Halogen lamps are power hogs, each one burns about 10 times more energy for its light than a modern LED. You swap your lamps over 1-2 evenings and then save 30-50 € monthly on your electricity bill. LED lamps also last 15 years instead of 2.
Step by step
Halogen lamps heat metal wires so intensely that they glow, massive energy waste. LEDs use semiconductors that generate light directly, almost without heat loss. You replace a 50-watt halogen lamp 1:1 with a 5-watt LED. This is physically possible because light generation is more efficient. Dimmable LEDs cost a bit more, but the investment pays for itself in under 2 years.
Source: Stiftung Warentest LED-Test, high-quality LED requires 80-90% less electricity than halogen
Step by step
- 1. Note old lamp typesLook at your lamps, usually the wattage is marked on the socket (e.g. 50 W). Remember the socket type (E27 for large fittings, E14 for small candles, GU10 for spots, G9 for pin sockets).
- 2. Buy matching LEDsAt a DIY store or online search for 'LED 50W equivalent E27' or just use the socket type. LED manufacturers have converted, a 50-W halogen corresponds to a ~6W LED with similar brightness (900 lumens).
- 3. Swap lamps (turn off light!)Switch off the light, wait 1 minute for the halogen lamp to cool, unscrew the old one, screw in the LED. Done.
- 4. Switch on light and checkLED light feels different at first, modern LED light is often cooler (4,000 K), looks brighter. You can also buy warm-white LEDs (2,700 K) if you prefer classic incandescent yellow.
- 5. Dimmable lights? Buy dimmable LEDsNot every LED is dimmable. The package says 'dimmable' or 'dimmable'. They cost 50% more, but where you want to dim (living room), the extra cost is worth it.
Worked example
Before: Example: 4-person flat, 12 halogen spots at 50 W in kitchen + hallway = 600 W. At 4 hrs/day: 600 W × 4 h × 30 days = 72 kWh/month = 18 € (at 0.25 €/kWh).
After: With LED spots at 5 W (equally bright): 60 W × 4 h × 30 days = 7.2 kWh/month = 1.80 €, savings 16 € per month = 192 € per year.