How Much Does LED Lighting Cost? [2023]

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How Much Does LED Lighting Cost? [2023]
Are you considering upgrading to LED lighting but feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar terminology and unsure about the costs involved? Don’t worry, this article is here to help! LED lights have come a long way in recent years, transforming from niche curiosities with high price tags to widely available options found even in supermarkets. With their energy efficiency and long lifespan, it’s no wonder they are becoming the go-to choice for lighting our homes. In addition to their standard forms, LED lights also come in “smart” versions that can be controlled remotely through a dedicated app, allowing you to change their color at your convenience. LED strip lighting is another popular option for installing task lighting, such as under kitchen or bathroom cabinets. It’s safe to say that traditional incandescent bulbs are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Why should you install LED lighting?
LED lighting offers numerous advantages, including:

Energy efficiency: LED lights are up to 85% cheaper to run than incandescent bulbs.
Heat emission: LED lights produce relatively little heat compared to other types of bulbs.
Longevity: LED lights have an impressive lifespan, often lasting over 35,000 hours.
Of course, LED lighting also has its drawbacks, with the most notable one being the initially high cost of purchase. However, as prices continue to decrease, it’s highly likely that LED lights will become the standard choice for lighting in our homes.

How do LED’s work?
LED, short for light-emitting diode, is a type of semiconductor that converts electrical current into a source of light. Due to their small size, LED’s are often grouped together to create a more powerful light source.

Choosing LED lights – it’s all about the lumens
When selecting LED lighting and bulbs, there are a few key factors to consider. One important metric to keep in mind is lumens, which measures the light output. Unlike traditional light bulbs that are rated in watts, LED technology allows for the same light output from a significantly lower wattage. So don’t expect to find a 100W LED bulb to replace your old incandescent bulb with the same wattage. Instead, look for bulbs with higher lumen values, as they indicate brighter illumination.

To provide some perspective, here are a few examples of common incandescent wattages and their approximate LED equivalents:

A 6W LED bulb produces around 450 lumens, roughly equivalent to a 40W incandescent bulb.
A 10W LED bulb emits around 1000 lumens, roughly equivalent to a 75W incandescent bulb.
A 25W LED bulb yields approximately 2500 lumens, roughly equivalent to a 150W incandescent bulb.
Many LED bulb packages include details about the equivalent incandescent wattage, making it easier for you to choose the right bulb.

Tip: When shopping for LED bulbs, pay attention to the lumen rating rather than the wattage.

Color temperature
LED bulbs offer different color temperature options, allowing you to achieve the desired ambiance in your space. If you prefer a warm and cozy feel, look for LED bulbs labeled as “warm white.” For a colder, bluer light, opt for bulbs labeled as “cool white.” There are also LED bulbs labeled as “natural” that fall somewhere in between on the color spectrum.

Beam angle
LED lights come with different beam angles, which indicate the coverage area of the light beam. The beam angle is expressed in degrees, with higher values indicating wider coverage. For instance, a bulb with a 60-degree beam angle will provide narrower coverage than one with a 120-degree beam angle.

Fitting types
It’s essential to consider the type of light fitting or connector you have when choosing LED lights. Some common types include:

E14 or E27: Traditional (Edison) screw type.
B22: Traditional bayonet fitting.
GU10: Mains voltage (240V) downlight with a two-pin fitting.
MR16: Low voltage (12V) downlight with two small pin fittings.
Each fitting has a unique method of either screwing or pushing into the light fitting, and they are not interchangeable.

LED lights and dimmer switches
Due to their unique circuitry, LED lights may encounter compatibility issues with dimmer switches. If your LED light flickers, it means it’s not compatible with your existing dimmer switch. In such cases, you have two options: either source LED bulbs that are compatible with your current dimmers or install a leading-edge dimmer to replace the existing one.

LED downlights and safety
While LED bulbs run cooler than halogens, they still generate heat. That’s why many LED bulbs come with built-in heat sinks. If you plan to install LED bulbs in enclosed spaces like ceiling cavities, it’s crucial to choose units that are specifically approved for this purpose. To ensure your safety, it’s best to have a licensed electrician install products that have been tested and approved for local conditions. They should also follow clearance distance guidelines and incorporate suitable fire-resistant barriers as required by relevant regulations.

Important: When installing LED’s in enclosed spaces like ceilings, make sure to use units approved for this purpose.

Replacing halogen downlights with LED’s
Many people choose to replace or retrofit their existing halogen downlights with LED downlights for the energy savings and increased lifespan. The first step is to determine whether your current downlights are 240V (GU10) or 12V (MR16) to know which type of LED bulb to purchase. Factors that may affect the cost of your retrofitting project include:

Deciding whether to replace just the bulb or the entire light fitting.
The number of fittings requiring replacement.
The accessibility of your ceiling cavity.
The condition of your wiring and electrical system.
Who can install LED lighting?
While changing a lightbulb is a task you can handle as a homeowner, any other electrical work, including retrofitting LED light fittings, installing new LED light fittings, or working on your electrical system, should be done by a licensed electrician. Licensed electricians have the necessary qualifications and training to handle such tasks. To ensure their credibility, always ask for their license number, which can be verified online within a few minutes.

Remember: You need a licensed electrician to carry out any work on your home’s electrical system, including installing LED lights.

How much does LED lighting cost?
Now, let’s talk about the cost. The price of LED lighting depends on what you plan to do: replace existing bulbs, replace old light fittings, or install new LED lighting. The good news is that installing or replacing LED lighting is becoming more affordable every day. If you’re simply retrofitting LED bulbs, prices are competitive and continue to decrease as LED lights become more widespread. Here are some price examples for various bulbs:

$7.43 for a 5.3W LED bulb (GU10, 240V).
$11.95 for a 5.5W LED bulb (MR16, 12V).
$12 to $18 for a 10W LED bulb (standard globe replacement).
$79.95 for a “smart” color-changing bulb (Phillips).
You can also find downlight kits that include the bulb, driver, fitting, lead, and plug. Prices for these kits vary, with some examples being:

$19.99 for a 12W downlight kit (single unit, low profile, and dimmable).
$28 for a 13W LED downlight kit (single unit, dimmable).
LED lights typically come with a 3 to 5-year warranty and can last up to 50,000 hours (over five years). According to electrician Robert Lawrence, running costs with LED lights are 75% cheaper, making retrofitting a sensible choice. As for installation costs, Robert charges around $60 per point for installing LED downlights. Prices for quality fittings range from $22 to $35 each. Another electrician, GLENCO Electrical Services based in Sydney, would charge around $75 for supplying and installing each LED light. This price includes a quality product with a good warranty and the labor of a qualified professional electrician. Prices may vary depending on specific installation needs, so it’s advisable to gather quotes from different lighting electricians to get an accurate idea of the current market rates.

Disclaimer: The costs and prices provided in this article are indicative and may vary locally due to market conditions. They should be used as a general guide.

With this information in hand, you can now confidently explore the world of LED lighting and make an informed decision based on your needs and budget. Enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination in your home!

All images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent specific products or services.