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Halogen vs LED: Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Spotlights
With rising energy costs and more efficient lighting options now available, more and more homeowners across Leeds are making the switch to LED downlights.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between halogen and LED lighting, why upgrading is worth it, and how Smart Ohm can help you make the move to a safer, brighter, and more energy-efficient home.
What’s the Difference Between Halogen and LED Spotlights?
| Feature | Halogen Spotlights | LED Spotlights |
| Energy Efficiency | Low – uses more electricity | High – up to 90% less energy |
| Lifespan | 2,000–3,000 hours | 25,000–50,000 hours |
| Heat Output | Gets very hot | Stays cool to the touch |
| Brightness | Warm and focused, but fades over time | Bright, crisp, and consistent |
| Cost to Run | Higher | Much lower |
| Environmental Impact | High | Low (no mercury, recyclable parts) |
5 Reasons to Upgrade to LED Spotlights
1. Slash Your Energy Bills
LED spotlights use up to 90% less electricity than halogen bulbs. If you’ve got 10 halogen downlights running daily, switching to LED could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
2. Cooler, Safer Operation
Halogen bulbs get extremely hot and pose a fire risk, especially in recessed ceilings. LEDs run cool to the touch, making them far safer for homes with insulation or tight ceiling voids.
3. Longer Lifespan = Less Hassle
Halogen bulbs burn out fast. LEDs can last 10–15 times longer, meaning fewer replacements, less maintenance, and fewer trips up the ladder.
4. Modern, Flicker-Free Light
LEDs offer instant-on lighting, no flicker, and better colour options—from soft warm white to bright daylight tones. They’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas.
5. Smart and Dimmable Options
Most LED spotlights can be paired with dimmer switches or smart controls, giving you flexible lighting scenes and energy savings in one.
Are Your Spotlights Due an Upgrade?
You likely have halogen spotlights if:
- The bulbs get very hot
- You need to change them every few months
- They have a push-in or twist connector (GU10 or MR16)
- Your electricity bill seems higher than it should be
- The light flickers, especially when dimmed
Can You Just Swap the Bulbs?
In some cases—yes. You can replace GU10 halogen bulbs with GU10 LED bulbs in the same fittings. But:
- If the fitting is old, it might not be fire-rated or IP-rated
- Transformer-based fittings (MR16) may not be compatible with LEDs
- Dimming may not work properly with older switches
- You’ll miss out on the full energy savings if the circuit isn’t optimised
We always recommend a proper inspection before upgrading—especially if you want fire-rated, dimmable, or IP-rated LED fittings.
What We Offer at Smart Ohm
We provide professional LED spotlight and downlight installation across Leeds and surrounding areas, including Harrogate, Wetherby, and Boston Spa. Our services include:
- Replacement of old halogen fittings
- Installation of fire-rated LED downlights
- IP-rated spotlights for bathrooms and kitchens
- Advice on spacing, brightness, and colour temperature
- Smart lighting and dimmer integration
- Full testing and certification
We can also install client-supplied lights or supply high-quality LED fittings from trusted brands.
Areas We Cover
We install LED downlights across:
- Leeds – including Alwoodley, Moortown, Bramhope, Horsforth, Garforth, Shadwell, and more
- Wetherby, Harrogate, Boston Spa, and Knaresborough
- Surrounding areas in West and North Yorkshire
- Upgrade to LED Spotlights Today
Still running halogen lighting? Now’s the time to upgrade. With safer fittings, lower energy use, and better light quality, LED spotlights are a smart, long-term investment for your home.
Call Smart Ohm today or request a free quote online to book your LED spotlight upgrade with a trusted local electrician.
