LED Downlight Installation Melbourne
Upgrade from energy-hungry halogen downlights to efficient LEDs. Save up to 80% on lighting energy costs and enjoy better, safer light.
Why Upgrade to LED Downlights?
If your home still has old halogen or CFL downlights, you\'re wasting money on electricity and dealing with inferior light quality. LED downlights use a fraction of the energy, last decades longer, run cool, and provide beautiful, consistent light.
At Power Amp Electrical, we specialise in LED downlight installations and upgrades across Melbourne. We supply and install quality LED downlights with proper dimming compatibility, correct IC ratings for insulated ceilings, and expert placement for even light coverage.
Whether you\'re renovating, building new, or simply sick of changing hot halogen bulbs, we\'ll design and install an LED lighting solution that saves you money and looks fantastic.
The Benefits of LED Downlights
Massive Energy Savings
LED downlights use up to 80% less energy than halogen. A typical home can save $200-$400 per year on electricity bills by switching to LEDs.
Less Heat, Safer Homes
Halogen downlights run extremely hot and are a fire hazard, especially in ceiling insulation. LEDs run cool, making them far safer.
Better Light Quality
Modern LEDs produce beautiful, consistent light with excellent colour rendering. Choose warm white, cool white, or tuneable options.
Long Lifespan
Quality LED downlights last 25,000-50,000 hours. That's 15-25 years of use. No more changing bulbs every year.
Halogen vs LED: The Numbers
See the dramatic difference LED downlights make to your energy bills and home safety.
| Aspect | Halogen | LED | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | 50W per fitting | 7-10W per fitting | 80% reduction |
| Lifespan | 1,000 - 2,000 hours | 25,000 - 50,000 hours | 25x longer |
| Heat Output | Extremely hot (fire risk) | Runs cool (safe) | Much safer |
| Running Cost (per year) | $80 - $100 | $12 - $15 | Save $65-$85/year |
Real example: A home with 30 halogen downlights uses approximately 1,500W when all lights are on. Upgrading to LED reduces this to just 210-300W — saving around $350 per year on electricity bills (based on 5 hours use per day).
What We Consider When Installing LED Downlights
Existing downlight type (halogen, CFL, or old LED)
Ceiling type and insulation (determines IC-rated requirements)
Desired colour temperature and dimmability
Whether you have enough circuits or need switchboard upgrades
Beam angle and spacing for even light coverage
IP ratings for wet areas (bathrooms, laundries)
LED Downlight Packages
Pricing per downlight. Discounts apply for whole-house upgrades.
LED Upgrade Package
$150 - $200 per fitting
Standard LED downlight replacement
- Remove old halogen or CFL fittings
- Install quality LED downlights (dimmable)
- Your choice of warm white, neutral white, or cool white
- IC-rated for insulated ceilings if required
- Clean up and disposal of old fittings
- Licensed electrician
- 12-month workmanship warranty
Premium LED Package
$200 - $280 per fitting
High-end LED downlights with smart features
- Premium-grade LED downlights
- Tuneable white (adjust from warm to cool white)
- Smart dimming compatible (Google/Alexa)
- Higher output for larger rooms or high ceilings
- Ultra-slim design for shallow ceilings
- Fire-rated for extra safety
- 5-year warranty on fittings
LED Downlight FAQs
How much does it cost to replace halogen downlights with LEDs?
LED downlight replacement typically costs $150-$200 per fitting for standard LEDs, or $200-$280 for premium smart-enabled LEDs. Most homes have 20-40 downlights, so a full-house LED upgrade costs $3,000-$8,000. However, you'll recover this cost through energy savings within 3-5 years, and you won't need to replace bulbs for 15+ years.
Can I just replace the bulb, or do I need a new fitting?
If you have old halogen fittings, we recommend replacing the entire fitting with a dedicated LED downlight rather than using an LED bulb in a halogen fitting. Dedicated LED downlights are safer, more efficient, have better heat dissipation, and provide superior light quality. They're also a permanent solution — no more changing bulbs.
What's the difference between warm white and cool white?
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Warm white (2700-3000K) has a cosy, yellowish glow similar to traditional incandescent bulbs — ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Neutral white (3500-4000K) is crisper and more modern — good for kitchens and bathrooms. Cool white (5000K+) is bright and clinical — usually avoided in homes but suitable for garages and workshops.
Will LED downlights work with my existing dimmer?
Maybe, but probably not well. Old dimmers designed for halogen lights often cause LED flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range. We usually recommend upgrading to an LED-compatible dimmer at the same time. Modern LED dimmers provide smooth, flicker-free dimming from 100% down to 1%, and they're surprisingly affordable.
What does IC-rated mean?
IC stands for Insulation Contact. IC-rated downlights are designed to be safely covered by ceiling insulation without overheating. If your ceiling has insulation (and it should for energy efficiency), you must use IC-rated downlights. This is a safety requirement under Australian electrical standards.
Do LED downlights need ventilation in the ceiling?
Quality LED downlights are designed to work safely in insulated ceilings without additional ventilation, provided they're IC-rated. However, they still need some ceiling cavity space (typically 100-120mm) for heat dissipation and electrical connections. If you have a shallow ceiling cavity or concrete ceiling, we can use ultra-slim LED downlights designed for minimal clearance.
How long do LED downlights last?
Quality LED downlights typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours. If you use them for an average of 5 hours per day, that's 15-25 years of use before they need replacing. Even then, they don't "burn out" like halogens — they just gradually dim over time.
Ready to Upgrade to LED Downlights?
Get a free, no-obligation quote and start saving on your energy bills.