LED vs Halogen Bulb Lifetime Cost
**LED** bulbs use a fraction of the watts for the same lumens and last years longer. **Halogen** is cheaper upfront but burns hotter and needs more frequent replacement.
Step by step
1. Match lumens
Compare brightness, not watt label.
2. Hours × electricity
kWh = watts × hours / 1000 × rate.
3. Replacement labor
High ceilings make LED payback faster.
LED vs halogen
LED wins on lifetime cost in almost every fixed socket.
- LED: ~80% less power; 15,000–25,000 hr life.
- Halogen: Warm dimmable cheap; ~2,000 hr life.
Use our calculators
Common mistakes
- Buying watts instead of lumens
- Using non-dimmable LED on old dimmers
FAQ
Can LEDs dim?
Yes with compatible dimmers—check dimmable label.