Do LED Light Strips Use A Lot Of Electricity? Here’s What You’ll Actually Pay
LED strip lights have become a go-to solution for modern lighting – whether you’re illuminating your kitchen backsplash, setting the mood in a media room, or adding a designer touch to your office. But as functional as they are, many homeowners and business owners ask the same question: Do LED light strips use a lot of electricity?
Let’s break it down clearly — so you know exactly what you’re plugging in, how much it’s really costing you, and how to choose energy-efficient options that work harder for less.
At The Accent Light, we believe lighting should be beautiful, functional, and energy-smart. So here’s your straightforward guide to understanding LED strip light energy use.
How LED Strip Lights Work (and Why That Matters for Energy Use)
To understand how much power LED strips use, it helps to first understand how they work.
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are highly efficient semiconductors that convert electricity into light with minimal heat loss. Strip lights are essentially rows of these LEDs mounted on flexible tape, allowing for customizable installation.
Modern advancements like COB LED strip lights – a top seller at The Accent Light – take this a step further. These strips offer dot-free lighting, higher efficiency, and smoother illumination. The result? Sleek, even light that consumes less energy for the brightness you want.
Do LED Light Strips Use A Lot Of Electricity?
So, do LED light strips use a lot of electricity?
No, LED light strips do not use a lot of electricity. LED strip lights are known for their exceptional energy efficiency. But instead of just taking our word for it, let’s look at the actual figures that prove how little power they use.
Here’s a common breakdown:
- A standard 5-meter LED strip (around 16 feet) typically consumes about 24–36 watts in total.
- Running that strip for 5 hours a day equals about 3.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.
- At the U.S. national average of $0.16 per kWh, that’s less than 60 cents a month.
Even higher-density strips or RGB variants rarely exceed 10–15 watts per meter. The math is simple: LED strips deliver brightness at a fraction of the energy cost of older lighting.
Still wondering how much electricity does LED light strips use? The answer is simple: very little, especially when compared to incandescent rope lights or halogen fixtures.
What Affects How Much Power LED Strips Use?
LED strips aren’t all the same when it comes to energy use. A few key factors gently shape how much power they draw:
Brightness & Density
More LEDs per meter means more light output, which requires more power. High-lumen strips used for task lighting will use more energy than low-lumen strips used for ambiance.
Color Options
Single-color LED strips tend to be more energy-efficient. In contrast, RGB or CCT (tunable white) strips consume slightly more power because of the extra components needed for color control.
Voltage
Most LED strips run on 12V or 24V. While both are efficient, 24V strips are better for longer runs because they reduce voltage drop and operate more efficiently across large installations.
Control Systems
Using dimmers, motion sensors, or smart controllers can reduce energy usage significantly by tailoring output to real-time needs.
If you’re looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing performance, try our 24V COB LED Strip (Single Color, IP20). It’s engineered for seamless illumination and optimized for energy-conscious spaces.
Are LED Strip Lights Energy-Efficient Compared to Other Lighting?
Absolutely.
Here’s a quick comparison to show how much power LED strips use compared to older lighting:
| Light Type | Watts (Per 5m) | Monthly Cost (@5h/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Incandescent rope | ~120W | ~$3.00 |
| CFL tube | ~70W | ~$1.70 |
| Standard LED strip | ~24W | ~$0.60 |
| COB LED strip | ~22W | ~$0.55 |
The efficiency is clear – LEDs, especially COB variants, use significantly less energy while offering more flexibility, longer lifespan, and better aesthetic control.
Do LED Strip Lights Get Hot? And Does That Waste Energy?
This is another common concern: do LED strip lights get hot? And if so, does that mean they’re wasting energy?
The short answer: They barely get warm.
Quality LED strips (like those from The Accent Light) are engineered for low-heat performance. Even during extended use, they stay cool to the touch. This helps:
- Protect surrounding materials (especially in cabinetry or drywall)
- Prevent unnecessary energy loss
- Extend the lifespan of your LEDs
Pro tip: Installing strips inside aluminum channels enhances both cooling and presentation, making your lighting more durable and elegant.
Tips to Keep Your Electricity Bill Low with LED Strips
Want to get the most value from your lighting setup? Here’s how to save even more:
- Choose 24V over 12V: Higher voltage means lower current and more efficient performance across longer lengths.
- Use dimmers or motion sensors: These add intelligent control, letting you use only the light you need.
- Stick with UL-listed or ETL-certified products: These meet strict safety and energy standards, like the COB LED lighting kits from The Accent Light.
- Buy bundled lighting kits: Lighting kits ensure you’re using compatible, optimized components (drivers, power supplies, controllers) – reducing energy waste and installation headaches.
- Cut to length for your exact need: No unnecessary over-lighting means no wasted power.
Final Thoughts: Small Light, Big Savings
So, do LED light strips use a lot of electricity? The answer is a clear no.
In fact, they’re one of the smartest lighting upgrades you can make for your space, both aesthetically and financially. With careful planning and the right products, you’ll enjoy stunning, customizable lighting that barely makes a dent in your power bill.
Whether you’re a homeowner, interior designer, or installer, The Accent Light is here to help you light smarter. Our COB LED strip lights deliver dot-free, low-energy brilliance that’s built to last.
Explore our full product range at TheAccentLight.com and discover how beautiful energy savings can be, and you won’t need to care do LED light strips use a lot of electricity.