Brooke Martin
With energy bills on the rise, many people are looking for ways to cut down on electricity usage. One option that has been gaining traction is switching from electric lights to candles. While candles have traditionally been considered a cheaper alternative to electric lighting, the recent surge in energy prices has caused some to question whether this is still the case. Several factors determine whether candles or electricity is the more cost-effective option, including the type of bulb and the number of candles used.
Are candles cheaper than electricity?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of 60W incandescent light bulb for an hour | 0.72 cents |
| Cost of burning a cheap candle for an hour | 2.9 cents |
| Cost of a 5W LED bulb for a month | £0.26 |
| Cost of 11 5W LED bulbs for a month | £2.86 |
| Cost of a 50W traditional bulb for a month | £2.56 |
| Cost of 11 50W traditional bulbs for a month | £28.16 |
| Cost of electricity for a 5W LED bulb with price cap at 28 pence per kWh | £3.12 per year |
| Savings from using an LED bulb instead of candles | Over £9 per month |
| Savings from using an old-fashioned bulb instead of candles | Over £6 |
| Lumens of electrical rays produced by one candle | 20 |
| Lumens of light produced by a 60-watt bulb | 800 |
| Number of candles required to produce the same light output as a 60-watt bulb | 40 |
| Health risks of candles | Soot, hazardous compounds |
| Environmental impact of candles | Carbon dioxide emissions |
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What You'll Learn
Cost per hour
The cost of lighting a candle versus using electricity depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity in your region.
Let's look at the cost of running one 60W incandescent lightbulb for an hour. At 60W, the lightbulb consumes 0.06 kWh of electricity. Assuming the average price per kWh in the US is $0.12, running the lightbulb for an hour would cost $0.0072 or 0.72 cents.
Now, let's compare that to the cost of burning a candle for an hour. A box of 72 8-10 hour candles costs $18.99. Assuming the average candle lasts 9 hours, that's 648 hours of candle-burning for $18.99, or 2.9 cents per hour.
Based on these calculations, burning a candle for an hour is approximately four times more expensive than using an inefficient 60W lightbulb for an hour.
However, it's important to note that the cost of electricity can vary significantly depending on your region and the type of lightbulb you use. For example, with the electricity price cap set at 28 pence per kWh in the UK, running a 5W LED bulb for 6 hours a day for a month would cost around 26 pence. On the other hand, a traditional 50W bulb would cost around £2.56 per month.
So, while candles may be cheaper than using certain types of lightbulbs or electricity prices in some regions, they are generally more expensive and less efficient than using LED bulbs. Additionally, there are safety concerns with burning candles, especially in households with pets or young children.
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Heat production
The heat produced by candles is limited and may not provide much warmth. The type of candle and the local climate will influence the effectiveness of candles as a heat source. For example, tealights may be the most cost-effective option in Germany, where temperatures can drop to -14°C during the winter months.
Candles are typically rated between 50W and 100W, with a tealight containing around 150Wh of energy. In comparison, a 5W LED bulb is much brighter than a candle, emitting 500 lumens of light, while a candle produces less than 20 lumens. The heat produced by a candle is released through the flame and the hot wax.
The cost of electricity for a 5W LED bulb works out to be significantly cheaper than candles. A 5W LED bulb uses 100Wh of energy over 20 hours, costing approximately 5p if using electricity and 1.5p if using gas. In contrast, a pack of 50 candles with a burn time of 7 hours each costs £17.91, or 36p per candle.
While candles may provide some heat, the primary benefit of LED bulbs is their brightness and longevity. A 6W LED bulb can be left on for 24 hours a day for an entire year and cost approximately £14. Candles, on the other hand, need to be replaced frequently, and the cost of constantly replenishing them can add up quickly.
It is worth noting that burning candles produces soot, which can lead to respiratory issues and reduced air quality. Additionally, the burning process releases carbon dioxide and potentially fatal carbon monoxide if there is inadequate ventilation. Therefore, while candles may provide some heat, there are health and safety risks associated with their use that should be carefully considered.
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Safety considerations
While candles can be a cheaper alternative to electricity, it is important to keep in mind the safety considerations when using them. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure safe candle usage:
Candle Selection and Preparation
- Read the candle label and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Choose a candleholder or base that is specifically designed for candle use. Ensure it is heat-resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any wax drips or melt.
- For floating candles, use a suitable bowl filled with water.
- Before lighting, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch using a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors. Long or crooked wicks can lead to uneven burning, dripping, or flaring.
