LED downlight upgrade guide: costs, how many you need and choosing colour

Quick answer: Swapping halogen downlights for LEDs cuts lighting power use dramatically (a typical 50 W halogen is replaced by roughly an 8–10 W LED) and removes a fire risk near insulation. Most living areas suit warm white (2700–3000K), spaced roughly 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart, with IC-4 rated fittings so insulation can safely sit over them. The cost depends on how many lights you have, whether the old transformers and holes can be reused, and whether you want dimmers.

By Jordan Grant, licensed electrician (ACT & NSW)

Why upgrade from halogen?

• Lower power bills. LEDs use a fraction of the energy for the same light.

• Much less heat. Halogens run very hot. That heat is a fire risk near ceiling insulation and dust, and it often stops insulation from going near them, leaving cold gaps in your ceiling.

• Longer life. Good-quality LEDs last for years, so you're not up a ladder replacing globes.

• Better light. Modern LEDs come in a choice of colour temperatures and dim smoothly with the right dimmer.

Choosing the colour: warm, neutral or cool

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):

• Warm white: 2700–3000K. Best for living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas, where you want a cosy, relaxed feel.

• Neutral / natural white: around 4000K. Best for kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and home offices. Clear without being harsh.

• Cool white / daylight: 5000K and above. Best for garages and workshops, as it can feel clinical in living spaces.

Can't decide? Tri-colour (CCT-selectable) downlights have a small switch so you can pick warm, neutral or cool at install time. That's handy if you want the kitchen neutral and the lounge warm with the same fitting.

Also look for a high CRI (90+), meaning colours look true under the light, which matters in kitchens and bathrooms.

How many downlights do I need?

There's no single rule, but as a starting point for standard 2.4–2.7 m ceilings:

• Space downlights roughly 1.2 to 1.5 metres apart, and about 0.6 to 0.75 m from walls.

• A typical bedroom often needs 4 to 6. A living room might need 6 to 10, depending on size and shape.

• Kitchens benefit from lights over the benchtops, not just the middle of the room, so you're not working in your own shadow.

• Higher ceilings or darker colour schemes may need more, or brighter fittings.

We'll lay them out with you on site so the light falls where you actually use the room.

Insulation and safety: what IC-4 means

Downlights are rated for how close insulation can be:

• IC-4 rated fittings can be covered by insulation. This is what we recommend in most Canberra homes, so your ceiling insulation can be continuous.

• Older or non-rated fittings need clearance around them, which leaves gaps in your insulation and lets heat escape in winter.

If your ceiling has insulation pulled back around old halogens, an LED upgrade is a good time to fix it.

Dimmers

Not every LED works with every dimmer. Old halogen-era dimmers often cause flickering, buzzing or lights that won't dim fully. When upgrading to dimmable LEDs, the dimmer usually needs to be replaced with a compatible LED dimmer (typically a trailing-edge type). We'll match the fittings and dimmers so they work together.

What affects the cost

• Number of lights

• Whether existing holes can be reused. Most LED fittings suit a standard 90 mm cut-out; different sizes mean patching or recutting.

• Removing old transformers above the ceiling

• Dimmers, tri-colour or smart fittings

• Ceiling access. Two-storey homes or tight roof spaces take longer.

• New lights where there weren't any before, which need new cabling

We give you a fixed price after a free quote inspection, so you know the cost before we start. Every job comes with our 12-month workmanship warranty.

Beyond downlights

While we're up there, many customers add:

• Pendant lights over the kitchen island or dining table

• LED strip lighting under cabinets or in shelving

• Outdoor and courtyard lighting

"The courtyard lights look fantastic… everything was completed with great attention to detail." — Cameron H., Google review ★★★★★

Get a fixed-price LED quote

LED downlights, pendants, strip lighting and outdoor lights installed across Canberra and Queanbeyan.

LED lighting upgrades · Call 0433 976 398