The Meter
LED globes: how much cheaper are they to run?
Cheaper than what? That decides the answer.
Against a halogen globe, the Australian Government lighting page says LEDs use about 75% less energy, and last 5 to 10 times longer. The same page says the up-front cost generally pays itself back in less than a year. That is a general figure for the globe, not a quote for your house. It does not cover a fitting you have to replace.
Against old-style bulbs, the Quick wins page says good quality LEDs use around 80% less energy. The renters guide on the same site says around 75% less energy, and 4 to 10 times longer. Use the lighting page when you are replacing a halogen: about 75% less energy. Use the Quick wins line when the old globe is an old-style bulb: around 80% less. Treat those as the published range. Do not turn either one into a dollar promise.
The dollar gap depends on how many globes you swap, how many hours they are on, and the usage rate on your bill. A porch light that runs all night will show it. A cupboard light you open twice a day will barely show it.
Two limits. A smart LED left in standby, so an app can control it, still uses power when it looks off. The lighting page says to look for 0.5 watts or less. And a globe that fails early wipes out the longer life. The pages are talking about good quality LEDs.
Incandescent and halogen globes are being phased out in Australia where an LED equivalent exists. If a downlight has no LED that fits, do not force one. Ask before you change a fitting.
This is a running-cost note for globes. It is not a bill review.
Sources, read 29 Sep 2026:
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/lighting
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/quick-wins
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/life-stages-advice/renters