4. Summary of Key Points to Save Energy on Soffit Lights:

• Choose LED lights for low energy consumption and a long lifespan.
• Use motion sensors or timers to ensure lights are only on when needed.
• Consider solar-powered lights for no ongoing electricity cost.
• Use fewer lights or strategically place them to reduce power usage.
• Look for ENERGY STAR certified lights for energy efficiency.

By carefully selecting the type of light and using energy-saving practices, you can enjoy beautiful soffit lighting without significantly increasing your electricity bill!