Choosing between Halogen Lamps and Energy Saver (CFL) Lamps There are many differences you might consider with Halogen lamps and CFL lights if you are looking to replace your incandescent lighting system with low energy light bulbs. There are CFL lights called integrated CFLs which allow you to take advantage of a traditional lighting fixture designed for the incandescent bulb. This provides a big benefit because you don’t have to buy a special fixture for the bulb. Halogen lamps require you to buy fixtures specifically designed to work with these types of bulbs. This can be expensive. Halogen lamps and CFL lights are both low energy options if you wish to replace standard incandescent bulbs. Both kinds of bulbs provide energy savings and they are comparable in cost. You will save about the same amount of money when you use the two types of bulbs. Halogen lamps burn much brighter, the beam can be controlled via a reflector and produce much more white light than the CFL lights. This might be a consideration for areas you need to be well lit, or for rooms you want to be slightly dimmed. CFL lights are low wattage light bulbs that don’t burn very hot. Halogen lamps actually burn very hot. People should handle the halogen lamps with caution and take full safety precautions when using these bulbs. When replacing a halogen capsule or linear halogen lamps care must be taken not to touch the lamp with your fingers. Failure to do so results in heat from the lamp (when switched on) is attracted to the grease deposits from where the lamp was touched and cracks the glass thus reducing lamp life Finally, choosing between halogen lamps and Energy Saver (CFL) lights you should confirm that the light fixture you are going to put it in is actually designed to be compatible. The label of the light fixture will tell you the limits of the fixture. (E.g. Max wattage 50w)