LED vs Halogen: Which is Better?

When you are choosing new lighting for your home or business you may be wondering if it is better to choose halogen or LED lighting.  Both of these lighting types have been widely used over the years but LED lighting has quickly become the preferred choice for modern lighting installations.  In this FAQ we will be going through the difference between LED and halogen bulbs to help you make the right decision for your space, budget, and energy needs.

How does each type of light work?

Halogen bulbs are an advanced version of incandescent lighting.  They work by passing electricity through a tungsten filament inside a small glass capsule filled with halogen gas. This process creates a bright, warm light which has been a popular choice for many types of lighting including homes, retail environments, and automotive lighting.

The term LED stands for light emitting diode.  LEDs produce light electronically through semiconductor technology.  LEDs are far more efficient and durable than halogen bulbs because of this process as none of the energy used to produce the light is wasted through heat.

What are the differences between these two lighting technologies?

One of the biggest differences between LED and halogen lighting is their energy efficiency.  LED bulbs typically use up to 80–90% less electricity than halogen equivalents.  A 6W LED bulb can produce a similar level of brightness to a 50W halogen bulb.  Due to the much lower amount of wattage required to use the bulb this leads to substantial savings on electricity bills.  This is especially noticeable in commercial properties where lights are used for long periods each day.

Another major advantage of LEDs is their longer lifespan.  A standard halogen bulb may last between 2,000 and 4,000 hours while many LED bulbs are rated for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. This means that there would be fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs when you choose LED lighting. In places like offices, warehouses, hotels, or retail stores, the reduced need for bulb changes can save significant time and labour costs.

Heat output is another important factor to consider.  Halogen bulbs generate a lot of heat because they rely on heating a filament to create the light.  In some cases the bulb itself can become dangerously hot to touch.  LEDs on the other hand remain much cooler during operation.  Although they produce a small amount of heat this is managed through heat sinks and the amount of heat produced is far lower than that of halogen technology.  This lower heat output offers several benefits.  It reduces the risk of burns which improves safety in the area the bulbs are installed.  It can also help to lower cooling costs in warmer environments.  When LED lights are used In retail stores, restaurants, or offices where many lights are used simultaneously, making a switch over from halogen to LED can noticeably reduce the build up of heat.

In terms of brightness and colour quality halogen bulbs are known to have a warm natural light of a high quality.  LED technology previously could not offer an equal to this warm colour but LED technology has dramatically improved since it was first developed.  LEDs today are available in a wide range of colour temperatures.  These range from warm white to cool daylight tones.  Many LEDs also offer excellent colour rendering comparable to halogen lighting.  If you are looking for the colour from halogen lighting but want to have the energy efficiency given by LEDs you should look to purchase a warm white or a very warm white coloured LED light.

Halogen lights were once the preferred choice if you needed a dimmable light.  Halogen bulbs dim smoothly and work with most traditional dimmer switches.  Early LED bulbs sometimes flickered or performed poorly with the same dimmers but modern dimmable LEDs are now highly reliable when paired with compatible dimmer systems.  If you are looking to purchase a LED light that would need to be dimmed you will need to make sure that the bulb states that it is dimmable and that your dimmer switch will be compatible with the LED bulb.

The environmental impact of each type of lighting is also worth considering.  LEDs are much more eco-friendly because they consume less electricity and last significantly longer.  This reduces waste made by needing to replace the lights and lowers carbon emissions associated with power generation.  Halogen bulbs are less efficient and are gradually being phased out in many countries due to updated energy regulations.

Cost is one area where halogen bulbs may initially appear to be the better option. Halogen bulbs are usually cheaper to purchase upfront but their shorter lifespan and higher energy consumption mean they often cost far more over time.  LEDs may have a higher initial purchase price but the long-term savings will more often than not make them the cheaper option for the long term.

Summary

LED lighting is generally the better choice for most modern lighting applications.  It offers excellent energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, lower heat output, and it is the more eco-friendly option.  Halogen bulbs may still have a place in certain niche uses but LED technology has become the clear industry standard for efficient and reliable lighting.