Watt’s the Difference? Understanding Light Bulb Watts and What You Really Need

When shopping for light bulbs, many people focus on brightness — but wattage plays a key role in energy use and safety. Choosing the right watt can help you save money, extend bulb life, and avoid electrical issues. Here's what every homeowner and business owner should know.

What Is Wattage?
Wattage measures how much energy a bulb uses — not how bright it is.
More watts = more energy used (and usually more heat).

Common Watt Ranges and What They’re For:

• 4W – 9W (LED) / 25W – 40W (Incandescent):
  Ideal for night lights, accent lighting, or soft ambient glow.
• 10W – 12W (LED) / 60W (Incandescent):
  Great for most indoor lamps, ceiling fixtures, and small room lighting.
• 13W – 20W (LED) / 75W – 100W (Incandescent):
  Best for kitchens, bathrooms, offices — brighter, more functional lighting.
• Above 20W (LED) / 150W+ (Incandescent):
  Used for garages, outdoor floodlights, workspaces — anywhere you need strong, wide-area light.

Choosing the Right Wattage:

• For Energy Savings: Go with lower-wattage LED bulbs — they use less energy and last longer.
• Check Fixture Limits: Never exceed the max watt rating on a light fixture — it’s a fire hazard.
• Brightness Matters: Look at lumens (light output) more than watts when brightness is your main concern.

Conclusion:
Understanding watts can help you light your home more safely and efficiently. Not sure what wattage is right for your space or fixture? E&A ELECTRIC LLC can help you choose the best lighting setup for comfort, safety, and savings.