Halogen bulbs were once a very popular method of saving energy costs in the home. Cheaper than other types of energy-saving bulbs, halogen lighting was, until quite recently, considered the ultimate solution to skyrocketing energy bills. However, in recent years, several problems have come to light (excuse the pun) regarding the safety of halogen bulbs. For one thing, the energy consumption of halogen bulbs has been shown to produce unsafe carbon dioxide emissions, leading to the phasing out of these types of bulbs across Europe. Moreover, developments in LED lighting mean that LED bulbs can now save five times as much energy as halogen bulbs.
Although halogen bulbs have not been banned in the U.S, increasing numbers of Americans are looking to replace their halogen bulbs with LED fittings. Proper research is key when replacing a halogen bulb with an LED. You’ll need to consider wattages, sizes, and bases, all while searching for the best quality product. Luckily, we’re here to help! Read on to find out about our top type T LED replacements for halogen bulbs, including how to choose the best bulb to meet your personal needs!
Type T Bulbs: An Overview
Before we go any further, we should clear up what exactly a type T bulb is. The letter T in ‘type T’ stands for ‘tubular.’ Therefore, the bulb type refers to the shape of the bulb. Type T is a common shape for halogen bulbs and is distinguished not only by its tubular shape but also by its traditionally double-ended base, which consists of dual prongs. With that being said, there are also single-ended type T bulbs on the market, which we’ll take a look at in a moment. Within the umbrella of type T lightbulbs, there are several sizes, the most common being T3 and T4. T3 bulbs measure ⅜ inch in width, while T4 units measure ½ inch. You can also find T2, T5, and T6 halogen and LED bulbs on the market, although these are less widely compatible with standard fixtures. So, if you want to replace your type T halogen bulb with an LED bulb, you’ll need to make sure that it’s not only the right type but also the correct size. In order to ensure compatibility, you’ll also have to consider base construction.
The Best Type T Halogen Bulb Replacements
OUR TOP PICK