At present most light bulbs are available in both halogen and LED formats. Are the more expensive LED versions worth the extra cost ? What are the advantages ? Here we tell you in simple terms the difference between halogen and LED lighting technology.
Halogen lights have for a long time been our preferred light replacement source. Their main advantage being increased efficiency. A halogen bulb uses saves about 20% of the energy of an incandescent bulb with the same brightness whilst presently having double the lifespan.
However on the other hand LED lights are even more economical using 85% less energy than even halogen lamps. In addition to this LED lights also deliver major advantage in terms of lifespan lasting between 15,000 and 50,000 hours.
Even though LED bulbs are slightly more expensive than halogen the payback comes when you get back more than the increase in initial cost through the greater lifespan and reduced energy costs. Furthermore LED bulbs are progressively becoming less expensive as technology improves
There are environmental benefits in choosing LED light bulbs in that they do not contain mercury or any harmful gases and toxins.
Halogen bulbs give out a significant amount of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can damage artwork and fabrics. Whereas LED bulbs produced little or no UV and IR radiation
We can use LED bulbs in the home in our homes to create moods, as they have different colour temperatures, some of which can cast a gentle and warm glow which is particularly good for bedrooms.
LED bulbs are as bright as halogen and you can replace a 50 Watt halogen bulb with a 7.5 Watt LED and get the same effect whilst saving energy.
To sum up LED light bulbs are vastly superior, for home use, to halogen being more efficient and safer , in consuming less electricity, and emitting less IR and UV rays. However, halogen bulbs are better used in vehicle flood lights and in emergency lights.
