Halogen Lamps

Halogen lamps were first made available only in the 1950s. This introduced a new alternative to other lighting fixtures with its long-lasting filament made of tungsten and enclosed in quartz. This quartz enclosure was designed to house the halogen, which is responsible for the bright white light that has a distinct bluish tint that we have now come to associate with halogen. This element is particularly reactive and is known to work best in high temperature, making it significantly more efficient that the incandescent lights.

To date, halogen lamps have now featured a more innovative bulbs that have undergone several changes with the halogen are now combined with inert gases such as argon or xenon. The gas is then filled with a very high pressure and can be operated at high temperature, which makes it quite resistant to heat and feature high lighting strength. That is why a halogen lamp is often referred to as the bulb within a bulb and it surprisingly comes in such a small package. Another noteworthy attribute about halogen lamps is the fact that it doesn’t have that irritating flicker like incandescent and instant start-up feature, which is a highly important element especially for residential use.

Bulbs are usually grouped in according wattage, with low wattage ranging from 1-100 watts and high wattage bulbs that offer 101 up to 500 watts. Halogen lamps are perfect for task lighting systems since it provides unrivaled light distribution that makes it relatively easier to read of accomplish certain tasks and activities around the house. A 100-watt halogen lamp would have an annual energy cost of $ 70, which is actually a little more expensive than compact fluorescent lighting systems. However, since halogen lamps are known to be a little too bright for most of the household uses, manufacturers nowadays features adjustable lamps that allows you to regulate the intensity and brightness according to desire and requirement.

It is generally not advisable to keep too many halogen lamps for residential use since it is known to hike up your energy bill. This is also on view to the fact that fluorescent lamps have been known to equally efficient but is well known to be an energy-saving alternative. According to research about 40 million halogen lamps operating in America can consume around an astounding 20 billion kilowatt in a year. There have also been a number of incidents where halogen lamps have caused fire in residential structures because of its heat. In fact, statistics have shown that in a given year around 189 fires accidents can be closely attributed to the use of halogen lamps in homes and have consequently resulted to 11 deaths. This is definitely an alarm warning for all residential owners who are using halogen lighting systems in their homes.

Although experts have openly extolled on the efficiency of halogen lamps, the risks are simply too high for some people. While there are now some available low voltage halogen lights, people have generally opted to using fluorescent lighting systems in their homes. To be able to reach a compromise, do not use halogen lamps for prolonged duration, and never leave it on unattended.

Knowing such important facts in your home lighting system is highly critical in safeguarding the well being of your family. While most of residential owner’s preference are generally dictated by the aesthetic value of the lighting fixtures used, it is equally important to know that bulbs used in your lighting systems and its required maintenance and safety precautions. A loss of property or a life is simply too high a price to pay for illumination, right? So get all your facts straightened out of the important equipments and fixtures that you use in your home. These days you can really never be too sure.