LED vs Halogen Landscape Lighting: Why LED Wins Every Time
If you’re installing new landscape lighting or considering upgrading an existing system, you’ve probably wondered: LED or halogen? The answer in 2026 is clear — LED wins in virtually every category.
LED vs Halogen: Head-to-Head
| Feature | LED | Halogen |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | 75-80% less | Baseline |
| Bulb life | 40,000-50,000 hours | 2,000-4,000 hours |
| Heat output | Minimal | Very hot — burns mulch and plants |
| Color consistency | Stays consistent for years | Yellows and dims over time |
| Maintenance | Almost zero | Bulb changes every 1-2 years |
| Operating cost (20 fixtures) | ~$3-5/month | ~$15-25/month |
| Upfront fixture cost | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
The Real Cost Difference
LED fixtures cost slightly more upfront, but the savings over time are dramatic. On a typical 20-30 fixture North Shore property:
- Electricity savings: $200-400/year
- Bulb replacement savings: $100-200/year (halogen bulbs need replacing every 1-2 years)
- Service call savings: No more annual bulb-change visits
Over 5 years, LED saves $1,500-3,000+ compared to halogen. The higher upfront cost pays for itself within the first year.
LED Retrofit: Upgrading an Existing Halogen System
If you have an existing halogen landscape lighting system, you don’t necessarily need to replace everything. We offer LED retrofit services that swap your old halogen fixtures for modern LED equivalents. In many cases, we can reuse your existing wire runs and transformer locations.
We install WAC Lighting and Kichler LED fixtures — premium brands that deliver excellent color rendering, commercial-grade durability, and long warranties.
Ready to Upgrade?
📞 Call (847) 566-0099 or Schedule a Free Consultation
Part of our Complete Guide to Landscape Lighting.