Enkin’s electrical expert, Don Campbell, shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of both halogen and LED bulbs.
The ban on halogen bulbs in the UK has been instrumental in lowering our carbon emissions.
Addressing our carbon footprint has been the driving force behind so many decisions within the energy industry, and with a predicted reduction in 1.26 million tonnes of CO2 per year according to the UK government, it’s easy to see why the halogen ban has been enacted.
Despite this ban, it isn’t illegal to own or use halogen bulbs, and many Brits likely still have these bulbs tucked away in a drawer or cupboard. Added to this, there are still those who regard the humble halogen as the superior light bulb. So why not use them up?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision:
LED BULBS – THE PROS
Energy efficiency: The largest selling point for LED bulbs is their energy efficiency, consuming significantly less power than halogen bulbs. They typically use 75-80% less energy, which leads to lower electricity bills as well as reduced environmental impact.
Longevity: LED bulbs have an impressive lifespan, typically lasting up to 25,000 hours compared to halogen bulbs which have up to 4,000 hours use. This longevity not only saves money on replacement costs but also reduces the hassle of frequent bulb changes.
Durability: LED bulbs have robust diodes within their housing that can withstand shock much more readily than their halogen counterparts. Simply put, knocking your LED bulb will not cause the bulb to fail like a halogen bulb. This durability makes them ideal for various applications, including outdoor and industrial lighting.
Instant light: With the exception of LEDs operated by a dimmer that utilises soft-start technology which may take a few moments to reach full brightness, LED bulbs typically illuminate instantly. This feature is particularly advantageous in environments where immediate illumination is crucial, such as security or emergency lighting.
Environmentally friendly: LED bulbs don’t contain toxic elements like mercury, making them much safer for our planet. Additionally, their energy efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
LED BULBS – THE CONS
Higher initial cost: While LED bulbs offer long-term savings, they often come with a higher initial cost compared to halogen bulbs. However, this is a worthy investment as it will lower energy costs in the long run.
Dimming compatibility: Not all LED bulbs are dimmable. Those that are dimmable may not be compatible with traditional leading edge dimmer switches and may require the installation of a trailing edge dimmer. However, dimmable LED bulbs are widely available, providing flexibility in lighting control.
Flickering: Some low-quality LED bulbs will flicker, and you may notice a slight shimmer in the light, especially at lower light levels. This can be avoided, however, with higher quality LED bulbs.
HALOGEN BULBS – THE PROS
Low initial cost: Halogen bulbs are a generally more affordable and budget friendly option for initial installation compared to LED bulbs.
Dimmable: Halogen bulbs are inherently dimmable, offering smooth and consistent dimming performance without the need for specialised dimmers or adjustments.
Colour rendering: Halogen bulbs had a reputation for providing a more natural light compared to some lower quality LED alternatives, which made them a preferable option for certain applications, such as residential lighting. However, LED bulbs have improved significantly in recent years, with a wide range of colour temperatures available. Improvements in the quality of light has allowed LED bulbs to bridge this gap.
HALOGEN BULBS – THE CONS
Shorter lifespan: Halogen bulbs have a relatively short lifespan compared to LED bulbs, typically lasting only up to 4,000 hours, and can fail much sooner if knocked or bumped.
Heat emission: Up to 90% of the electricity fed to a halogen bulb is wasted through heat, compared to just 10% in an LED bulb. Using halogen bulbs poses a potential fire risk, which only increases in enclosed or sensitive environments. With only 10% of the electricity lost, LED bulbs can produce much more light without the excessive heat, meaning safer and brighter lighting.
Energy inefficiency: With the considerable amount of energy that’s lost through wasted heat, halogen bulbs are notoriously inefficient. This inefficiency contributes to higher energy bills and increased environmental impact.
While both LED and halogen bulbs each have their advantages and drawbacks, the benefits of LED lighting for both the home and the environment are undeniable. They’re more reliable, highly versatile, less susceptible to damage, and ultimately more efficient than their halogen counterparts.
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