As traditional, inefficient incandescent light bulbs are phased out between 2012 and 2014, energy-saving incandescents — which are halogen bulbs — are one replacement option.

Advantages of energy-saving incandescents

• At least 25 percent more energy efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs
• Last up to three times longer
• Most similar in appearance to old-school incandescents
• Work with dimmers
• Provide warm light tones
• Less expensive initial purchase cost compared to LED bulbs and most CFLs

Disadvantages of energy-saving incandescents
While better than old-fashioned incandescents, halogen incandescents have some disadvantages compared with CFLs or LED bulbs:

• Not as energy-efficient
• Shorter lifespan
• Long term, more expensive when the replacement bulb costs and energy savings are both taken into account
• Give off lots of heat