Choosing the right type of bulb for your outdoor lighting system is just as important as choosing where to place the lights themselves. If you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an old system in your Nashville home, you’re likely comparing LED and halogen landscape lighting.
Which one is best for your yard, budget, and design style?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.
What Are Halogen Landscape Lights?
Benefits of Halogen Lighting:
- Warm, golden color tone (around 3000K)
- Lower initial fixture cost
- Excellent color rendering for plants and textures
Drawbacks:
- Short lifespan (2,000–5,000 hours)
- High heat output (can be unsafe near vegetation)
- Energy inefficient compared to LEDs
- Requires frequent bulb replacements
Halogen systems are becoming less common in Nashville installations due to these limitations.
What Are LED Landscape Lights?
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have quickly become the standard for residential landscape lighting. These bulbs use a semiconductor to emit light with minimal heat or energy waste.
Benefits of LED Lighting:
- Extremely energy efficient (up to 80% less than halogen)
- Long lifespan (30,000–50,000 hours)
- Low maintenance
- Available in a range of color temperatures
- Cool to the touch and safe for use around mulch, plants, and kids
Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront cost per fixture
- Slightly cooler color (though warm options exist)
At LightTN, we primarily recommend LEDs for their performance, reliability, and long-term cost savings.
| Feature | LED | Halogen |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY USE | Low (very efficient) | High (wastes heat) |
| LIFESPAN | 30,000 - 50,000 hours | 2,000 - 5,000 hours |
| COLOR TEMP | Available in warm and cool tones, plus RGB | Typically Warm (3000K) |
| INITIAL COST | Higher | Lower |
| MAINTENANCE | Rarely needed | Frequent Bulb Changes |
| ENVIROMENAL IMPACT | Low | High (more energy use, frequent waste) |
| Heat Output | Very low | Very high |
Cost Over Time: LEDs Save More
Let’s say you’re lighting your front and back yard with 20 fixtures:
Halogen System Cost Over 5 Years:
- Replacement bulbs: $200–$400
- Energy usage: $700–$1,000
- Total: $900–$1,400
LED System Cost Over 5 Years:
- Minimal maintenance: $0–$50
- Energy usage: $150–$300
- Total: $150–$350
That’s up to $1,000 in savings—plus fewer headaches.
When Halogen Might Still Make Sense
Some Nashville homeowners may still choose halogen if they:
- Prefer the ultra-warm glow for historic or traditional homes
- Already have a halogen system and want a low-cost replacement
- Are preparing their home for short-term sale or staging
Even in these cases, Light TN can help phase in LED-compatible fixtures over time.
Want a lighting system that saves energy and maintenance costs?
Talk to LightTN
about switching to LED or designing a new outdoor lighting system today.
Why Nashville Is Switching to LED
Neighborhoods across Nashville—including Forest Hills, Belle Meade, and Brentwood—are upgrading to LED for:
- Energy savings
- Lower utility bills
- Longer-lasting systems
- Compatibility with smart lighting and zoning features
It’s a smart move for both homeowners and the environment.
Light TN specializes in energy-efficient, low-maintenance lighting solutions for Nashville homes. Whether you’re upgrading from halogen or planning your first system, we’ll guide you toward the right solution—beautifully lit and built to last. Schedule your consultation today.
Ready to upgrade your system or start fresh? Our next post helps you choose the best contractor in Nashville ➝
