LED and Halogen bulb – Buying guide

LED and Halogen bulb – Buying guide

Difference between halogen and LED lamps

Have you ever had to replace a light bulb in your chandelier and didn't know which one to buy? In this short guide you will find all the features and our advice on which one to buy. Buying a light bulb has never been easier. With the advancement of technology, we find different types of lamps, such as LED ones for example. However, there are also many characteristics before our eyes that we do not know about. So, let's start with the ABC:

• Lumen: is the quantity of light produced by the bulb, i.e. it is used to know "how much light it gives".
• Watt: is the amount of energy consumed by the light bulb. The lower the wattage, the lower the consumption.
• Energy class: the energy consumption class is a subdivision of the various appliances based on their consumption. It is indicated by a letter between A and G, where A indicates the lowest consumption and G the highest. Obviously, the higher the class, the more expensive the device.
• Color temperature: is the hue of the color, measured in Kelvin. Up to 3000k we talk about warm light, close to orange, up to 4000k we talk about neutral, i.e. natural, light, and up to 6500k we talk about cold light, close to white.

Attack

The first question to ask ourselves is: what connection does our light bulb or the light bulb we need to look for have?

There are different types of attacks. The most common ones for civil uses are the E14 connection (small connection) and the E27 connection (large connection). The difference between the two (and all types of attachments) is nothing more than the size of the screw expressed in millimeters. In fact, the E14 has a 14 mm screw while the E27 has a 27 mm screw. Below you will find tables with the various bulb sockets, whether halogen, fluorescent or LED.

LED vs Halogen Bulb: Buying Guide

What are Halogen Bulbs?

The halogen bulb represents an evolution of the incandescent bulb. Characterized by the presence of gas inside its bulb, enriched with halogen elements such as xenon, iodine or krypton, it offers a significant improvement in terms of brightness and efficiency. This improvement is made possible thanks to the use of a tungsten filament which, with the addition of the halogen element, is able to reach higher temperatures, consequently ensuring superior performance.

Important to mention, halogen bulbs come with dimmable feature. This means that, using a special device called dimmer, it is possible to change the light intensity of the lamp according to your needs.

Although these bulbs can last approximately twice as long as incandescent models, their gradual withdrawal from the market is expected in favor of new generation lighting solutions, which promise even higher performance.

Advantages of Halogen Bulbs

• Greater brightness and efficiency compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Possibility to adjust the light intensity thanks to the dimmable functionality.
• A longer life than incandescent counterparts.

The choice between LED and halogen bulb will depend on several considerations, including specific lighting needs, personal preferences and environmental considerations. While LED technology continues to dominate the market for its energy efficiency and long life, halogen bulbs offer a dimmable alternative with a warm light quality that some users may prefer.

Introduction to Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs, also known as energy-efficient light bulbs, were designed to overcome the inefficiency of incandescent light bulbs. Although they represent a more efficient solution, they have certain limitations that affect their use.

How They Work

The operating principle of fluorescent light bulbs is based on an electric discharge generated by the potential difference between two electrodes, immersed in a gas. This process produces light, differentiating them from other lighting technologies.

Pros and Cons

• Energy Efficiency: Comparing fluorescent bulbs with halogen ones, we note a marked superiority in terms of energy class which translates into reduced energy consumption.
• Costs and Duration: Although the initial price is higher, their duration, estimated at 8-10 years, allows the initial cost to be amortized given the lower energy consumption.
• Limitations of Use: These bulbs require a warm-up period before reaching maximum luminous efficiency. This can be a problem in cold environments, where light intensity may decrease, compromising lighting quality and, potentially, visual health.

Final Considerations

Although fluorescent bulbs are a popular choice for home and commercial lighting, it is important to consider their limitations, especially in low-temperature environments. Understanding their characteristics can help users make more informed choices, adapting to their needs without sacrificing efficiency and sustainability.

LED Technology in Lighting

LED bulbs (Light Emitting Diode) represent the pinnacle of technology in the lighting field. These light bulbs are made up of diodes which, powered by an electronic circuit, emit photons responsible for producing light. Their advanced technology offers exceptional performance, making them a preferred choice for energy-conscious consumers.

Advantages of LEDs

• Energy efficiency greater than 80% compared to incandescent lamps.
• Impressive longevity with an average lifespan of 15-20 years.
• Possibility to adjust the light intensity (dimmability).
• No significant heat emissions.
• High resistance and less fragility than traditional lamps.
• They do not produce ultraviolet rays or radiation harmful to the human body.

An Investment for the Future

Although the initial costs may be higher than traditional lamps, LEDs prove to be a profitable long-term investment. The significant energy savings and extended life guarantee cost amortization and a positive impact on the environment. Adopting LED lighting means choosing a sustainable solution that combines efficiency, durability and respect for our planet.