Halogen vs LED Downlights: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Halogen vs LED Downlights: Which Is Better for Your Home?

If you’re planning to upgrade your lighting, one of the most common questions is: what’s the difference between halogen downlights and LED downlights?

At Bowerman Electrical & Air, we install and upgrade lighting across Northern NSW, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast — and we can confidently say LEDs are the future. Here’s why.

 

💡 Halogen vs LED Downlights: Energy Efficiency

  • Halogen: Use far more electricity, wasting up to 90% of energy as heat.

  • LED: Up to 80–85% more efficient than halogen, cutting down your power bills.

👉 If you want to reduce energy costs, LED downlights win hands down.

 

🔥 Safety: Do Halogen Downlights Get Hot?

Yes. Halogen lights run extremely hot and can even become a fire risk if installed too close to insulation.

  • Halogen: High heat output, higher risk.

  • LED: Run cool to the touch, making them safer for families.

👉 LEDs are the safer choice for modern Australian homes.

 

💰 Cost of Halogen vs LED Downlights in Australia

  • Halogen bulbs: Cheaper upfront, but last only 1,000–2,000 hours, meaning frequent replacements.

  • LED downlights: Slightly higher upfront cost, but last 25,000–50,000 hours.

That’s up to 20 times longer — meaning less maintenance and huge long-term savings.

👉 Over time, LED downlights are far cheaper.

 

💡 Light Quality: Which Looks Better?

  • Halogen: Warm, natural light, but limited flexibility.

  • LED: Available in warm white, cool white, or daylight. Many models are dimmable, giving you more control over brightness and ambience.

👉 With more options, LEDs give you better design flexibility.

🌏 Environmental Impact

  • Halogen: Higher power usage + shorter lifespan = bigger carbon footprint.

  • LED: Energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them eco-friendly.

👉 LED downlights are better for the environment.

⚡ Are LED Downlights Worth It?

Absolutely. While halogens once dominated Aussie homes, LED downlights have now replaced them as the smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choice.

At Bowerman Electrical & Air, we can:

  • Safely remove your old halogen downlights

  • Supply and install modern, efficient LED downlights

  • Help you choose the right colour temperature and style for your home

Upgrading not only reduces your power bill, it also increases safety and gives your space a fresh, modern look.

👉 Contact Bowerman Electrical & Air today to upgrade your lighting.
We don’t just wire homes and businesses — we power peace of mind.