You see them popping up everywhere these days: LED bulbs. They have become very popular in recent years and are touted as a better alternative to classic halogen bulbs. But what are the differences between these two bulbs, are LED bulbs really better and how can you replace your bulbs? We discuss this and much more for you in this article.

Replacing halogen with LED, why should I do this?

In times of high energy prices, it is advisable to look for the most energy-efficient alternatives to bulbs that use a lot of energy. And let one thing be clear: halogen bulbs belong to the category of bulbs that use a lot of electricity.

Therefore, it is recommended to switch to LED bulbs. These bulbs are easy to install, use much less energy and also last much longer than a halogen bulb. So there are only advantages!

The benefits of an LED bulb

LED bulbs are a good replacement for the outdated halogen bulbs at your home. Below, we briefly explain some of the advantages of these bulbs.

• Energy efficiency: All types of LED lamps are more energy-efficient than traditional halogen lamps. This is because LED bulbs have a higher light output per watt. This means they can produce the same amount of light with less energy consumption. Ideal for your wallet!
• Longer lifespan: LED bulbs last much longer than halogen bulbs. In most cases, they last up to 50,000 hours, much longer than the 4,000 hours a halogen lamp lasts on average. So here, too, you save a lot of (unnecessary) costs.
• More environmentally friendly: LED lamps are much better for the environment than halogen lamps. They contain no harmful substances, such as mercury, and reduce C02 emissions through lower energy consumption.
• Better quality: LED lamps not only last longer, they also offer better quality lighting. In fact, LED bulbs can shine in different colours and give a warmer feel than halogen bulbs. You can also dim LED bulbs, making them versatile. Think about shops, office spaces or... your living room!

Although LED lamps can be more expensive to buy than halogen lamps, this 'investment' more than pays for itself. So very handy!

The disadvantages of a halogen lamp

Now that you know the main advantages of an LED bulb, it is also not unimportant to list the disadvantages of halogen bulbs. As you could just read, halogen bulbs are worse for the environment because they contain harmful substances and do not last as long. They are also more expensive to use because they consume more electricity than LED bulbs.

Another disadvantage of halogen bulbs, is their heat production. They produce a lot of heat while shining, which can cause problems with recessed spotlights and halogen lamps placed on surfaces. This heat causes a risk of fire hazard, something you really want to avoid. So avoid halogen bulbs as much as possible and try switching to LED bulbs.

The differences between halogen and LED

The main difference between halogen lamps and LED lamps is their energy efficiency. For example, LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs, but why exactly?

This is very easy to explain: LED bulbs actually convert a larger percentage of the electrical energy they consume into light. Halogen bulbs, on the other hand, 'waste' a lot of energy because they convert it into light and... heat. Hence, halogen lamps often become red-hot after burning for a long time. Pure energy waste, in other words, and you will notice this on your energy bill!

Step by step, what should I pay attention to?

Before you can proceed with the installation of your LED lights, you need to purchase suitable LED lights. But what exactly should you pay attention to?

• First, measure the size or diameter of your current halogen spotlights. This is important because you can only install LED spotlights that are the same size as your current halogen bulbs. That way, your luminaire will fit your new LED bulbs without any modifications. So look for LED spotlights with the right fitting and size. After all, they should be suitable for a direct connection to your current luminaire.
• Make sure your new LED spotlights are compatible with the type of dimmer you have installed. At least if you want a dimming function on your new LED bulbs, but we recommend this for everyone. Note: not all LED spotlights are compatible with all different dimmers. So check the specifications of the LED bulbs and your dimmer carefully first to ensure compatibility.

How do I know which LED lamp to choose?

Choosing the right LED lamp is important because it ensures you get the best 'lighting experience'. Thus, when buying LED lamps, you should look carefully at the lamp's luminous intensity. This is expressed in the number of lumens. For lighting in office spaces or everyday areas such as a kitchen, it is best to choose bulbs with a higher lumen rating. Mood lighting, on the other hand, should shine less brightly, so a lower lumen value will suffice in most cases.

Besides the lumen value, you should also look at the colour temperature of the LED bulb. Lamps with a lower Kelvin value emit warmer light. So it's ideal to hang in your living room. LED lamps with a higher Kelvin value emit a cooler and more neutral light, which in turn is better for conference rooms, for example.

Also consider the fitting of the LED lamp. That way, you can be sure that your new lamp will fit into the fitting of your old halogen lamp. This way, you won't have to incur unnecessary costs, and replacing your halogen bulbs will remain a cheap job!

How much can I save by replacing my halogen bulbs with LED?

Generally speaking, LED bulbs use 80% less energy. So although they are slightly more expensive to purchase, they pay for themselves. So you can save a lot by replacing your halogen bulbs with LED bulbs. The exact amount of this depends on a number of factors, such as how often you leave the lamp on and how high the energy costs are that you pay to your energy supplier. But regardless: LED bulbs are much more economical than halogen bulbs.

How should you replace halogen bulbs with LED bulbs?

As we wrote earlier, replacing a halogen bulb is not a difficult job. However, you need to take a few things into account when replacing your halogen bulbs with LED bulbs. To ensure the safest possible replacement of your halogen lamps, we have prepared a step-by-step plan for you below. This way, you can safely replace your 230V halogen spotlights with LED lamps.

1. Check whether the power to your halogen spotlights has been switched off. If this is not yet the case, switch off the circuit breaker in your fuse box.
2. Remove your old halogen spotlights from their fittings. Exactly how to do this varies from fixture to fixture. Consult the manual of your old halogen bulb if you are unsure how to safely remove the bulb from its fitting, if you can still find the manual somewhere, of course... Otherwise, your great friend Google will be able to help you out!
3. Place your new LED spotlights in the old fixtures and make sure they are firmly and securely in place. Tighten them well or use the clamping mechanism according to the instructions indicated in your fixtures' manual.
4. Next, switch the power to your lights back on. You do this by switching the circuit breaker in your fuse box back on.
5. Now you can turn on the new LED bulbs to check that they work correctly.

Can I still dim my bulbs once I replace them with LED?

Yes, you can dim your LED bulbs and make them shine harder again whenever you want. At least: if you buy the right LED bulb for this purpose. Not all LED lamps can be dimmed. So make sure when you buy it that the LED lamp can be dimmed. This is clearly stated on the packaging and between the specifications of the lamp.

Replacing 230V halogen spotlights with LED

Nowadays, there are so many different types of LED lamps that you can replace any type of halogen lamp easily and quickly. So can 230V halogen lamps. At ET48, we have a wide range of LED lamps suitable for replacing 230V halogen lamps. So feel free to take a look at our range!

Replacing 12 V halogen spotlights with LED

Just like the usual 230-volt halogen spots, you can easily replace 12V halogen spots with LED spots. In our shop, you will find a wide range of LED lamps suitable to replace your old halogen spots.

After reading this article, are you convinced to replace all your old, energy-consuming halogen spots with energy-efficient LED lamps? Then be sure to take a look in our online shop. There, you will find a wide range of LED lamps that are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Your wallet will be happy too!