- Remove any packaging or decorations from the candle.
Candle Placement
- Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and decorations.
- Keep candles at least three inches apart from each other to prevent them from melting together or creating drafts that affect their burning.
- Avoid placing candles near windows, drafts, vents, or air currents, as these can carry flames and cause nearby items to catch fire.
- Ensure candles are out of the reach of children and pets.
- For outdoor candles, follow specific instructions, such as using a suitable lantern or ensuring a firm stand.
Lighting and Extinguishing
- Use long matches or a long-reach lighter to light the candle, keeping your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Stay within the line of sight to monitor the candle and ensure it doesn't catch anything on fire.
- Do not burn a candle for more than four hours at a time.
- Extinguish candles properly by using a candle snuffer or putting the lid on a lit candle to suffocate the flame and prevent hot wax splatters. Avoid using water, as it can cause the wax to splatter and may break glass containers.
- Make sure the candle is completely out, and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
General Precautions
- Do not touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
- Discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle.
- Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
- Ventilate the room after using candles to refresh the air, but do not ventilate while the candle is burning to avoid drafts.
- Be cautious when using candles during a power outage. Prefer flashlights or battery-powered lights for safety.
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Lumens per candle
The use of candles as a source of light has been replaced by electric lighting over the last century. However, candles are still lit occasionally, especially during power cuts or to create a cosy atmosphere.
The brightness of a light source is technically referred to as luminous flux, which is measured in lumens. The basic unit of luminous flux is the lumen (lm), representing the brightness of a light source. Another standard unit of brightness is the candela, derived from the candle itself—the Latin word for candle is candela.
The luminosity of an average candle is 1 candela, which is equivalent to 12.57 lumens. This value was derived from the concept of candlepower, which is luminous intensity expressed in lumens per steradian. The solid angle between four light rays that form an area equal to the square of the distance is called a steradian. Thus, the light of one candle radiating through one steradian is one lumen.
To put this into context, a 100-watt lamp has a luminous intensity of 120 candela, which is significantly brighter than a candle.
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Energy price hikes
The cost of electricity has been rising steadily over the years. In the US, electricity prices have increased by about 2.85% per year for the past 25 years. In 1999, the national average price of electricity was 8.17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to 16.48 cents per kWh today. This is a significant increase, and it is impacting households across the country.
There are several factors contributing to the rise in electricity prices. One key factor is the volatile prices of natural gas, which is a major energy source for electricity generation. As natural gas prices are exposed to international markets that pay higher rates, US prices tend to rise in tandem. Additionally, the increasing demand for electricity, especially in regions requiring more heating or cooling due to climate change, is driving up prices.
The impact of these price hikes is profound. Many individuals and families are now facing what is known as "energy poverty," where they are unable to afford utilities to properly heat or cool their homes. According to a 2022 study, about 16% of US households experience energy poverty, defined as spending more than 6% of household income on energy expenditures. This is leading to difficult choices, such as deciding between paying rent, buying food, or covering energy bills.
To combat these rising costs, some states have turned to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. States with high levels of wind and solar generation, like New Mexico, Iowa, and Oklahoma, have experienced lower rates of increase in energy bills. In fact, during Hurricane Ian in 2022, a community in Florida that relied solely on solar power remained largely unaffected by the storm, while the surrounding areas faced significant destruction.
Installing solar panels on residential properties is another way to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices. Solar panels can generate electricity for 25 years or more, providing long-term savings on utility bills. As utility rates increase, solar panel owners start saving more, making it a wise investment for those looking to reduce their energy expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of bulb you are using. Using an LED bulb is cheaper than using candles. A 5W LED bulb costs around 26 pence per month to run, whereas a box of 72 8-10 hour candles costs $18.99, or 2.9 cents per hour.
One candle provides around 20 lumens of light, whereas a 60-watt bulb provides 800 lumens. Therefore, to provide the same amount of light as a 60-watt bulb, you would need a minimum of 40 candles.
Candles produce heat, which can be beneficial in the winter. In addition, candles do not require a qualified technician to install, unlike some electric lighting sources.
Yes, there are potential health risks associated with using candles, such as the release of hazardous, cancer-causing compounds into the air. In addition, the naked flame of a candle can pose a fire risk, especially in households with young children or pets.
Yes, there are other sources of lighting such as natural gas, oil, and wood. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact and health risks associated with these alternatives, such as the production of soot and carbon monoxide.
