How to Save Electricity With Halogen Lights

Halogen bulbs are a higher-efficiency type of incandescent light bulb that can save both money and energy.

Of all the ways to "green" your home, changing from traditional incandescent light bulbs might be the easiest. According to the California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center, "More than 90 percent of the energy produced by incandescent lights is heat, not light. As a result, incandescents are inefficient light sources."



These days, incandescent bulbs are only one lighting option. Halogen light bulbs are 10 to 20 percent cheaper to operate than incandescent bulbs, last twice as long or longer, and burn brighter throughout their usable life.

Instructions

1. Use long-lasting halogen bulbs in your reading and desk lamps. Because they produce such bright, white light, halogen bulbs can reduce both eyestrain and energy consumption.

2. Replace outdoor and hard-to-reach lighting with halogen flood lights. They will provide brighter light with less electricity, and they'll also require changing far less frequently than their traditional incandescent cousins -- meaning you spend less time teetering on a ladder.

3. Install halogen bulbs in your recessed and accent lighting. Because these bulbs are more focused, they're ideal for highlighting specific areas such as artwork and providing a uniform glow.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a timer or motion sensor to increase energy efficiency for outdoor lights by using them only when it's necessary.

• Halogen bulbs burn hotter than traditional bulbs. Keep flammable materials well away from lit halogen lights.

References

• TopBulb: More on Incandescent and Halogen Light Bulbs
• The Family Handyman: The Pros and Cons of Halogen Bulbs
• California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center: Incandescent, Fluorescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent - Lighting Choices Inside and Outside Your Home

Resources

• "The New York Times": Any Other Bright Ideas?; Julie Scelfo; January 2008