Halogen light bulbs belong in the family of incandescent lights. Though they are much better, their operation is rather like that of ordinary incandescent bulbs. Should we get right to their meat?
Essential Components:
-
Tungsten filament of a halogen bulb is its main component. This filament is rather hot in order to emit light.
-
Halogen bulbs differ from typical incandescent bulbs in that the former are filled with halogen gas, generally a combination of iodine and bromine. This gas improves the lifetime and luminous power of the bulb.
-
The halogen bulb's quartz glass casing is renowned for withstanding the high temperatures generated by the bulb's internal components.
Because of their unique construction, halogen bulbs outperform traditional incandescent bulbs in terms of both light output and lifespan. That's why they're commonly used for high-beam applications, such as automotive headlights.
Does Halogen Light Bulb Energy Efficiency Really Matter?
Though they lack great energy efficiency, halogen lights are cheap and bright.
Halogen lamps, for example, consume roughly 70–90% more energy than LED bulbs simply to produce the same level of lighting. Moreover, most of their energy is wasted as heat, which is not very effective at all.
Though compared to LEDs or even CFLs, halogen bulbs have a quite short lifespan, nevertheless they do live longer than those conventional incandescent bulbs. These problems are causing halogen bulbs to gradually be replaced with more ecologically friendly choices including LED lights.
How Do You Change Halogen Light Bulbs?
Swapping out a halogen light bulb is usually pretty simple, though the exact steps might differ a bit depending on what it's being used for. This is especially true for car headlights. Here's a handy guide for anyone who needs to change a halogen bulb in their car, from drivers to seasoned mechanics.
Replace a Halogen Light Bulb for Car Headlights:
1. Turn Off the Car and Disconnect Battery
First things first, make sure your car is completely off. For safety's sake, it's crucial to disconnect the battery. This prevents any electrical mishaps.
2. Locate the Bulb Housing
Consult your car's manual to figure out exactly where the headlight bulb housing is located.
3. Remove the Old Bulb
-
If there's a dust cover, gently remove it
-
Disconnect the old bulb, but be very careful not to touch the glass part. The oils on your hands can actually damage the bulb.
4. Insert the New Bulb
Carefully place the new halogen bulb into the housing, making sure it's properly seated.
5. Reattach the Dust Cover and Plug in the Wiring Harness
Put the dust cover back on and reconnect the wiring harness.
6. Reconnect the Battery and Test
Reconnect your car battery and turn on the headlights to make sure the new bulb is working correctly.
Pro Tip:
Always check the packaging of the replacement bulb to ensure you’ve chosen the correct model for your car.
Are Halogen Light Bulbs Still Available?
Due to new rules pushing energy-saving options like LED bulbs, it's getting harder to find halogen light bulbs.
UK Regulations:
In the UK, halogen bulbs are mostly a thing of the past for homes, thanks to government goals to cut down on carbon emissions.
Automotive Use:
You can still get halogen headlight bulbs for your car, but they're slowly being swapped out for LED and HID bulbs. Even though halogen bulb supplies are running low, you can still grab some from online shops like Amazon or stores specializing in car accessories for the time being.
Can You Still Buy Halogen Light Bulbs?
Yes, halogen bulbs are still up for sale, but you'll notice they're becoming scarcer.
Where Can You Buy Halogen Light Bulbs?
If you're on the hunt for halogen light bulbs, you've got a few choices:
-
E-commerce Platforms: Amazon and eBay have a decent selection of halogen bulbs for cars and other uses.
-
Auto Accessory Stores: Many UK-based automotive retailers still stock halogen headlight bulbs.
-
Specialist Lighting Shops: Lots of UK car accessory stores still keep halogen headlights in stock.
For your automotive needs, check out our H8 708 Halogen Headlight, H7 55W Halogen Cool Blue Car, and HB3 12V-60W 9005 Halogen headlight bulbs available on our website.
Are Halogen Light Bulbs Banned in the UK?
Yes, starting in September 2021, the UK put a stop to using halogen light bulbs in homes. This change is part of a bigger plan across Europe to use less energy and create less pollution. But, you can still use halogen bulbs for certain things, like in cars, though these might face tougher rules later on.
How to Dispose of Halogen Light Bulbs in the UK
It's important to get rid of halogen light bulbs carefully because they have a bit of halogen gas and other stuff that shouldn't go in the regular garbage.
Tips for Safe Disposal:
-
Do Not Throw Them in Household Trash:
Don't Toss Them in the Garbage: Halogen bulbs don't break down naturally, so they shouldn't go in your regular trash can. -
Check Local Recycling Centers:
Lots of recycling places in the UK will take halogen bulbs as part of their special waste services for dangerous or electrical items. -
Use Retailer Programs:
Some stores and car shops have programs to recycle old bulbs, which makes it easy to get rid of them in a responsible way.
Always check with your local authority or waste management service for specific disposal guidelines in your area.
Bright Choices for the Future
For years, halogen bulbs have been a trusty pick, particularly for drivers on a budget looking for that strong, clear light. But as more of us focus on saving energy and being kinder to the environment, LED bulbs are winning over UK drivers and mechanics alike.
You might still be able to find halogen bulbs here and there, but now's a great opportunity to jump into the latest options and even revamp your car's lights. This move will not only ease the strain on your wallet when it comes to energy bills but also play your part in protecting our planet.
In search of an alternative to halogen? Take a look at our top picks for LED bulbs that are just right for your car and how you use it. Make the switch now and drive towards a brighter, more Eco-conscious tomorrow!