LED vs Halogen Lighting: Which is Best for Your Home?
If you're renovating, building, or simply looking to upgrade your lights, you've probably wondered whether to go with LED or halogen. Both have their place, but understanding the differences will help you make a decision that saves money and looks great.
The Quick Answer
For most homes, LED lighting is the better choice in 2024. The upfront cost is higher, but the energy savings and lifespan make LEDs the smarter long-term investment. That said, there are still situations where halogen makes sense.
Energy Efficiency Comparison
This is where LEDs really shine (pun intended):
- LED: Uses 75-80% less energy than halogen
- Halogen: Much of the energy is lost as heat
For a typical home with 20 downlights running 5 hours per day:
- Halogen (50W each): ~$1,825/year in electricity
- LED (7W each): ~$255/year in electricity
That's a saving of over $1,500 per year just on lighting.
Lifespan
- LED: 25,000-50,000 hours
- Halogen: 2,000-4,000 hours
An LED bulb can last 10-25 times longer than a halogen. That means fewer replacements, less hassle, and less ladder climbing.
Light Quality
Both technologies have improved significantly:
Halogen Advantages
- Excellent colour rendering (CRI 100)
- Instant full brightness
- Familiar, warm light
LED Advantages
- Available in any colour temperature (warm to cool)
- Excellent colour rendering (CRI 90-98)
- Dimmable options widely available
- No UV emission (better for artwork)
Heat Output
Halogen bulbs get extremely hot - up to 300°C. This creates several issues:
- Fire risk with nearby materials
- Fades artwork and fabrics
- Makes rooms warmer in summer
- Requires specific fixtures rated for high heat
LEDs run much cooler, typically under 80°C, making them safer and more versatile.
Upfront Cost vs Running Cost
| Factor | Halogen | LED |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb cost | $5-15 | $15-40 |
| Annual running (per bulb) | $90+ | $13+ |
| Replacement frequency | Every 1-2 years | Every 10-25 years |
| 10-year total cost | $950+ | $170+ |
When Halogen Still Makes Sense
There are a few situations where halogen might be appropriate:
- Budget constraints: If you can't afford the upfront LED cost
- Specific aesthetic requirements: Some designers prefer halogen for certain applications
- Existing transformer systems: Some older transformer systems aren't compatible with LED
However, even in these cases, we often recommend a staged upgrade to LED.
Making the Switch
Ready to upgrade to LED? Here's what to consider:
- Replace all bulbs at once: Mix-and-match can look odd
- Choose the right colour temperature: 2700K for warm, 4000K for cool white
- Check dimmer compatibility: Not all dimmers work with all LEDs
- Consider the transformer: Older halogen transformers may need replacing
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of Melbourne homes, we recommend LED lighting. The energy savings alone typically pay for the upgrade within 1-2 years, and you'll enjoy better light quality, safer operation, and fewer replacements.
At Power Amp Electrical, we can assess your current lighting and recommend the best upgrade path for your home and budget. We supply quality LED products and ensure everything is installed correctly for optimal performance.
Get Started
Ready to make the switch? Contact us for a free lighting assessment and quote. We'll help you choose the right LED solutions for every room in your home.
