Options for replacing standard Halogen Down Lights with more energy efficient lights
Disclaimer: Darebin Council has developed this as a general guide to options and considerations. Pricing, electricity usage, globe and fitting life time and installation will vary and are changing rapidly, so
these estimates can only be used as a general guide and Darebin Council cannot ensure the accuracy of this information. Standard options have been shown and there is no intention to promote one
brand over another. There are many options available and we recommend you check issues and options relating to your needs with your lighting supplier and/or electrician before proceeding. Please
consider all installation and safety precautions when installing light fittings and globes. Costing assumptions are provided at the bottom of this handout and will vary depending on your situation.
Comparison question
Standard Halogen Down Light
Standard 50Watt Halogen Down
Light
Energy efficient IRC
Halogen (Infra Red Coat)
LED direct replacement
50 Watts
~ $3 / $60
35 Watts
~ $10 / $200
10 Watts
~$55 / $1100
$275
2000 / 2 Years
$1375
$190
5000 / 4.5 years
$1175
More Energy Efficient Options
LED complete retrofit
Compact Fluorescent Down
Light
Pendant Light
$55
25,000 / -22.5 years
$275
16 Watts
~$100 / $2,000 + Electrician
cost ~ $600
$90
50,000 / 45 yrs
$440
11 Watts
~$40 / $800 + Electrician cost
~ $600
$60
15,000 / 13.5 years
$300
15 Watts
~$100 ($500 for 5) +
Electrician cost ~ $600
$20
6,000 / 5.5 years
$105
460 Kg
1200Kg
1000Kg
1180Kg
1390Kg
54% / 2 years
20% / 5 years
7% / 14 years
15% / 6.5 years
23%/4.3 years
Cannot fully insulate the
ceiling as clearance is
needed for fire safety.
More heat loss in winter
and heat gain in summer.
Can insulate closer to light than
standard halogen, so better
insulation can be achieved. Do not
insulate on top as still needs to
shed heat.
Can insulate closer to light
than standard halogen, so
better insulation can be
achieved. Do not insulate on
top as still needs to shed heat.
Can insulate closer to light
than standard halogen, so
better insulation can be
achieved. Do not insulate on
top as still needs to shed
heat.
Yes. Old transformer and
fitting needs to be removed
and new fitting hard wired.
Ceiling can be fully
insulated. Old down light can
be removed/re plastered or
simply disconnected and
insulation laid on top.
What do they look like?
Watts for each light
Purchase cost (each / 20)
Yearly electricity cost *
Lasts how long? (Hrs / Yrs)
Total cost over 5 years*
GhG reduction over 5 years
vs. 50Watt Halogen – kgs*
% Return on investment /
Payback years*
Do they affect ceiling
insulation?
(Please follow light
installation guidelines to
ensure fire safety)
Cannot fully insulate the ceiling as
clearance is needed for fire safety.
More heat loss in winter and heat
gain in summer.
Do you need an electrician?
(guide only – check with
light supplier before install)
Light Quality
Dimmable?
Other comments
Where can you buy them?
Yes. Old transformer and
fitting needs to be replaced,
unless 3 pin plug is used.
No
No
High quality light with good
colouring
High quality light with good
colouring
Similar light to 50W halogen if
using 2700K - 3000K
Similar light to 50W halogen if
using 2700K – 3000K
Yes
Yes
These lights can represent more
than half of an efficient household’s energy use. Priority should
be given to replacing these.
A simple, low cost option
but lowest greenhouse gas
savings.
Yes – with most dimmers. Check
specifications.
Simple retrofit. Varying quality
available. Philips lamp as pictured
has a small inbuilt fan which may
create noise issue in very quiet
spaces.
Limited range at lighting outlets
and wholesalers, some
environment shops and online.
Yes – with most dimmers.
Check specifications.
Longest life option. Good
quality light. Higher up front
cost.
Limited range at lighting
outlets and wholesalers,
some environment shops
and online.
Limited range at lighting
outlets and wholesalers, some
environment shops and online.
Softer light than LED and
halogen which some people
prefer. Takes a short time to
reach full brightness.
Yes – with most dimmers.
Check specifications.
Nice soft light but takes a
while to reach full brightness.
Limited range at lighting
outlets and wholesalers,
some environment shops and
online.
Yes. Light needs to be hard
wired in and old down lights
need disconnection if
insulating.
Good lighting option for
general room lighting. Gives
good distribution and no
glare depending on fitting.
Yes – with most dimmers.
Check specifications.
Great option if it suits your
needs and style. Biggest
energy reduction and good
payback.
Any lighting store.
* Assumptions
1 - Calculations based on 20 down lights and 1 for 1 replacement for down lights, or 1 pendant light for every 4 down lights (5 pendant lights). 3 hours per night on average. Electricity cost 25 cents/kWh.
2 - Total cost over 5 years does not include initial purchase and installation cost, but does include energy costs and replacements needed in that time for 20 down lights and 5 pendant lights.
3 – Life spans are based on standard manufacturer claims.
4 - Return on investment and Payback are based on estimated capital cost and installation cost and the expected annual savings compared to standard 50Watt Halogen for quantity of 20 down lights and 5 pendant lights.