Why should I upgrade my Halogen Downlights to LED?

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Halogen downlights were an incredibly popular light fitting throughout the 2000s but there are now a number of safety concerns relating to this type of light fitting.

Modern LED downlights are now far superior in terms of safety, energy efficiency, longevity and reliability.

Common Problems

1. Heat stress

Halogen downlights can reach internal temperatures of up to 370 degrees! This heats up the light fitting as well as the surrounding space. If the halogen light bulbs are incorrectly installed too close to insulation or timber in the ceiling, they pose a serious fire risk. In 2006, 36 house fires were caused by halogen downlights. A good indicator of heat stress is the discolouration of the fitting or flaking paint, and it is common for electricians to find charred timbers in the roof space when upgrading the lighting!

Burnt halogen transformer
Burnt halogen transformer caused by heat stress in the roof space

2. Old technology

The transformers in halogen downlights are unreliable and can cause light bulbs to turn on and off randomly. They also operate at a high temperature, wasting a lot of energy in generating heat rather than light.

3. Poor light output

Halogen downlights lose their brightness far more quickly than LED downlights, with a 1-2 year old halogen light bulb being only half as bright as when it was first installed!

Bright downlight
Halogen downlights lose their brightness very quickly!

4. Shorter lifespan

Halogen downlights are rated to last up to 8,000 hours. While this might sound like a lot, it isn’t very much when you compare it to the average LED light bulbs which are rated to last over 40,000 hours!

5. Highly inefficient

Halogen downlights use up to 10 times more electricity than LED light bulbs. When you add up the number of downlights in your house, they can easily become very expensive to run.

Halogen downlight in roof
Halogen lights are 10 x less efficient than LED downlights

6. Possible halogen ban

Europe has recently banned halogen downlight replacements, so if Australia follows suit it will be much harder to buy replacement halogen light bulbs.

Why Upgrade?

  • Modern LED downlights are safer, more energy efficient, more reliable and longer-lasting
  • Upgrading to LED downlights could save you $18 per year in running costs for each light fitting
  • Halogen downlights are being phased out, so it will get harder to buy replacement globes
  • LEDs have a brighter, longer-lasting light output and now come in various colour options to suit your space
  • Less heat output from LED downlights makes it easier to cool your house down in summer
  • Most LED downlights are fully sealed, so there’s no heat loss in winter through gaps in the ceiling
SAL Ecogem LED downlights
SAL Ecogem LED downlights are high quality and come with an Australian warranty

Ditch the Heat, Switch to LED.

Kenner Electrics can upgrade your lighting to the latest in energy efficient LED technology. Offering better light output and longer life at a fraction of the running costs compared to traditional fluorescent and incandescent lighting, why would you wait? Kenner Electrics only installs quality LED downlights that comply with Australian electrical safety standards and come with an Australian warranty.

If you’re interested in energy efficient solutions for your lighting or other areas of your home, give Kenner Electrics a call on (03) 99960663.

Why Choose Kenner Electrics?

Kenner Electrics is your trusted local electrician. We have a friendly and professional team of highly qualified, experienced and licensed electricians ready to handle all your commercial and residential electrical needs.

We provide up-front pricing with a clear explanation of the work required to avoid cost overruns. We provide prompt and efficient service and prioritise safety on each and every job. We are fully insured, licensed and accredited, we're a member of the National Electrical & Communications Association, and we are a registered electrical contractor with Energy Safe Victoria. We always provide compliance certificates for all completed electrical installation work.

We're one of the top rated electricians in Melbourne with over 300 genuine 5-star reviews from residential and business customers just like you.

Call our friendly team on (03) 9996 0663 or contact us online now.

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