LED downlights in Alice Springs
Sawtell Contracting NT replaces old halogen downlights with LED and fits new downlights in Alice Springs homes and businesses. NT electrical contractor licence C 4385, free on-site quotes in town, call 0438 478 116.
- NT electrical contractor licence C 4385
- Master Electricians Australia, Silver Member
- Level 1 Thermography Certified
Replacing halogen downlights with LED
Short answer: yes, it is worth it, and in Alice Springs more than most places. A 60 W halogen replaced with a 9 W LED uses about 85% less energy for the same light output. Halogens also run hot, and that heat sits in a roof space that is already the hottest part of the house through summer.
Most halogen downlights run from a transformer in the ceiling. A proper replacement changes the whole fitting to an LED downlight made for the job, rather than dropping an LED globe into an old halogen fitting and leaving the old transformer in the circuit.
Before and after: fans and downlights fitted
A home job. The ceiling had a ducted air vent and nothing else. We fitted ceiling fans and recessed downlights.
Before
AfterLicensed Alice Springs electrical contractor, NT electrical contractor licence C 4385.
Want your rooms looking like this?
Ceiling fans and downlights, fitted and tested. Call us, or text a photo of your ceiling. The on-site quote in town is free.
What to know before you choose
Insulation and IC ratings
Old halogen downlights need clear space around them, so insulation gets cut back and the ceiling ends up with a hole in it at every light. Downlights rated to be covered by insulation (IC rated) let the batts go back over the top. In an Alice Springs roof space, closing those gaps matters.
Dimmers
Not every LED downlight dims, and not every old dimmer works with LED. The two have to match, or you get flicker, buzz or lights that never fully turn off. We match the dimmer to the downlight when we fit them.
Warm or cool light
LED downlights come in warm white through to cool daylight. Warm suits living areas and bedrooms, cooler suits kitchens, laundries and work areas. Some fittings let you switch between them.
Your switchboard
Lighting circuits in older homes can sit on ceramic fuses with no safety switch. If we find that while we are in the ceiling, we tell you. See switchboard upgrades.
What we do
- Halogen to LED downlight replacements
- New downlights for renovations and extensions
- Dimmers matched to the downlights
- Switching, two-way switching and sensors
- Commercial lighting and LED conversions
- Outdoor and security lighting
Voltex is our go-to brand, and we install most of their range, downlights included. See the downlights in our Voltex product range, or all the lights, fans, switchboards and cameras we supply and install. Want the lights on a phone or a schedule? That is smart home lighting, with the SAL PIXIE Plus smart lighting range to choose from. Want a fan in the same room? See ceiling fans. For the rest of the house, our residential electrician page.
Questions Alice Springs customers ask
Is it worth replacing halogen downlights with LED?
Yes. A 60 W halogen replaced with a 9 W LED uses about 85% less energy for the same light output. LEDs also run much cooler and last far longer, so you replace them less often.
Can I just put LED globes in my old halogen fittings?
Sometimes they will light up, but the old transformer and fitting stay in the ceiling and the insulation still has to stay clear of them. Replacing the whole fitting with an LED downlight is the proper job.
Can insulation go over LED downlights?
Only over downlights rated for it (IC rated). We fit rated downlights so the batts can go back over them and close the gaps the old halogens needed.
Will my dimmer work with LED downlights?
Not always. An old dimmer made for halogen can make LEDs flicker or buzz. We match the dimmer to the downlight when we fit them.
Do I need an electrician to replace downlights?
Yes. Replacing a downlight fitting is electrical work, and in the NT it must be done by a licensed electrician. Changing a globe is fine to do yourself.
How much does it cost to replace downlights?
It depends on how many, the fittings you choose, and what we find in the ceiling. We quote on site for free in town, and we agree any change with you before we carry on.
General information only. These answers are a starting point, not a substitute for a licensed electrician. If you're ever unsure, smell burning, see sparks, or a switch won't reset, stop and call us.