Cost To Replace Downlights With LED [2025 Price Guide]

Some electricians might charge up to $110 for each downlight, but most charge about $50–$70 to install one LED downlight. They usually also have a service fee of around $150, plus an hourly rate between $80 and $110 after that.

Thinking about getting downlights? They’re a great way to brighten a room or create a cozy feel using just lighting, and they work best with certain types of ceilings.

Only an electrician can install them because it involves cutting holes in the ceiling, running wires to a light switch, and connecting everything safely. You can buy the lights and change the bulbs yourself, but the actual installation must be done by a professional.

Halogen downlights were banned in September 2020 because they used too much energy, but many older homes still have them. These days, most people replace them with LED downlights because LEDs last longer and use less electricity.

Why Install LED Lighting?

Most homes in Australia now use LED lights. Many people are also swapping their old ceiling lights for new, energy-saving ones.

LED lights are popular because:

• They use a lot less power (up to 85% cheaper to run than old bulbs.)
• They don’t get as hot as halogen lights, so they’re safer to use in ceilings.
• They last a long time before needing to be replaced.

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LED Downlights vs Other Lights

Type of bulb	Cost per bulb	Lifespan	Cost per 50,000 hours of use
LED	$50 – $80	50,000	$50 – $80
CFL	$6	8,000	$37.5 (6+ replacements)
Fluorescent	$10 – $20	12,000	$40 – $80 (4 – 5 replacements)
Incandescent	$3	1,200	$125 (42 replacements)
Halogen	$5	2,000 hours or two years	$125 (25 replacement)

CFL bulbs might be a bit cheaper to use, but they don’t last as long and aren’t as efficient. LED bulbs are usually the best choice because they cost less to run and have lower downlights cost over time.

How Much Do Downlights Cost?

When putting in new downlights, you first need to check if your old ones are 240V (GU10) or 12V (MR16). This helps you know which kind of bulb to buy.

You can get downlight kits that include everything you need, the bulb, driver, fitting, lead, and plug. Changing a bulb or socket is fine, but touching the wiring is not safe and can only be done by a licensed electrician.

Here are some common prices to install LED lights:

• Around $18 for a 12W LED downlight kit (small and dimmable)
• Around $25 for a 13W LED downlight kit (also dimmable)

LED lights usually have a 5-year warranty and can last up to 50,000 hours.

How Do Electricians Calculate Installation Costs?

When electricians give you a price to install downlights, they usually base it on how many lights you want and how hard the job will be.

If you’re updating your old downlights, the installation costs can change depending on:

• Whether you’re just changing the bulb or replacing the whole light fitting
• How many lights need to be replaced
• How easy it is to reach your ceiling
• The condition of your wiring and electrical system

How much does it cost to install downlights?

Electricians usually charge a set service fee plus an hourly rate. The service fee often covers the first 30 minutes of work.

Typical costs are:

• $110–$150 for the first 30 minutes (service fee)
• $80–$110 per hour after that

Some electricians might charge up to $110 per downlight, but most charge around $50–$70 for each LED downlight installed.

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Type Of Bulb

You can choose different kinds of light bulbs based on what each room is used for. The type of bulb you pick can change the installation cost because some are harder to install than others. Usually, the cost of the lights and their parts is already included in the electrician’s total price.

The Number Of Downlights

Another thing that changes the total lighting cost is how many downlights you want to put in. If you’re not sure how many you need, it really depends on how big the room is and the kind of atmosphere you want.

For example, a 14-square-metre bedroom might use about 12 lights. If you’re unsure, ask your electrician, they can help you decide what will look and work best.

Where You Want Install Downlights

If the area is hard to reach, the electrician may charge more, especially if they need to adjust the wiring or use special materials.

You also need to think about whether the lights are going inside or outside. Outdoor downlights are installed differently and need to be checked more often because of weather damage. The good news is you’ll usually need fewer lights outside than inside.

Complexity Of The Job

Labour costs depend on how tricky the job is. For example, the thickness and type of ceiling can change how long it takes to finish and more time means higher labour costs. Different kinds of bulbs might also need different installation methods. If you’re adding lots of downlights, your electrician might bring an assistant to help.

Ways To Save On Downlight Installation

One of the best ways to save money when installing downlights is to choose energy-efficient ones. For example, LED downlights use much less power than old halogen lights but are just as bright. They might cost a bit more at first, but they’ll save you money on electricity and last much longer.

Hiring A Reliable And Affordable Electrician

Another way to save money when installing downlights is to hire an electrician who’s both reliable and affordable. Take time to research and compare prices, experience, and reviews. Choose someone who knows how to install different downlight types properly and offers good quality work for a fair price. By finding the right balance between cost and skill, you’ll get great results without spending too much.

What To Expect During The Installation Process

Before the installation day, make sure to move any furniture or things that might get in the way of where the downlights will go. The electrician will start by cutting holes in the ceiling and connecting the lights to the wiring. Then they’ll secure the lights in place and make sure they’re straight and look how you want them to. After finishing, they’ll clean up any mess and check that all the wiring is safe.

Post-Installation Tips And Maintenance

Once your downlights are installed, there are a few easy ways to keep them in good shape. Wipe the lights regularly to remove dust and dirt. Check the bulbs now and then to make sure they’re not damaged or getting dim. If you spot any problems or need help, contact your installer or a licensed electrician.

Downlight Running Costs

One big reason people switch from halogen downlights to LEDs is to save money on electricity. Here’s what you can expect to pay per bill:

• $35 for an incandescent light
• $25 for a halogen downlight
• $9 for a CFL downlight
• $4 for an LED downlight

If you replaced 10 old 60-watt halogen lights with 10 LEDs, you’d use about 75% less energy and save around $210 per bill.

Downlight Safety

It’s very important that only a licensed electrician installs your downlights, this helps prevent electrical fires.

In Australia, some house fires have been caused by downlights that weren’t installed properly. Even though an LED light won’t get as hot as halogen ones, they still produce some heat. That’s why they have built-in heat sinks. If you’re putting them in a closed space, like a ceiling, you need to use LED lights that are approved for that purpose.

Because of past fires, the government made safety rules stricter and gave these recommendations:

• Always use a licensed electrician to install downlights.
• Only buy downlights that meet Australian Standards.
• Make sure the area around the lights has non-flammable materials or a proper safety barrier.
• Replace old halogen downlights with safer LED ones.

That’s why electricians are the only professionals qualified to safely install downlights.

Hiring An Electrician

Doing electrical work without a license isn’t just against the law in Australia, it’s also dangerous and can put your home at risk. Every state has its own rules, but all electricians must have a valid license before they can work in your house.

When you’re hiring an electrician, make sure they’re the right fit for your job. You can ask questions like:

• Are you licensed?
• Do you have insurance to work in my home?
• Can you give me a written quote?
• Do you have references I can check?

It’s a good idea to get some quotes. That way, you can compare prices and choose someone trustworthy to install your downlights safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing downlights in your home is a smart way to make your space look better and work more efficiently. By learning what affects the cost and finding ways to save money, you can get great lighting without going over budget. Always hire a licensed electrician to make sure the job is safe and done right. With good planning and regular care, your downlights will brighten your home beautifully for many years.