New Generation Halogen Bulbs

Quick Guide

Price Guide $3.00-8.00 per bulb

Potential savings per bulb Up to $7.00 over life of bulb

Where to Buy Most Supermarkets, DIY Outlets, Variety Stores and Specialty Lighting Stores

Energy savings 30% more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.

Lifespan 2,000 hours.

Features Look the same as standard clear incandescent light bulbs.Come in decorative shapes such as candles that are suitable for fittings such as chandeliers. Produce full light output straight away – no warm up time.

Use them As a direct replacement for standard incandescent bulbs. With dimmers, sensors and other electronic light switches. In places like pantries where you need instant light and where lights are likely to be switched on and off frequently. Where the lamp is highly visible and the clear glass look of the traditional incandescent is still desired.

Don't use them Anywhere the bulb is left on for hours (a CFL would be far more efficient).

Brief description

The new generation halogen bulb is a type of incandescent lamp that is able to convert electricity to light far more efficiently than standard incandescent bulbs. They look similar to standard light bulbs but use a small halogen bulb encased inside a traditional glass globe (this replaces the filament found in traditional bulbs). New generation halogen bulbs last twice as long and are 30% more efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs at converting electricity into light and are growing in popularity. A number of different shapes and sizes are available. However, only a few of the most common shapes have made their way to the general domestic market.

 

Advantages

These bulbs are a like-for-like replacement for standard incandescent light bulbs. They initially cost twice as much, but they are cheaper to run and last twice as long (2,000 hours). Better still, you can use them with dimmers and other electronic switches such as proximity sensors and they are fine in areas where the lights are frequently switched on and off. If you need instant light, these bulbs are a good option since they also have no warm-up time.

 

Disadvantages

Although better than standard incandescent light bulbs at converting electricity into light, when it comes to efficiency the 30% efficient new generation halogen bulbs are still no match for the 80% efficient CFLs.  This means they are not as cost effective as CFLs in the long run.

 

Ongoing development

Expect to see the efficiency of these bulbs increase as developments for reflector-type halogens are applied to halogen bulbs.