Why Halogen Bulbs Will be Phased Out This Year
All but a few types of halogen bulbs will be phased out by early September this year. The bulbs were originally supposed to be phased out in 2016, but non-directional halogen bulbs were given a short stay of execution. The only types of halogen bulbs that will remain are to be used for spotlights and floodlights. If you use halogen bulbs in your home or workplace, it may be ideal to begin considering other options now, before you get stuck later on in the year.
LED is the most obvious choice to replace your halogen bulbs, but you may think we're a little biased. So here are some of the facts relating to why you should choose LEDs as your halogen replacements.
Which halogen bulbs are/are not being phased out?
There are three types of halogen bulbs which will remain on the market:
Halogen G4
Halogen G9
Halogen R7
This is because there are not many alternatives available just yet.
The type of bulb being phased out is the GLS bulb.
Savings
You will make a saving on your energy bills as LEDs are much more efficient than halogen bulbs. You may believe it is costly to replace all of your halogen bulbs with LEDs at once, so try to replace them gradually so as to not make yourself out of pocket.
You can replace a 100W traditional bulb with a 14W LED bulb, and it would cost £2 a year. A CFL would cost £3 a year but only has half the lifespan of an LED bulb. A halogen bulb costs approximately £11 a year to run.
Halogen lightbulbs usually last around 2000 hours, whilst LED bulbs have an average lifespan of 25,000, with some newer bulbs even going up to 50,000.
Ambience
You can use LEDs to create different moods for rooms throughout your home. In the kitchen, you can use task lighting, so that you can see what you're cooking. In the living room, you can use LEDs to create a relaxing atmosphere, with dimmer switches so that the lighting can be brightened if you'd like to read. In the bathroom, lighting around your bathroom cabinet can help you see whilst you're shaving or applying makeup. However, if you opt for dimmable LEDs, they won't always be compatible with your current dimmer switches, so consult with an electrician before you buy.
Quality
LEDs are a lot more affordable than they used to be, but you shouldn't automatically go for the cheapest option. The latest technology is smart bulbs, which are super powerful and can be controlled from your phone. However, this is more expensive initially and the running costs are higher. You should try and go for options in the middle, which are affordable and high-quality. Light Supplier has a great mixture of affordable LEDs which are high performance.
Selecting LEDs
There are several factors to consider before you buy your LED bulbs. Here are some important things to know:
Lumens
LED bulbs have a Lumen value which varies between 1400-1600, but 1521 is the number to know. This is because that is the brightness that would be used to replace a 100W halogen bulb. You should look at this number when you're shopping, as it will ensure that the LED bulb is as bright as you expect it to be.
Power
Halogen bulbs tend to use around 77W, whilst LEDs can provide light at a much lower rate of 15W.
Colour
A few years ago, one of the main complaints relating to LED bulbs was that they were too cold. When you're shopping for LEDs, you need to consider the colour temperature. For warmer colours, look for an LED bulb with a temperature of around 2700K. For cooler lighting (ideal for the bathroom), look for a colour temperature of 4000K. If you're unsure, just buy one and see how it looks before you change all of your bulbs over.
Quality
Make sure you shop for a well-known brand and look at the warranty on the bulb. Buying from a specialist retailer - like Light Supplier - means that you can benefit from their extra level of knowledge and their recommendations.
Less is More
You don't always need to have your brightest bulb in the ceiling. The average home has around 34 lightbulbs - so be a bit creative. In the living room, overhead lighting is less important and you can use floor lamps and LED strip lighting behind your TV to get the desired effect.