What is a halogen bulb?

A halogen bulb is like an upgraded incandescent bulb. Essentially, it is an incandescent bulb that has the same tungsten filament but the bulb is filled with halogen gas.

What makes a halogen bulb different than an incandescent?

When an incandescent bulb is lit, tungsten from the filament is vaporized and settles on the shell of the light bulb. With a halogen bulb, that tungsten is redistributed back to the filament which makes the bulb last longer and the shell to stay bright and clear. Also, the halogen allows the bulb to light at a higher temperature which results in better light color and a longer life.

Can I use a halogen bulb in any fixture?

No, halogen bulbs are only meant to be used in approved fixtures. Be sure to double check before switching something to a halogen bulb.