Halogen Bulb Ban: Why it’s happening and what your alternatives are...

Initially, the phase-out of halogen lighting was supposed to be complete in 2016 but this changed to the 1st September 2018. After this point, most halogen bulbs will no longer be stocked on shelves and in online stores.

A few halogen bulbs will still be available, mostly those that are used for spotlights and floodlights. So, unless your halogen bulbs are halogen G4, halogen G9 or halogen R7s, it’s time to look for an alternative.

Photo by Fachy Marín / Unsplash

Why are halogen bulbs being banned in the EU?

With an estimated 500 million halogen bulbs in use across the EU, it may seem like a huge headache to ban them – and a costly move – but the reason is to all to do with the environment. The banning of halogen bulbs forms part of a wider EU goal to become more environmentally friendly by using less energy and follows on from the 2009 ban of old incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs used to use around 100 watts, and only 10% of the energy used created light, the rest was wasted heat. In comparison halogen bulbs look green, using 70 watts and converting 20% of this into light. However, technology has moved on significantly, and LEDs uses just a fraction of the watts both incandescent and halogen bulbs need at around 10 and converts 80% of this into light. When you look at the energy reduction benefits, it’s easy to see why halogen bulbs are being phased out.

Photo by Nadia Valkouskaya / Unsplash

Why Switching To LED Bulbs Is Your Best Option

With halogen bulbs leaving the shelves in just a couple of months, you’ll probably be buying an LED the next time you need a new bulb. There are three key reasons it’s a move you should be pleased about.

• They’ll save you money on your energy bills – Initially, it may seem like an extra cost when switching to LEDs, as the bulbs are more expensive than halogen options. However, LEDs use less energy and could save you up to 80% on your lighting bill.

• They last significantly longer – LEDs last far longer than halogen bulbs. You can expect halogen bulbs to last for around 2,000 hours of use. In contrast, your new LEDs should last for up to 25,000 – saving you money in the long run too.

• There’s a range of temperature colours to choose from – Lighting effects the ambience of a room and LEDs come in lots of different temperature colours, and many are dimmable, so you can create an environment you love.

Of course, when you add LED bulbs to your light fixtures, you’ll know you’re doing your bit for the environment too.