Halogen Vs. Fluorescent

Fluorescent, or compact fluorescent, lighting is the clear choice when it comes to energy consumption, cost and fire danger, but halogen lights can be ideal for some outdoor or automotive applications.

Energy

Halogen lighting requires significantly more energy than fluorescent or compact-fluorescent lighting, amounting to significantly increased electricity bills.

Heat

Halogen bulbs can get up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a serious fire hazard when near curtains or other flammable materials. Fluorescent lights are much cooler and less likely to start a fire.

Light

Halogen lightbulbs produce large amounts of light, usually concentrated by reflective material. Fluorescent lightbulbs produce less light, but enough for indoor areas.

Noise

While older fluorescent lights were likely to produce a buzzing sound, newer designs have made them nearly silent. Halogen lights can be somewhat noisy as wattage increases.

Durability

A typical halogen lightbulb will last around 3,000 hours. Most fluorescent lightbulbs will last three to four times longer than halogen bulbs.

References

• Consumer Energy Center: Light Bulbs