The Smart Way To Install LED Downlights

There’s no denying it—energy-efficient LED downlights have become incredibly popular throughout Australia recently.

These LED lights use less energy and shine brighter than old-school incandescent or halogen downlights. Plus, they last longer, which means less hassle and fewer bucks spent on replacements.

And the best part? Since they are dimmable, you can tweak the brightness level per your requirements.

However, like most other lighting options, LED downlights must be placed in suitable spots to adequately light up the room and highlight its best features. This article provides valuable insights on LED downlight installation for achieving the desired lighting effects.

Without any distractions, let’s delve directly into downlight installation.

How To Install LED Downlights in The Smart Way

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of your LED lighting with smart downlights:

1. Know How Much Light The Room Needs

First thing’s first: figure out how much light your room needs before you install those LED downlights. Just multiply the room’s width and length for the total area, then times that by 1.5.

The number you will get is the total wattage you will need to light up the room adequately. For instance, if the room is 22 feet long and 17 feet wide, the entire area is 374 square feet. If you multiply 374 by 1.5, you get 56, the total wattage of LED lights you need to light up the room sufficiently.

2. Figure Out The Right Number Of Fixtures

Now that you know the total wattage of lights required for the room, it’s time to determine the number of lights you need. You must divide it by the wattage of the LED lights you plan to use.

If the room requires lights totalling 561 wattages, and you plan to use 60-watt LEDs, you will need 9 or 10 bulbs to light the room efficiently.

Note that if you install the lights in a new house, you will have to call an electrician and let them do some pre-wiring. If your home already has lights, you might consider replacing halogen downlights with modern LED alternatives.

It would be best to ask electricians to install a power plug for each light, guaranteeing safety, or you could hardwire them.

3. Place The Lights Evenly

Next on the agenda is placing your lights evenly—this ensures they have the most impact. We’d suggest keeping at least 2 feet between each of your smart downlights for best results.

However, note that this is a general rule, and you might need to make minor adjustments depending on the area. Just focus on creating balanced lighting, and don’t sweat if you have to add or remove a downlight.

One way to manage the downlight installation cost is to have your builder or painter insert and secure the lights once the ceiling is complete. This approach can significantly save the average homeowner’s electrician labour costs.

4. Consider Using A Dimming Kit

A dimming kit is essential during installation. It enhances energy efficiency by controlling the output, thus extending the lights’ lifespan.

5. Use Gimbal Downlights To Produce A Focal Point

You can create a focal point in your room by lighting up artwork with gimbal downlights. These versatile downlights, a superior alternative to traditional halogen lights, can swivel and rotate, enabling you to direct illumination as needed.

6. Mix Up The Lighting In Bathrooms

You may find it a bit tricky to get the lighting in the bathrooms to work efficiently, so we strongly recommend using a variety of lights for the desired results. Gimbal downlights usually work well when illuminating the vanity, and you can install two near the mirror.

Note that lights get exposed to moisture in bathrooms, and it would be best to choose damp-rated LEDs.

7. For Outdoors, Use Damp-Rated Lights

LED downlights in verandas or eaves should also be damp-rated. This is because they will be exposed to weather elements such as rain and snow, and a damp rating will prevent water from damaging them.

Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Downlights

Before installation, ensure you have the right LED bulbs; otherwise, all your efforts may be in vain. This section lists a few important factors you must consider while buying downlights to get the best results.

1. Gimbal Or Fixed Downlights

First, decide if you need gimbals, fixed downlights, or both. While fixed downlights stay fixed in one place and point the light in one direction, gimbal lights let you adjust the illumination in the desired direction.

We suggest you buy gimbal lights only when necessary; otherwise, use fixed downlights, which are more budget-friendly.

2. Warranty

Make sure your lights come with a warranty—it’ll save you from unexpected repair or replacement costs later. If you can, pick a brand that offers the longest warranty on the market. It’s also a good idea to have an electrician install a power point for each light for extra safety, or you could choose to hardwire them.

3. Colour Temperatures

Colour temperature dictates the ambience of your house. While warm white is soothing and offers a cosy vibe, cool white has a slight bluish tinge and helps improve focus levels by reducing melatonin production.

Guidelines for LED Downlight Installation

There you have it; that was pretty much everything you needed to know about installing LED downlights. Hopefully, after this, you can light up your room efficiently and give it a new lease on life.

However, for best results, we recommend calling professional electricians and letting them install the lighting in your room, as they possess the required expertise to do the job. They also have all the essential tools in their arsenal, so you can rest assured that they will finish the job much sooner than you would have.

If you’re in Sydney and could use a hand with installation costs, the folks at Bright Force Electrical are here to help. We’ve spent years installing and swapping out downlights in both homes and businesses. We can assist in finding the perfect lighting solutions for your space or new installations. So, reach out to us today!

With that said, it’s time to sign off. Until next time, take care!