Home Lighting Options: Halogen Light Bulbs vs Fluorescent Light Bulbs

With 2012 being so near by, many people are wondering what options they will have when incandescent bulbs are phased out. Here is a quick glance at two options halogen light bulbs and compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFL).

Here is a break down of what are their pros and cons, and also a quick description of them.

What Are The Differences?

CFL uses argon and mercury vapor, along with two filaments inside each bulb at opposite ends of the bulb. The halogen light bulbs use a smaller bulb inside a larger one. The smaller bulb houses halogen gas and filament. Both last longer than the incandescent bulbs, but halogen light bulbs are safer to use and also offer better light.

How Long Do They Last?

Halogen light bulbs regenerate their filaments and thus last longer than incandescent or CFL do. They both are stated as lasting at least up to two years, if not as long as 5-7 years. However, the CFL bulbs can have their light dim over a period of use and they are meant to be left on for a longer period at a time than incandescent or halogen light bulbs.

Which of These Twos Are Greener?

While CFL may save more money and energy in the long run, halogen light bulbs are safer to dispose of. They use a lower amount of electricity and they are not as much of a possible safety hazard as CFL’s are.

How Will This Affect My Budget?

CFL’s are more expensive upfront and have proven very little in saving you money in the long run. Halogen light bulbs are cheaper up front and can save you more money than CFL bulbs do in the long run. It should also be noted that CFLs dim over time, while halogen bulbs do not dim after many hours of use.

While they both are still higher priced than the incandescent bulbs, they do not need to be bought or replaced as often as incandescent bulbs do.

CFLs can be bought through Co-Ops as well as stores and halogen can be bought in certain stores.

Are There Any Other Downsides?

CFL bulbs are hard to get rid of properly, and they dim after many uses. Halogen light bulbs are a bit difficult to find, as they appear not to be as popular as the CFLs are. It has also been reported that the CFL bulbs can buzz or flicker. Halogen light bulbs do heat up and can get very hot quickly, but as long as they are dealt with care they should be okay for use.

What Are They Better Suited For?

Both work well for all types of light fixtures, though halogen are more favorable for outdoor lighting than the CLF bulbs are. It should also be noted that the CFL bulbs should be covered from temperature extremes that can shorten their life span.

As far as having other major downsides, it appears that neither do. What it will likely come down to is more research and personal preference to what you want to use. What will work for some will not work for all, so make sure that your choice fits your needs.