From the desk of Bob Carr,
You’re Not Alone—Homeowners Ask Me This All the Time
“You know, I can’t tell you how many times a homeowner looks at me and says:
‘Bob, I love the glow of halogen lights, but if I switch to LED, will it look the same?’
It’s a fair question. Nobody wants their yard to look like a parking garage at night. You
want warmth. You want ambiance. You want that inviting glow that makes your home
feel like home.
So let me put your mind at ease right up front: Yes, you can get the exact same warm
glow with LED. And in many cases, it’ll look even better.”
Why Halogen Got the Reputation for Warmth
“For years, halogen was the go-to for landscape lighting. It gave off this natural, golden
color—what we call around 2700 Kelvins—that just feels cozy and timeless.
That’s why so many people still remember it fondly. The trouble is, halogen runs hot,
eats up electricity, and those bulbs burn out all the time. If you’ve had them before, you
know the drill—grabbing the ladder every year or two to swap bulbs.”
How Today’s LED Technology Changed the Game
“Now, LEDs used to have a bad reputation. Early versions? Too bright. Too blue. Too
harsh. And folks swore they’d never switch because they didn’t want their home looking
like a hospital.
But that’s old news.
Today’s color-changing LED lamps let you dial in the exact look you want. Warm and
golden like halogen? Set it at 2700K. Want it a touch brighter for security near the
driveway? Bump it up closer to 3000K. Heck, if you’re hosting a party, you can even
change colors completely for a little fun.
In other words—you’re in control now. Not the bulb.”
Let’s Talk Numbers: Power & Cost
“Here’s where it gets interesting. A halogen bulb might use 20 watts of power. The LED
version that gives you the same brightness? It’ll use about 2 watts.
That means you’re running your whole lighting system at about one-tenth the cost. And
trust me, that adds up. Over the years, the energy savings alone can cover the cost of
the fixtures.
Plus, LEDs last 10–15 years on average. Halogen? Maybe 1–2 years. Which means
fewer trips up a ladder and fewer Saturday mornings wasted swapping bulbs.”
Safety and Durability
“One more thing homeowners don’t always think about—heat. Halogen runs hot. Put it
near mulch or leaves, and you’ve got to be careful. Kids touch the fixture, they’ll feel it.
LEDs run cool. They’re safer around landscaping, safer for pets and kids, and they
handle weather swings a whole lot better.”
TLC’s Honest Take
“So here’s my advice: If you love the glow of halogen, don’t worry—LED can match it
perfectly. And in almost every case, LED is the smarter long-term choice. You’ll get the
look you want, spend less on electricity, and stop climbing ladders every other year to
swap bulbs.
Now, are there still some homeowners who stick with halogen? Sure. Usually it’s
someone who’s selling soon and just wants something quick and inexpensive. But if
you’re planning to stay in your home and really enjoy your outdoor space, LED is
hands-down the way to go.”ant to See It for Yourself?
“And hey, you don’t have to take my word for it. At TLC, we’ll happily set up a couple of
demo lights in your yard so you can see the difference with your own eyes.
That way you’ll know—before you ever spend a dime—that your home will have exactly
the glow you’re dreaming of.
Give us a call or schedule a free consultation online, and we’ll light it up for you.”