1. What is a Light Bulb Energy Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the energy consumption of a light bulb in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on its power rating and usage time.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses understand and estimate their lighting energy costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( P \) — Power of the bulb (watts)
• \( t \) — Time of usage (hours)

Explanation: The bulb's power is multiplied by usage time to get watt-hours, then divided by 1000 to convert to kilowatt-hours.

3. Importance of Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding energy usage helps in estimating electricity costs and making energy-efficient choices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bulb's power in watts (check the bulb label) and the total time it will be used in hours. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my bulb's power rating?
A: Check the bulb's packaging or base - it's typically marked in watts (e.g., 60W, 100W).

Q2: What's the difference between watts and kilowatt-hours?
A: Watts measure power (energy per second), while kWh measures total energy consumed over time.

Q3: How can I estimate my lighting costs?
A: Multiply the kWh result by your electricity rate (per kWh) from your utility bill.

Q4: Do LED bulbs use this same calculation?
A: Yes, but LED bulbs use much lower wattage for the same light output (e.g., 10W LED ≈ 60W incandescent).

Q5: Why divide by 1000?
A: To convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (1 kWh = 1000 watt-hours), the standard unit for electricity billing.