When it comes to LED light strips, they actually don’t use that much power. The exact energy consumption really depends on their wattage (that’s the power rating) and how long they are. Usually, you’ll see LED strips ranging from just a few watts per meter up to maybe around ten or fifteen watts. And honestly, they’re way more energy-efficient compared to the old-school lighting options.

Now, about choosing between 12V and 24V LED strips—here are some things to think about:

1. Power loss. Basically, when you’re running a long strip, the 24V version tends to be better because it carries less current, which means less power wasted in the wires. So, if you’re setting up something that’s pretty long-distance, 24V might be the smarter pick.

2. Brightness and color. Honestly, there’s usually not a big difference between the two voltages. It mostly depends on the specific LED chips and how they’re designed.

3.  Compatibility. If your power supply or controller is 12V, it’s easier to go with a 12V strip — simple as that. The same goes if you have a 24V setup; stick with the matching voltage to avoid headaches.

4. Actual use case matters. For short-distance setups, either option works fine. But if you’re planning to power the strip over a longer stretch, 24V generally makes life easier.

All in all, whether to go with 12V or 24V depends a lot on your specific project and what you’re aiming to do. Just pick what fits your setup best!