Getting the outdoors environment of a home looking attractive while providing security is a major challenge if you are not using the right bulbs, but fortunately there is more variety on lighting options today.
In the past, choosing outdoor lighting was easy – you could simply use tungsten-halogen bulb setups, because of their brightness. However, LED lighting has improved immensely as well as becoming cheaper, so they are now posing a strong competitive edge.
What are the differences between LED and Halogen lighting?
| LED | Halogen | |
|---|---|---|
| How long they last | About 50,000 to 60,000 hours | Between 800 and 1,200 hours |
| Power consumption | 8 watts | 90 watts |
| Heat emissions | Between 10 and 20% of total energy | Between 80 and 90% of total energy |
| UV emissions | None | In very limited amounts |
LED vs Halogen lighting – How do they compare?
- Installation expenses – Halogen lights may be cheaper to install compared to LEDs, but the LEDs will save money over the years because they last longer and use lower energy amounts.
- Energy use – Halogen bulbs lose most of their energy in the form of heat, which leads to shorter lifespans. On the other hand, LEDs produce much lower heat due to their internal structure that dissipates the heat to a sink that allows them to last longer.
- Color output – halogen and incandescent bulbs traditionally have warm lighting for landscape application. However, LED bulbs now include numerous hues, many which are superior to halogen.
- Warranties – halogen systems rarely come with warranties, while LED fixtures will always have a long warranty.
- Lifespans – Due to lower energy consumption, LEDs will last longer than halogen bulbs, as a rule. This may not apply to older LEDs though.
LED vs Halogen lighting – A comparison review
LED outdoor lighting
LEDs, also known as light-emitting diodes, are among the most popular options in terms of energy efficiency. Their designs have improved over time, and now they emit high levels of brightness while retaining their eco-friendly traits and long lifespans.
Pros
- Greater energy efficiency
- They last for many years without much maintenance
- Emit lower amounts of heat, so you can leave them for a longer time
- Very good directional light
Cons
- Some bulbs are not dimmer-compatible
Halogen outdoor lighting
Halogen bulbs work similar to traditional bulbs as they pass electrical currents through tungsten wiring, and this wire heats up and evaporates, which creates the glow. Unlike traditional bulbs that use a mix of argon and nitrogen gas, halogen bulbs use bromine, so they tend to turn brown or black as they age.
Pros
- Have a more traditional lighting feel due to their yellow cast
- Easily dimmable
- Compact in size
- Come in various reflector sizes and shapes
Cons
- High energy consumption
- Relatively shorter lifespan
Verdict: So, which is better for your outdoor lighting needs? LED or Halogen?
In many ways, LEDs are a better choice for outdoor lighting, because of their brightness and long lifespan, while using lower energy amounts allows you to leave them on for more hours without impacting your power bills.
FAQs
Can I replace a halogen bulb with an LED?
Yes, you can. LEDs have many benefits, with the main one being that they emit lower heat amounts compared to halogen bulbs, and they have a longer lifespan.