It’s true that lighting can make all the difference when it comes to your home or property. Lighting can be used to improve the well-being, sight, and aesthetics of any room, so choosing the right lighting scheme is an important decision.
Downlights are swiftly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners. They add a sleek, modern ambience to any room and are incredibly versatile. In this article, we’ll cover the cost of downlight installation, what they are, what can affect their cost, the industry shift towards LED downlights, and what you should consider before installing downlights.
What are downlights?
Often mistaken for spotlights, downlights are actually designed to throw illumination across a wider area as opposed to concentrating light in one spot.
Usually, downlights are made up of a light bulb which is set into a metal cylinder usually manufactured from pressed steel or cast aluminium. A decorative fascia holds the downlight in the ceiling with compression or spring clips.
Perfect for any room, downlights are one of the more versatile lighting choices that look at home in any room. Although, they are especially popular in both kitchens and bathrooms because they are widely available in standard fire-rated and IP-rated variations.
What are the factors that affect the cost of installing downlights?
Generally, installing downlights is a very simple and straightforward job but there are often a number of factors that can affect the quote that your electrician gives you for installation cost.
We’ve listed some of the most common factors below:
• The number of lights you want to be installed
• The location of the lights
• The condition of the existing wires around the installation area
o If your existing wires would require an upgrade or repair, this will cost more
• The accessibility of the ceiling cavity to wire and house the lights
• The necessary prep work for the job
o Any additional drilling or rewiring that needs to be done before the lights can be installed
• The size of the room and the spacing of the lights
• The location of the property
• The type and quality of lights you’re looking for
How much does it cost to install downlights?
As we’ve covered already, the overall cost of installing downlights will be influenced by a number of factors. On average, however, you can expect to pay between $650 and $950 for the installation and supply of quality downlights.
The price of downlights themselves is usually between $40 and $150. Although, these are only ballpark figures and you should always ask for several quotes from reputable and trustworthy electricians before making a final decision.
What are the benefits of choosing LED downlights?
Most downlights are no longer fitted with a halogen bulb but with LED lights. These use up to 85% less energy than traditional lightbulbs, saving you a massive amount on your utility bills and offering a more sustainable option.
They are also capable of lasting up to 15,000 hours and offer enhanced brightness compared to traditional bulbs. Furthermore, many are now fitted with dimmer switches or even colour choices, including warmer and cooler tones to customise your home environment to fit you.
Generally, LED downlights costs just $40 per bulb, depending on the light you choose, and come with a major cost-saving. You know already that they will make a huge difference to your energy bill, but they will also last for as long as eight years compared to a traditional or halogen bulb.
If no extra wiring is required, you will notice that LED downlights are also a much simpler installation job that can often be done in just one day.
What are some things to consider when installing downlights?
You should always factor in the space you have available. Lighting is an integral element in any interior design scheme so you want to evaluate the space that you’re planning downlights for carefully to assess where they can best be installed to ensure optimum effect.
It’s also wise to consider speaking to a lighting specialist, such as Olympic Electrical. We can discuss the details of your project and the spaces you’re considering. When you call us to discuss your ideas for downlights, we’ll also be able to recommend certain styles and types of downlights.
Can I install downlights by myself?
We always recommend hiring a professionally qualified electrician for any electrical installation. Poorly installed lighting is one of the biggest causes of house fires every year in Australia, so it’s better to not take the risk.
Furthermore, installation can be dangerous for those not trained. Installing downlights involves drilling holes in ceilings, connecting light switches, and dealing with bare wires.
For more information or to enquire about installing your downlights today, get in touch with Olympic Electrical.
