Energy Saving Bulbs Guide: LED Versus CFL, Watts and Lumens, Running Cost Per Hour in PKR, Payback Time, Bulb Life, Colour and Dimming, Quality Checks for Cheap Bulbs, Indicative Rates and Recycling in Pakistan
Energy saving bulbs cut your electricity bill, and LED bulbs are now the best choice over CFLs and old incandescent bulbs. The saving depends on the bulb's real efficiency and how many hours it burns. Prices run from about PKR 80 to PKR 500. This page covers LED versus CFL, watts and lumens, running cost per hour in PKR, payback time, bulb life, colour and dimming, quality checks for cheap bulbs, rates and recycling. For related pages see LED bulbs, fluorescent light and filament bulb.
LED versus CFL
LEDs use about 80 to 85 percent less power than incandescent bulbs and about 30 to 40 percent less than CFLs, switch on instantly and last 15,000 to 25,000 hours. CFLs take time to warm up, contain mercury and fail with frequent switching.
Watts and lumens
Compare lumens, not watts: an LED of 9 W gives about 800 lumens, similar to a 60 W incandescent. Check the lumen figure on the box, since cheap bulbs overstate output.
Running cost per hour
At an assumed electricity rate of PKR 40 per unit, a 9 W LED costs about PKR 0.36 per hour, a 60 W incandescent about PKR 2.4 and a 15 W CFL about PKR 0.6. Rates change, so use your own tariff to check.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| 9 W LED, 5 hours a day, per month | About PKR 54 |
| 15 W CFL, 5 hours a day, per month | About PKR 90 |
| 60 W incandescent, 5 hours a day, per month | About PKR 360 |
| Basic LED bulb price | PKR 80 - 350 |
| Quality LED bulb price | PKR 200 - 500 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Payback time
Replacing a 60 W incandescent with a 9 W LED saves about PKR 300 a month at 5 hours a day, so the bulb pays for itself within weeks. Heavy-use rooms save the most.
Bulb life and warranty
Quality LEDs claim 15,000 hours or more and come with a warranty of one to three years. Cheap bulbs often fail in months because of poor drivers. Keep the receipt.
Colour and dimming
Choose warm 2700 K for living areas and neutral 4000 K for work areas, and buy dimmable bulbs if you use dimmers. Mixed colours in one room look untidy.
Quality checks and recycling
Check printed lumens, brand, warranty and driver quality, and avoid unbranded bulbs with extreme claims. Recycle CFLs separately because they contain mercury. Wiring and installation should be done by a qualified electrician, with power switched off at the breaker and the circuit rating checked first.
Before you decide
Switch to quality LEDs, compare lumens and use your own tariff to estimate savings. Ask the seller for the box specification, lumens and warranty in writing and test a sample before buying the full quantity. Compare at least two quotes on the same model and specification, check the wattage, lumens, colour temperature and warranty on the box, keep the invoice and test the product before paying in full. Ask the seller about the return policy for faulty items and whether spare parts or replacement bulbs are available, and photograph the packaging on delivery. Prices change with exchange rates and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide, and be careful with very low prices on unbranded products with exaggerated wattage claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quality LED bulb with printed lumens and a warranty. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Indicative retail rates run from about PKR 80 to 500 per bulb. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
About 80 to 85 percent less power than incandescent. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Yes, recycle them carefully. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Typically 15,000 to 25,000 hours for good ones. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Yes, we supply across Pakistan. Share the quantity, the size or rating and the place of use on WhatsApp. You get a written rate with the exact model, what is included and the warranty, ready to compare with any other seller. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Choosing energy saving bulbs?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.