LED vs Halogen Lighting
The lighting in your home affects energy bills, ambiance, and maintenance. With halogen bulbs being phased out, many homeowners are switching to LED. This guide compares the two technologies to help you decide.
LED Lighting
Light Emitting Diodes are semiconductor devices that produce light when electrical current passes through them. They're highly efficient and long-lasting.
Pros
- +90% more efficient than halogen
- +Lasts 25,000-50,000 hours
- +Much cooler running temperature
- +Available in all colour temperatures
- +Dimmable options available
- +Lower fire risk
- +Environmentally friendly
Cons
- −Higher upfront cost
- −Some cheap LEDs have poor colour quality
- −May need compatible dimmer switches
- −Some people prefer halogen warmth
Typical cost: £3-15 per bulb
Best for: Everyone - LEDs are now the standard for almost all applications
Halogen Lighting
Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent light that uses halogen gas to increase efficiency and lifespan compared to traditional bulbs.
Pros
- +Familiar warm light quality
- +Lower upfront cost per bulb
- +Works with all existing dimmers
- +Instant full brightness
- +100% colour rendering
Cons
- −Being phased out - limited availability
- −High running costs
- −Short 2,000-hour lifespan
- −Runs very hot - fire risk
- −Uses 10x more energy than LED
- −Frequent bulb replacement needed
Typical cost: £1-5 per bulb (while available)
Best for: Specialist applications only - general use halogens are now obsolete
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LED Lighting | Halogen Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | 90% efficient | 10% efficient |
| Lifespan | 25,000+ hours | 2,000 hours |
| Running temperature | Cool | Very hot |
| Annual cost (10 bulbs) | ~£10 | ~£100 |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Colour quality | Very good | Excellent |
| Availability | Everywhere | Declining |
| Environmental impact | Low | High |
Our Expert Recommendation
There's no contest - LED lighting wins in virtually every category. The higher upfront cost pays back within months through energy savings. With halogen bulbs being phased out, switching to LED isn't just sensible, it's inevitable. We recommend making the switch now while you can plan it rather than scrambling when bulbs fail.
Choose LED Lighting if:
Everyone - LEDs are now the standard for almost all applications
Choose Halogen Lighting if:
Specialist applications only - general use halogens are now obsolete
LED Lighting vs Halogen Lighting FAQs
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