How Much Does It Cost to Install Downlights in Australia?

Downlights can elevate any living space due to their sleek, subtle design and customizability. Whether you need bright lights for a study hour or intimate dimmed lights for a romantic dinner, you can easily adjust the lighting according to your needs. Feeling in the dark and don’t know where to start? Learn more about the cost of installing downlights in Australia or replacing halogen downlights with LED  ones in this guide.

Downlight installation costs range from $70 to $140 per hour. However, they could go higher or lower, depending on the number of downlights to be installed, the accessibility of the ceiling, and the status of the electrical system.

Expect different prices per city. For example, in Perth, downlight installation costs tend to be higher, starting at $90. On the other hand, the starting cost of downlight installation in Sydney is at the lower end, at around $70. 

Apart from hourly costs, electricians could charge a call-out fee of around $150 to cover the first 30 minutes of work. If you have existing downlights and only need to swap them, total costs would be cheaper, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. On the other hand, if your house needs electrical rewiring or fixing, this will cost around $30 to $55 per hour.

Number of lights to be installed

On average, it will take around two to three hours for an electrician to install a new downlight. Consequently, the more downlights that need to be installed, the higher the total costs, as the electrician will need more time to finish the task.

Complexity of the task

When installing new downlights, electricians will need to drill a hole in your ceiling, inspect the existing wiring, and then feed new wiring to a wall switch. The average hourly costs cover the whole process. However, if fixes need to be done to your electrical, expect higher costs.

Accessibility of the ceiling

The cost to install downlights in Australia can also go higher if the ceiling is less accessible since the tradesperson might need to bring specialised tools and equipment to reach the area.

Location (indoor or outdoor)

Installation costs can increase when installing downlights outdoors. Since the lights will be exposed to the elements and need to withstand bad weather conditions, you should get upgrades to ensure they last a long time.

Type of light bulb

Total installation costs will also depend on the type of light bulb to be installed. The cost to install LED downlights is higher than that of CFL or Incandescent lights. This is due to the higher cost per bulb of LED lights.

Light emitting diode (LED)

LED downlight installation costs around $50 to $100 per bulb. While installation costs are higher, LED lights have more than 10x the lifespan of incandescent and halogen lights and more than twice the lifespan of a CFL light. LED lights are the most efficient option, saving around 85% of your energy. They have dimmable and non-dimmable options and are covered by a 5-year warranty. However, they deteriorate faster in areas with higher temperatures.

Compact fluorescent (CFL)

Installing CFL lights ranges from $15 to $25 per bulb. It is the second most eco-friendly option, saving around 75% of energy. This is a good choice if you want something cheaper than LED but more efficient than incandescent and halogen lights. However, CFL lights contain mercury, which is harmful to you in the long run.

Incandescent

Incandescent lights are the most budget-friendly option ranging from $2 to $3 per bulb. They will last up to 1,500 hours or around two months of continued use. While they are the cheapest, they are also the least energy-efficient, leading to higher electricity bills and replacement costs.

Halogen

Similar to incandescent light, halogen lights are cheap, ranging from $3 to $5 per bulb, with a service life of up to 2,000 hours. However, the government has already banned the sale of halogen bulbs since 2021 to promote energy-efficient options in homes.

Downlight installation can be expensive, but there are ways to manage costs. You can buy your own downlights instead of purchasing them from an electrician. You can also inquire about discounts for multiple installations during slow seasons, like summer or spring. Lastly, some states like New South Wales and South Australia offer incentives for LED downlight installation or upgrades. It never hurts to check your local office for some discounts.

Now that you’re out of the dark and aware of factors affecting prices, it’s time to book a downlight installation service. Include this information in your listing to help you find the best match:

• Preferred schedule (date and time)
• Property location
• Number of downlights to be installed
• Location of installation
• Other services to be availed
• Budget

When fitting downlights for the first time, you’ll need the help of an electrician. While the cost to install downlights is cheaper if you do it independently, experimenting might lead to more harm than good since you’ll be dealing with electrical wiring. A licensed electrician will ensure your house follows government standards and remains safe from damage in the long run.