Halogen Vs LED Downlights: Which Is Better?

​Halogen versus LED downlights is a debate that has been around for some time now. Both types of lighting have their pros and cons, but which one is ultimately better? 

​Halogen lights are typically cheaper than LED lights, but they also consume more energy. Halogen also produces more heat than LED lights, which can be a concern if you have young children or pets in the home.

On the other hand, LED lights are more expensive upfront, but they last much longer than lights from halogen and use less energy. LEDs also emit very little heat, making them a safer option for homes with young children or pets.

So, which is the better option for new lights? Halogen or LED downlights? Let's take a closer look at both types of lighting to see which one comes out on top.

​How Long Have Halogen Lights Been Around For?

Halogen lights have been around for quite a while. Invented in 1882 by Nikola Tesla, they were originally used in light bulbs. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that halogen light became widely used in lighting fixtures. Today (thanks to their long lifespan) they are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting.

​How Long Have LED Lights Been Around For?

LED lighting has been around for quite a while. The first LED was invented in 1907 by British scientist H. J. Round. However, it wasn't until 1962 that the first practical LED was created by American engineer Nick Holonyak Jr.

Since then, LEDs have become increasingly popular, due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Today, LEDs are used in a wide range of applications, from lighting homes and businesses to being used in traffic lights and exit signs.

​Halogen Vs. LED Downlights – Comparing Price

There's no denying that LED lights are more energy-efficient than halogen. But which type of light is more expensive to purchase and run - halogen downlights or LED downlights?

To help you make the decision, we've put together a quick guide comparing the two types of lights.

Halogen downlights are typically cheaper to purchase than LED downlights. However, they're not as energy-efficient, so they'll end up costing you more in running costs over time.

LED light sources are more expensive to purchase upfront, but they'll save you money in the long run thanks to their lower energy consumption. Plus, they last longer than halogen, so you won't have to replace them as frequently. 

​Halogen vs. LED Downlights – Comparing Energy Efficiency

​When it comes to halogen downlights and LED downlights, there is no definitive answer as to which one consumes more energy. However, halogen bulbs tend to be less energy efficient than LED bulbs, so if you're looking to save on your energy bill, LED downlights may be the better option.

​Halogen vs. LED Downlights – Comparing Heat Emissions

​So, which kind of downlight produces more heat - halogen or LED?

Well, it all depends on how you measure it. If you measure the amount of heat produced by each type of light, then yes, halogen does produce more heat than LEDs. However, if you measure the amount of heat that is actually emitted from the light fixture (known as the "luminous efficacy"), then LEDs are actually more efficient at converting energy into light, and so they emit less heat overall.

So there you have it - it all depends on how you measure it! But either way, both types of downlights are pretty good at not generating too much heat.

​Halogen vs. LED Downlights – Comparing Safety

​There are a lot of different types of light bulbs on the market these days, and it can be hard to keep track of all the different options. If you're trying to figure out which type of light bulb is right for you, you may be wondering if LED lighting is safer than halogen.

Both lights are relatively safe in the home; however, when it comes down to a comparison, LED lights are safer than halogen downlights.

Lights from halogen emit plenty of heat, and this can ignite insulation batts, dust, and other debris, particularly if they are not correctly installed and maintained. LED lighting produces less heat, and will not get hot enough to become a fire hazard.

​How Long Does Halogen Last For In The Home?

Halogen lights last for an average of 2,000 hours. However, you can extend the life of your halogen bulbs by following some simple tips:

1. Make sure to use a dimmer switch with your halogen bulbs. This will help to prevent them from overheating and burning out quickly. 
2. Avoid using them in enclosed spaces such as cabinets or shelves, as this can also cause them to overheat. 
3. Regularly clean the bulbs and fixtures to help keep them working properly. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy long-lasting halogen lighting in your home for many years to come.

​How Long Do LED Lights Last For In The Home?

Most LED lighting lasts for between 20,000 and 50,000 hours. This is around 20 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, and 3-5 times longer than CFLs.

So, if you're using your lights for an average of 3 hours per day, that's about 27 years for LED lights! Of course, this number will be lower if you use your lights more frequently. But even at 8 hours per day of use, LED lighting should last for over 10 years.

There are a few things that can affect how long your LED lights last. These include:

1. The quality of the LEDs themselves - cheaper LEDs may not last as long as higher quality ones.
2. How much heat the LEDs are exposed to - excessive heat can shorten their lifespan.
3. The quality of the drivers (the part of the light that converts AC power to DC power for the LEDs). Drivers with poor quality components may fail sooner.
4. Assuming you have high quality LEDs and drivers, and they're not being used in excessively hot conditions, you can expect your LED lights to last for many years. So when making the switch to LED lighting, you can feel confident that you won't need to replace your bulbs nearly as often!

​Final Thoughts

​Now that we've looked at the pros and cons of halogen and LED downlights, it's time to draw a conclusion. Which type of light is best for your needs?

If you're looking for a light that is more energy-efficient and saves long-term on energy bills, then LED light sources are the way to go. They may be more expensive to purchase, but they will save you money in the long run.

If you're looking for a light that is more affordable, then replacing for halogen downlights is a good option. However, keep in mind that they are not as energy efficient as LED lighting.

So, there you have it! We hope this article has helped you find the most suitable option for your home. Still stumped? Get in touch with Cowley Electrical Services for help with choosing the most appropriate solution for your home. Our comprehensive South Coast electrical professional service incorporates the installation of both LED and halogen downlights - although we prefer LED!