Halogen lamps can be dimmed to several levels. Fluorescent light bulbs do not have that capability. This gives halogen lights more options for lighting effects. Incandescent lamps in torchieres also can be dimmed.
Halogen lamps produce more heat than other type of bulbs due to the fact they have less surface area. For example, a 300-watt halogen bulb found in a torchiere can reach a temperature of 1,000 degrees F. A fluorescent light bulb, by comparison, generates heat of 100 degrees F. To put the heat of a halogen in perspective, a 75-watt light bulb reaches a temperature of 260 degrees F and a 500-watt incandescent light bulb registers 350 degrees F.
Halogen lights are more energy efficient if used wisely. Due to their small size and ability to generate heat, select a lower wattage bulb. It will produce the same amount of light as a higher watt bulb such as an incandescent.
Halogen light bulbs present a fire hazard. They are banned in residence halls at the University of Colorado at Boulder and their use in discouraged in campus buildings. The reason for the fire hazard is the extreme heat of the bulb which has the potential to ignite other materials. Other light sources for torchieres do not present this danger.