A Guide to Light Bulbs: LED, Halogen, CFL – Which is Best?

Walking down the lighting aisle at your local hardware store can feel overwhelming. With LED, halogen, and CFL bulbs all competing for your attention, how do you know which one is right for your home? The good news is that one option clearly stands out as the winner for most Australian households.

The Energy Efficiency Showdown

When it comes to energy efficiency, LED bulbs are the undisputed champions. Here's how they stack up:

• LED: 80–100+ lumens per Watt – the most efficient option
• CFL: 55–70 lumens per Watt – moderate efficiency
• Halogen: 16–25 lumens per Watt – the least efficient

Since lighting accounts for about 10% of the average Australian household's energy bill, choosing efficient bulbs can make a real difference to your power costs. LED bulbs can save you up to 80% on energy costs compared to halogens.

Lifespan and Cost Comparison

While LED bulbs have a higher upfront cost, they're actually the most cost-effective choice in the long run. Here's why:

• LED lifespan: 25,000–50,000 hours – that's 15–25 times longer than halogen bulbs
• CFL lifespan: 8,000 hours – about 3–6 times shorter than LED
• Halogen lifespan: 2,000 hours – you'll be replacing these constantly

Think of it like buying a quality pair of work boots versus cheap ones – the initial investment pays off through years of reliable service. A single LED bulb will usually pay for itself several times over compared to multiple halogen replacements and higher energy bills.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Safety and environmental impact are important factors many homeowners overlook:

• LED bulbs run cool to the touch, reducing fire risks and burn hazards
• Halogen bulbs convert 90% of their energy into heat – they get dangerously hot
• CFL bulbs contain mercury, requiring special disposal procedures
• LEDs contain no hazardous materials and have the lowest carbon footprint

Modern LED technology also offers instant full brightness, excellent dimming compatibility, and a wide range of colour temperatures to suit any room in your home.

The Clear Winner for Australian Homes

For nearly all home applications in Australia, LED bulbs are the superior choice. They're more energy efficient, last longer, run cooler, and have the lowest lifetime cost. While CFLs were once a popular alternative, they're now largely obsolete due to mercury content and shorter lifespan. Halogen bulbs are rapidly disappearing from the market as Australia phases out inefficient lighting.

When you're next replacing a light bulb, think long-term. The small extra investment in LED technology will pay for itself many times over through energy savings and fewer replacements. Your wallet – and the planet – will thank you.