Halogen vs LED, Head to Head

So, one of my lighting buddies was pulling my chain the other day via Facebook messages. In his own interesting way he was suggesting that I let my readers and potential clients know the real costs involved using LED lighting compared to the halogen lighting that has been used for eons. Not a bad idea – so, here goes.
We will examine the actual cost of operating the different systems.
Figures will assess costs for an outdoor lighting system using 30 fixtures each producing light equivalent to a 20 watt MR16 halogen lamp. The system will be set to operate for six hours per night annually.
HALOGEN

• 600 watts total energy
• Annual electrical cost: $131.00. Cost for 18 years: $2358.00 (central Texas average of .10 per KWH)
• Halogen lamps are rated for up to 5000 hours of use; each lamp will have to be replaced every other year at a cost of $12.50 per lamp plus labor (let’s say $10.00 per lamp, down lights in tree could be more while ground mounted fixtures would be less). Cost of replacing 30 lamps 9x at $22.50 per lamp over 18 years: $6075.00.
• Average annual operating cost: $468.50
• Total operating cost (after installation) for 18 years: $8433.00

LED

• 135 watts total energy for same light output
• Annual electrical cost: $29.50. Cost for 18 years: $531.00
• LED fixtures and lamps are rated for 40,000 hours of use. No replacement will be necessary for about 18 years eliminating this expense entirely!
• Total operating cost (after installation) for 18 years: $531.00
• Over the life of the lighting system, LED will save $7902.00 in operating costs.

It is likely that the cost of electricity and labor will increase over the next 18 years, so these numbers may not be wholly accurate down the road a bit. It is also necessary to remember that all lighting systems require a little maintenance from time to time to check wiring, clean lenses, and re-direct light to accommodate growth and changes in landscape. But if saving more money in the long term is your goal – as well as reducing your energy consumption – it is clear to see that LED is the best way to go!