CFL to LED Conversion Guide
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Still running CFL bulbs? You're not alone — they were the go-to energy saver for years. But LEDs have caught up and passed them. They turn on instantly (no warm-up flicker), last 2–3× longer, contain zero mercury, and still use 30–50% less energy than CFLs. Below is the complete chart to find the right LED replacement for every CFL wattage you own.
CFL to LED Conversion Chart
Find your CFL wattage in the left column. The LED column shows how many watts you need for the same brightness. Lumen values are industry-standard approximations — always verify against the product packaging.
| CFL Watts | Lumens (Brightness) | LED Watts | Energy Savings vs CFL | Find LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5W | 250 lm | 3–4W | ~30% | VIEW |
| 7W | 350 lm | 4–5W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 9W | 450 lm | 5–6W | ~40% | VIEW |
| 11W | 550 lm | 6–7W | ~40% | VIEW |
| 13W | 750 lm | 8–9W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 14W | 800 lm | 9–10W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 15W | 850 lm | 9–10W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 18W | 1,050 lm | 11–13W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 20W | 1,200 lm | 12–14W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 23W | 1,500 lm | 14–16W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 26W | 1,700 lm | 16–18W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 30W | 1,900 lm | 18–20W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 32W | 2,000 lm | 19–22W | ~35% | VIEW |
| 42W | 2,600 lm | 25–28W | ~38% | VIEW |
| 55W | 3,500 lm | 30–35W | ~40% | VIEW |
| 65W | 4,200 lm | 36–40W | ~40% | VIEW |
| 85W | 5,500 lm | 45–50W | ~43% | VIEW |
| 105W | 6,900 lm | 55–65W | ~43% | VIEW |
| 150W | 9,500 lm | 75–85W | ~45% | VIEW |
| 200W | 12,000 lm | 100–120W | ~45% | VIEW |
Savings percentages are approximate and depend on the specific LED product's efficacy. Most modern LEDs deliver 90–150 lm/W, while CFLs typically produce 50–70 lm/W.
CFL vs. LED — How Do They Compare?
CFLs were a big step up from incandescents, but LEDs outperform them in almost every category. Here's how they stack up side by side:
| Feature | CFL | LED |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 50–70 lm/W | 90–150 lm/W |
| Lifespan | 8,000–15,000 hours | 15,000–50,000 hours |
| Start-Up | 15–60 second warm-up | Instant full brightness |
| Mercury | Contains 1–5 mg mercury vapor | No mercury — RoHS compliant |
| Dimmable | Rarely; most flicker on dimmers | Widely available; look for "dimmable" on packaging |
| Cold Weather | Slow start or failure below 0°F | Works normally down to –20°F |
| Color Options | Limited (2,700K or 5,000K typical) | Full range: 2,200K – 6,500K+ |
| Typical CRI | 80–82 | 80–98 (high-CRI options readily available) |
Why Switch from CFL to LED?
CFLs were a smart upgrade from incandescents — there's no doubt about that. But here's the honest picture in 2026:
- Instant light. CFLs need 15–60 seconds to reach full brightness. LEDs hit 100% the moment you flip the switch. In hallways, closets, and garages, that matters.
- No mercury. Every CFL contains a small amount of mercury vapor (1–5 mg). If one breaks, the EPA recommends ventilating the room and careful cleanup. LEDs contain none.
- Better dimming. Most CFLs flicker, buzz, or simply don't work with dimmer switches. Dimmable LEDs are widely available and work smoothly with LED-rated dimmers.
- Longer life. A typical CFL lasts 8,000–15,000 hours. A quality LED lasts 25,000–50,000 hours — that's potentially 2–3× the lifespan, which means fewer replacements and less waste.
- 30–50% more savings. CFLs already use far less energy than incandescents, but LEDs still squeeze out another 30–50% reduction on top of that. Over a household of 30 bulbs, those savings compound fast.
⚠️ Disposing of Old CFLs Safely
Don't toss CFL bulbs in the regular trash. They contain mercury and should be recycled properly:
- Home Depot and Lowe's accept used CFLs at their in-store recycling centers — free of charge.
- Check Earth911.com or your local municipality's website for CFL recycling drop-off locations.
- If a CFL breaks, open the windows, leave the room for 10 minutes, then carefully sweep (don't vacuum) the fragments into a sealed bag. The EPA has detailed cleanup guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an LED in the same socket as my CFL?
In most cases, yes. If your CFL screws into a standard E26 (medium) or E12 (candelabra) socket, just look for an LED with the same base type. The LED will draw less power, so there are no overheating concerns. One exception: some CFL fixtures with built-in ballasts (like 4-pin PL-type lamps) require a specific LED replacement or a ballast bypass — check the product listing carefully.
Will an LED look the same as my CFL?
It depends on the color temperature. Match the Kelvin rating: if your CFL says "2,700K" or "Soft White," choose an LED at the same rating for an identical tone. LEDs also tend to have higher CRI (Color Rendering Index), which means colors in your room may actually look better under LED light.
Do LEDs really last 25,000 hours?
That's the rated L70 lifespan — meaning after 25,000 hours, the bulb still produces at least 70% of its original brightness. It won't suddenly go dark; it gradually dims. At 3 hours per day, a 25,000-hour LED lasts roughly 22 years. That said, cheap bulbs from unknown brands may not hit those numbers, so stick with reputable manufacturers.
Are CFL bulbs being phased out?
In many regions, yes. The US Department of Energy finalized efficiency rules in 2022 that effectively phase out many inefficient bulb types, including certain CFLs that don't meet the new 45 lm/W minimum standard. LED prices have also dropped dramatically — a 4-pack of quality LEDs now costs under $10 — making the switch easier than ever.