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Halogen vs LED Lighting: Efficiency, Brightness & Replacement Guide
Halogen and LED Compared
Halogen lamps are being phased out or restricted in many regions because they use significantly more energy than modern alternatives. LED lighting has become the preferred option for most applications thanks to its higher efficiency, long lifespan, and lower heat output. If you’re replacing halogen bulbs, the most important comparison is not wattage alone—but the brightness (lumens) you need.
Halogen Lighting
Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp that uses a tungsten filament. Halogen gas helps redeposit evaporated tungsten back onto the filament, improving lifespan compared to older incandescent bulbs. Halogen lighting is known for its warm appearance and strong colour rendering, but it produces a lot of heat relative to the light output.
Halogen Advantages
• Excellent colour rendering: Warm, natural light that many people find familiar.
• Fully dimmable: Works well with most traditional dimmers (depending on fitting).
• Instant brightness: Reaches full output immediately.
Halogen Disadvantages
• Lower efficiency: Much of the energy becomes heat rather than light.
• Shorter lifespan: Replacements are needed more frequently than LEDs.
• High heat output: Can be a concern in enclosed fittings and small spaces.
LED Lighting
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs produce light using semiconductor technology. They’re designed to deliver the same (or greater) brightness as halogen using a fraction of the power. Modern LEDs also run much cooler, making them a safer and more efficient choice for most fittings.
LED Advantages
• High energy efficiency: Uses far less electricity for the same brightness.
• Long lifespan: Fewer replacements over time.
• Low heat output: Better suited to enclosed fixtures and continuous use.
LED Considerations
• Upfront cost: Usually higher than halogen, but typically cheaper over the bulb’s lifetime.
• Dimming compatibility: Some LEDs require compatible dimmers for smooth performance.
• Colour quality varies: Choose reputable LEDs for consistent colour temperature and good CRI.
Quick Conversion: Halogen to LED Wattage
25W halogen → 3–4W LED
35W halogen → 4–5W LED
50W halogen → 6–8W LED
75W halogen → 9–12W LED
100W halogen → 12–15W LED
Brightness Matters: Lumens vs Watts
Lumens measure light output (brightness). Watts measure energy use. Because LEDs produce more lumens per watt than halogen, a lower-wattage LED can match—or exceed—the brightness of a higher-wattage halogen bulb.
As a general reference, a 50W halogen bulb often produces around 700–900 lumens. A quality 6–8W LED can deliver a similar brightness level, depending on efficiency and beam type.
Conclusion
In most cases, LED is the better replacement for halogen—offering higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and far less heat. To choose the right LED replacement, match the lumens you need and confirm the correct fitting type (cap/base), beam angle, and dimming compatibility if required.
Learn More About Lumens →
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