Halogen Vs. LED Light

Light-emitting diodes (LED) represent an energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent lighting without the disposal concerns of compact fluorescent lighting. There are a number of features to consider when comparing this new technology to incandescent light bulbs.

Energy Usage

Whatever existing halogen light bulb you have, the typical energy savings with a comparable LED will be about 75 percent.

Wasted Heat

One of the major drawbacks to incandescent light bulbs is the amount of energy they convert to heat. With halogen bulbs, about 90 percent of the energy used is converted to radiant heat. With LED lighting, however, only a fraction of the energy used is converted to wasted heat.

Rated Life

Halogen light bulbs are rated for about 6,000 hours of useful life, while LEDs are rated for approximately 50,000 hours in indoor use.

Cost Considerations

Halogen light bulbs cost about $5. The best-performing LEDs can cost up to $50, but you can find less expensive ones at big-box retailers.

Dimmability

You can operate a halogen light bulb on a dimmer and get excellent performance. High-dollar LEDs will dim to about 20 percent light output before flickering begins, and some lower-quality ones may not work on a dimmer at all.

References

• Cree LED
• U.S. Department of Energy