As we reported last week, traditional incandescent light bulbs are no more.  But what are the alternatives, and how good are they?

Halogen Bulbs

Under the current regulations, halogen bulbs are still allowed as a type of lighting. But what are the pros and cons of these kinds of lights?

Halogen Pros

  • When you compare the amount of time a halogen bulb lasts compared to a traditional incandescent light, the halogen lasts much longer.
  • Halogens are known to use 50% less energy than incandescent bulbs, although this is a figure that is much worse than alternatives.
  • Halogen light output is said to be much more focused, whiter and brighter than traditional incandescent lighting.   This often makes it better suited for reading, and is ideal for use in lamps.
  • Thanks to the way they’re built, halogens are generally significantly more durable than incandescent bulbs.
  • They don’t use mercury. Normal incandescent lights use this extremely dangerous substance, and often this is left to seep into the ground when bulbs aren’t disposed of correctly.
  • They’re dimmable (if you’re that way inclined).
  • They don’t darken over time like incandescent bulbs tend to do.

Halogen Cons

  • They’re very expensive. Research shows traditional halogens can cost up to four times more than incandescent bulbs. However, it’s worth considering in the long run that your halogen bulb will probably last longer and will ultimately end up saving you money.
  • They get extremely hot. Not only does this mean they’re dangerous to touch after being on, but it also increases the chance of causing fires.
  • It’s a different kind of light. Sometimes when you’re used to a specific type of light, adjusting to the style of light a halogen bulb outputs might be difficult and not for everyone.
  • They give off extremely strong glare, meaning they often have to be shaded.
  • Contact with skin causes the bulbs to work less efficiently. Thanks to body oils and salts in the hands, you must cover them up when handling halogen bulbs otherwise the efficiency of the bulb will decrease.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

If you’re talking about energy efficiency, chances are it won’t be long before somebody throws LED lighting into the mix. In lighting circuits LED lighting is currently the darling or the industry, as on paper it’s efficient, lasts forever and seems to save the planet.

But what, honestly, are the pros and cons of LED lighting?

LED Pros

  • They, apparently, have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours. That’s a lot of light right there.
  • They’re a small, compact and easy to focus light source.
  • LED lights come in loads of different, shapes, sizes and pretty colours. Want a room bathed in the glow of purple light? You can do it with LEDs.
  • They produce virtually no heat, and also don’t produce much UV light.
  • No toxic components – LED lights don’t use dangerous substances like mercury.
  • They’re much more energy efficient – although they may be expensive initially, users of LEDs will generally get their money’s worth several times over by the time the bulb eventually gives up the ghost.
  • The light produced by LEDs is generally ‘cleaner’, and seems less artificial than other alternatives.
  • They’re useable in countless types of installations. From ceilings to wall-lights, LEDs are incredibly versatile.
  • For businesses and homes, they’re perhaps the best solution for saving loads of money on your lighting.

LED Cons

  • Initially, LED lights can be expensive to buy, get installed and get operational.
  • They struggle to create ‘white’ light, which is conventionally used to light up a room. LED manufacturers usually get around this by combining coloured LEDs together to produce the illusion of white light.
  • The light is more focused. Generally this means that the way LEDs produce light means it is in a direct beam rather than outwards, meaning you’ll either be able to clearly illuminate a certain area, or alternatively have to buy a lot of LEDs to fully light a room. There are however, steps being taken to improve the output of LEDs.
  • There are several factors that can lead to LEDs failing, including improper installation, too much heat and rough handling. Due to the fact they’re not as easy to install as conventional lights, this can be a problem if they need to be replaced.

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps)

Perhaps the most common type of energy saving bulbs you’ll see in the shops, CFLs also come in many different shapes, sizes and fittings. They’re generally regarded as being one of the best solutions when buying a new set of bulbs, but what’s good and what’s bad about CFL bulbs?

CFL Pros

  • On average, a CFL bulb uses 75% less energy than traditional, incandescent lighting.
  • Since they use a significant amount less energy, the bulbs last about 10 times longer as well.
  • The bulbs emit significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, meaning they’re a significantly reduced risk to human hands, and they also have a reduced fire risk.
  • They’re ideal for hard to access locations.

CFL Cons

  • One of the most common problems with CFLs is they don’t instantly produce light, but gradually build up in intensity once turned on. This is a common complaint from many users as when you switch CFLs on, sometimes it can seem like they’ve done absolutely nothing much whatsoever to illuminate the area. Also, we humans are impatient, so that doesn’t help.
  • Some people report that CFL light gives them headaches – while it’s likely this is just a gradual thing as the body adjusts to the change in light type, there are several different types of CFLs available that should be able to combat this. Finding the correct one to illuminate your space is essential.
  • CFL bulbs, like other alternatives, cost more to buy initially.
  • Like incandescent, CFL bulbs also contain mercury.
  • They’re designed to stay on for a long period of time. Constantly switching them on and off will affect the durability of the bulb, and ultimately cut down on its efficiency.
  • They can’t be used with dimmers unless you buy specifically designed CFLs.