How much does it cost to install downlights?

How much to install downlights? Typically, electricians charge anywhere between $60 and $110 for each LED downlight installation. An electrician’s service fee for the first 30-minutes is usually about $150, with rates per hour after sitting between $80 and $100.

If you’re thinking of getting downlights installed, you’re not alone. Downlights have become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only a stylish choice, downlight installation can also help to add light and change the mood of your space. Since they’re small light fittings that either sit flush with or recessed into the ceiling, downlights keep your ceiling looking uncluttered, modern and sleek.

Before proceeding with downlight installation, you’ll want to know how much they cost. In this guide, we explore the different types of downlights available, the benefits of LED downlights, downlight safety, downlights installation cost, and hiring a local electrician for your job.

What type of downlights are available?

Before we talk about cost, it’s important to know what sort of downlights are currently available. At present, most Australian homes tend to install LED downlights, although you may still see older homes that have halogen downlights. As of September 2020, halogen downlights were banned due to concerns over their lack of energy efficiency.

There are also compact fluorescent downlights that are available for purchase. They’re not as commonly used and aren’t as energy efficient as LED downlights.

Why LED downlights installation?

LED downlights have the lowest lifetime cost. According to an Energy Rating agency, they have the best lifetime cost in comparison to halogen or compact fluorescent lights. In contrast to halogen lights, LED lighting only use one-quarter of the energy but they last almost five to 10 times longer.

They’ve also got low energy use, which means that they burn the least amount of electricity. This would result in cheaper electricity bills than with other bulb types. As a comparison, a LED light only uses 8 to 12 watts, while a halogen light could burn around 42 watts an hour.

Read on to find out LED light installation cost and safety.

Replacing your halogen downlights with LED downlights

Halogen downlights have been phased out since September 2020. Replacing your halogen downlights doesn’t have to be a complicated process as you can choose to replace the bulb with a more energy-efficient LED light.

In this case, you may not need the help of an electrician. Instead, you can head to a specialist lighting store with your halogen bulb so they can help you determine which bulb to purchase. If you can’t remove your halogen bulb, it’s best to contact an electrician to take a look and advise you on your next steps.

In the case that you want to replace your entire halogen downlight unit with a new LED one, it’s always best for this to be installed by a licensed electrician. When you contact your electrician, be sure to give them detailed information about your situation and what you’d like help with.

Downlight safety

One of the major reasons you shouldn’t be installing downlights on your own is because of downlight safety. Improper installation of downlights can lead to several complications, including house fires. While LED bulbs generally emit less heat than halogens, they still pose a threat.

To avoid any complications, use licensed electricians for the installation. All downlights purchased should meet Australian standards, and only non-combustible items should surround the downlights. All electricians should be aware of these standards and will install your downlights both correctly and safely.

How much does downlight installation cost?

Now that we’ve got a better idea of the different downlights and the installation process, it’s time to find out the cost of downlights.

When you contact your electrician for a quote, most of them will generally base the quote on the number of downlights you require, along with the difficulty of the installation. Most electricians will typically charge a flat service fee, followed by a per hour rate. The service fee will usually cover the first 30-minutes.

Cost to install downlights:

How much to install downlights? Downlight installation cost usually ranges between:

• $110-$150 for the first 30-minutes
• $80-$110 per hour after

Downlight installation quotes can differ quite a lot. While some electricians may charge $110 per downlight, others might charge between $60 and $75 per power point for LED downlights installation.

Our downlights installation cost figures are approximate as prices vary based on availability, the area you live in, and your budget. If you’ve decided to install a large number of lights, it’s a good idea to get several quotes to ensure you’re getting the best possible rate in your area from a qualified electrician.

You could also opt to buy a downlight kit instead. These kits usually have everything you need, including the bulb, driver, fitting, lead, and plug. Costs are generally around $18 for a 12W downlight kit and $25 for a 13W LED downlight kit, but they can cost as much as $190. The LED lights usually last up to 50,000 hours and come with a five-year warranty. If you’re installing new downlights, however, a licensed electrician is required.

Hiring an electrician to install downlights

It’s not essential to know how to install downlights, because when it comes to lighting and wiring, it’s important to hire a licensed electrician for the job. Hiring an unlicensed tradesman to do electrical work or doing it yourself is not only unlawful, but it can pose a serious threat to your health and safety. While each state may have different regulations, all electricians must have a license before they can proceed to install downlights in your home.

How much does installing downlights cost? If you need to know the exact cost of downlights, compare free quotes with Yellow Pages. Before an electrician comes to install downlights at your home, you can ask them a few questions to make sure they’re the right technician for the job. Some questions you can ask include:

• Do you have a proper license?
• Are you insured to work at my home?
• Would you be able to provide a written quote?
• Are there any references that I can contact?

With the right qualified electrician, you’ll be well on your way to installing the perfect downlights for your home. The cost to install LED downlights is worth it because they will help you use less energy within your house, which results in cheaper electricity bills – a win-win situation for all.

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*All downlight installation prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.