Tough Choice: How to Choose LED vs. Halogen Lights

You've found the perfect lamp, do you put an LED or Halogen bulb in it? Here is what you need to know.

• Halogen bulbs, while lasting longer than incandescent bulbs, only last up to 2,000 hours. In contrast, LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours, and LED tubes are rated for up to 50,000 hours.
• LED bulbs can use as much as 80% percent less energy than halogen bulbs.
• LED bulbs are more expensive but make up for their cost over time by saving energy and preventing frequent lamp replacements.
• Halogen bulbs get incredibly hot with use, requiring caution when handling and air conditioning equipment may need to work harder due to their heat. While LEDs light bulbs are also shatterproof, and cooler to the touch after use.
• Halogen bulbs are fragile–particularly when they’re close to rotating equipment like fans or compressors. Because of their delicate filament, vibration can shorten their lifespan.
• Halogen produces infrared light that can damage artwork and fabrics, and they are sensitive to skin oils, requiring gloves during installation.
• Other benefits of using LEDs are that they are free of any harmful chemicals or gases.

Both types of bulbs are available in various colors and color temperatures. However, halogen bulbs do not offer as wide a range of color temperatures as LED bulbs, which are available in a much wider range of color temperatures and can even offer customizable color temperatures.