Have you ever wondered if you can convert your low-voltage halogen landscape lighting system to LED? Several of our clients have inquired about upgrading their halogen lighting system. In today's post, we'll share more details of the process and benefits of converting from halogen to LED.
Ask McKay: Is it possible to convert my halogen landscape lighting system to LED?
The short answer, yes. It is possible to convert from halogen to LED. The process, however, can be relatively simple to complex depending on the age and type of landscape lighting fixtures.
Since converting from halogen to LED depends on several factors, we offer free LED Conversion Assessments to help homeowners through this process. Our designer will assess your system and then provide you with a personalized plan of action that can be done all at once or in phases. Here are the most common outcomes:
Replace your halogen bulbs with LED bulbs
There are LED bulbs for almost every outdoor lighting fixture. If they make LED bulbs for your fixtures, it's not a very complicated process. Halogen and LED bulbs vary in technology, wattage, and voltage (learn more here). A lighting professional can find the correct LED bulbs for your fixtures and adjust the wattage and voltage ratio to avoid any damage to your system.
Retrofit your halogen fixture to hold an LED bulb
Some halogen fixtures can be retrofitted (which includes updating or replacing specific elements) to hold an LED bulb. The bulb and fixture must precisely fit, not allowing any water to penetrate the fixture. If even a drop of water leaks into the fixture or socket, the bulb will stop working. LED bulb manufacturers will not warranty bulbs that have water damage.
Upgrade your halogen fixtures to LED
Older halogen fixtures, generally 15 years or older, cannot be retrofitted and will need to be upgraded to LED fixtures.
At McKay Lighting, we strive to offer the best solutions for our customers looking to upgrade their current halogen lighting system. It's always our goal to bring a system up to date while using as many elements of the existing system as possible with relatively little redesign. We can develop a plan to work in phases if you prefer to have it happen progressively over a certain period of time or in sections (front and then back).
Halogen to LED Landscape Lighting Conversion Benefits:
Converting your halogen outdoor lighting to LED offers several benefits, including the following:
- High Efficiency: Up to about 85% less energy. Switching from halogen to LED will conserve energy.
- Enhanced Lighting Effect: Better illumination plus the ability to control the beam spread of the lamps.
- Longer Bulb Life: LED bulbs have an average life of up 50,000 hours or a 5-year warranty, while halogen bulbs have up to 5,000 hours.
- Savings: Over time, the energy savings will pay for the upfront investment.
LED landscape lighting technology has vastly improved over the years and will be the standard as halogen bulbs become discontinued.
Looking to Enhance Your Property?
Our dedicated team at McKay Landscape Lighting works with you to create a custom landscape lighting design that's unique to your property. From design to installation to service, you can count on our team of experts to make sure you are happy with your lighting system for years to come.
