Halogen Lamps

Halogen Lamps

Halogen lamps, or tungsten halogen lamps, are a type of incandescent lighting. However, unlike standard “A” type incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs are equipped with a gas filling and an inner coating that reflects heat. This helps keep the filament hot with less electricity.   Typically, halogen lamps are 10% more efficient than standard incandescent lamps.  They also last three to four times longer.

Pros:
More efficient than standard “A” bulbs.
Last longer than standard “A” bulbs.
Act as a direct replacement for standard “A” bulbs.
Provide excellent color rendition.
Project light further than fluorescent bulbs.

Cons:
Same initial cost as CFLs with much higher operating cost.
Use four times more energy than CFLs.
Do not last as long as CFLs.
Emit UV light
Heat up quickly and can constitute a serious safety/fire hazard.  Free-standing halogen torchieres can reach temperatures between 700 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.  Halogen torchieres have been known to cause fires.

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How to buy?
Energy-Saving Tips

How to buy?

Most stores that sell standard incandescent light bulbs also sell halogen light bulbs.  They generally cost between $10 and $20.  You should avoid using halogen bulbs in free-standing torchiere lamps.  These lamps are a safety hazard and are banned in many apartment buildings and university residence halls. Compact fluorescent torchiere lamps operate at much cooler temperatures and produce as much or more light with one-sixth the electricity.

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Energy-Saving Tips

By replacing your standard incandescent bulbs with halogen bulbs, you can make your lighting more energy efficient, but a smarter, more efficient choice would be to replace your incandescent lighting with fluorescent lighting.  For the same price as a tungsten halogen bulb, you can purchase a compact fluorescent bulb that is four times as energy efficient.

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