Halogen vs. Energy Saver Downlights

Halogen vs. Energy Saver Downlights

It’s time to think about replacing those halogen downlights you have had in your home since, well… forever. While, yes, they were popular in the 90’s and early noughties as general room lighting, even though they were designed for ‘task’ lighting with their sharp, bright light and ability to highlight specific features in your home, they aren’t exactly saving you any money.

In 2015 you should be more conscious than ever of your energy consumption. Why? Not only due to a concern for all things environmental, but with energy prices rising all the time you need to think of your wallet too.

So let’s explore the real differences.

Halogen Downlights

Most commonly, people mistake the “low-voltage” in low-voltage halogen downlight for “low-energy”, thinking they are making the best choice, when they couldn’t be more wrong. David Howard, the president of the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors said that “[halogens] are so inefficient. They’re more like a heating source than a lighting source”.

Why? A halogen lamp uses a tungsten filament encased inside a much smaller quartz envelope than a normal light bulb. It is because of this closeness that a halogen light is extremely hot compared to a normal light bulb.

Halogen downlights actually operate at over 300 degrees Celsius and if not adequately ventilated or protected, can easily start a fire. In fact, inappropriately installed halogen downlights are one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia.

In terms of efficiency and energy use, there are three main factors to consider:

  1. Types of lighting – the cost of running a light is directly related to the input power (wattage) of the globe.
  2. Light fittings – using downlights means you’ll need to install more lights, therefore your overall energy consumption and running costs increase. Pendant, oyster or fluorescents use significantly less.
  3. Hours of use – of course, the longer you leave your lights on, the higher your running costs. Don’t forget to switch off lights in rooms that aren’t occupied (and the same goes for switching off appliances at the wall to save powering the standby lights).

Energy Saver Downlights

Energy saving lighting is about reducing the wattage used in a light fitting, while producing similar light output.

Low energy lighting alternatives such as CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) can last up to 30 years, however the initial expense can be greater to buy CFLs or LEDs than halogen lights. Fortunately though, the long-term benefits significantly outweigh the investment as they only use 10-20% of the electricity consumed by a standard globe.

If you already have halogen downlights installed in your home, they can be replaced. For example, if you can replace 12 volt 50 watt halogens with a 6 watt LEDs (saving you up to 90%) or you can swap a 240 volt downlight with an 11 watt CFL. However, if you are installing lamps of a different size or voltage, you may need an electrician to wire the new fittings! And yes, that might incur some costs, but you’re likely to recoup your costs reasonably swiftly by lowering your energy bills.

By replacing your halogen downlights with energy saving globes, particularly in high use areas, you’ll make sure you’re using the lowest wattage light you need. You can save huge amounts on your energy bills, while helping out the environment too.

Of course, if you’re ready to make the switch to energy saving downlights or if we can help by installing any lighting for you, we’d be delighted to help. You can call us on 1300 045 103 or request a quote.

Finding the Best Lighting Designer for your project

Finding the Best Lighting Designer for your project

Have you ever taken a tally of how many people it takes to build your dream home? There are a lot to engage with, right? Builders, plumbers, tilers, electricians, landscape architects, window and glass fitters… the list is endless.

If you’re building your dream home, you wouldn’t have anything less than the best of these, would you? Which in turn means you wouldn’t want anything less than the best in lighting design. That’s why we have put together this guide on how to find the best lighting designer for your project.

What do Lighting Designers do?

Lighting Designers conceptualise and plan lighting designs for a wide range of industries. In terms of residential design, they are able to take a client’s vision for their home and bring it to life. Through the use of both natural and artificial light, a lighting designer can create ambience, project a mood throughout a room and create an aesthetically pleasing space.

Using a lighting designer will reap dividends in the future. Lighting is a continuously changing landscape that can be very difficult to understand if you are not well informed. A lighting designer is beneficial to any project as they are equipped with a complete understanding of industry standards, energy-efficient product choices and the local energy and lighting requirements of building regulations.

Knowledge is power – What should you look for in a Lighting Designer?

Qualifications really only need to remain a starting point. One of the fundamental things to look for in a lighting designer is that they are specialised in an area that fits with your needs. Seems obvious, right? You might think that all designers are equally knowledgable, however, a Lighting Designer working in the residential design field will have an understanding of the specifics involved in your State’s residential building standards and regulations, that another designer might not be aware of.

Where does a Lighting Designer fit in the construction process?

The best time to hire a Lighting Designer? Yesterday. Failing that, now – click here to drop us a note. Understandably, there’s a lot going on at the beginning of the construction process, however, the later in the process you leave it to bring in a Lighting Designer, the less options that are available. This means the result you’re trying to achieve will either be more expensive or unattainable.

The building process often requires a collaborative approach between the architect, interior designer and lighting designer. Therefore, the sooner communication begins, the more smooth the process for all involved. While it is possible to source a designer directly, your lighting or electrical suppliers often have an in-house team that can help you with all of your lighting design needs.

Vision is vital – How do I brief my Lighting Designer?

  1. Overall vision – Often the Lighting Designer will start with a floor plan complete with furniture layout. This allows them to gather as much detail as possible about the architecture and design elements of the home. While this can be communicated via architects and interior designers, however it ultimately comes down to you, the homeowner, to express your ideas about the design aesthetics and feel of the home.
  2. Practical needs – Ensure your Lighting Designer understands your specific practical needs. For example, young families might make use of low-level lighting for night lights, those working from home might require extra lighting in a study and older clients might need extra lighting in their every day life.

Having the right Lighting Designer for your project is key in communicating your ideas and bringing your vision to life.

Of course, if you would like any advice on Lighting Design or Electrical and Trade services, we’d be delighted to help. You can give us a call on 1300 045 103  or request a quote.