Conducting a comprehensive lighting audit identifies conversion priorities and calculates potential savings for each fixture. This systematic approach ensures maximum return on LED conversion investments while addressing the most cost-effective opportunities first.
Room-by-Room Usage Analysis
High-Usage Area Identification
Focus conversion efforts on fixtures used 4+ hours daily, as these provide the fastest payback periods. Living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms typically offer the best conversion returns due to extended daily usage patterns.
Usage Pattern Documentation
Track actual usage hours for each fixture over one week to establish baseline consumption patterns. Smart switches or usage monitoring devices can provide accurate data, or manual logging can estimate usage for calculation purposes.
Seasonal Variation Considerations
Account for seasonal lighting pattern changes in your calculations. Winter usage typically increases by 30-50% due to shorter daylight hours, while summer usage may decrease in naturally well-lit areas. Calculate savings based on year-round average usage for accurate projections.
Current Bulb Inventory and Performance Assessment
Existing Technology Audit
Document current bulb types, wattages, and quantities throughout the home. Create a spreadsheet listing each fixture, current bulb type, wattage, estimated daily usage hours, and current annual energy consumption.
Performance Issue Identification
Note fixtures with frequent bulb failures, poor light quality, or dimming compatibility issues. These problems often indicate fixture compatibility concerns that LED conversion can resolve while providing energy savings.
Special Application Requirements
Identify fixtures requiring specific LED characteristics such as dimming capability, outdoor rating, enclosed fixture compatibility, or specific color temperatures. These requirements affect LED selection and may influence conversion priorities.
Energy Consumption Calculation Methods
Baseline Energy Usage
Calculate current annual energy consumption by multiplying bulb wattage by daily usage hours and days per year, then dividing by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours (kWh). A 60-watt bulb used 5 hours daily consumes 109.5 kWh annually (60W × 5 hours × 365 days ÷ 1,000).
Post-Conversion Projections
Calculate LED consumption using the same usage patterns with appropriate LED wattages. An 8-watt LED replacing the 60-watt incandescent would consume just 14.6 kWh annually, saving 94.9 kWh worth $13-20 annually depending on local electricity rates.
Compound Savings Calculation
Include heat reduction benefits in cooling-dominated climates. Each watt of incandescent lighting removed reduces cooling load by approximately 3.4 BTU/hour. In homes with central air conditioning, this provides additional 10-25% savings beyond direct electricity reduction during cooling seasons.