Downlight installation costs range in price depending on the wiring if it needs to be done and the size of the bulb.
Generally, the bigger and brighter the bulb, the more expensive it will be. Also, if the wire needs to be run from one place to another for power, that will also drive the price up. As in the example above, a 1000 lumen 35-watt downlight cost to install is between $150 and $200. Decide on what you are trying to accomplish with your lighting and do the math to decide how much that will cost you.
Service | Cost to install |
|---|---|
Replace existing led downlights | $30 to $50 |
Install fresh led downlights from scratch | $50 to $70 |
There are many different types and number of lighting choice options when it comes to buying new lights.
Halogen downlights produce lots of light while only using around 35-40 watts for each light. Also, halogen downlights don't draw a lot of power making them suitable for battery backup systems. The downside is that the bulbs burn out rather quickly and don't last much more than two years before needing to be replaced.
This type of bulb draws relatively little power compared to an incandescent bulb, typically between 5-10 watts per light, so it requires much less energy from your generator or inverter if you have one set up for your RV. However, there is a small delay in powering the light on. And the bulbs also don't last as long, only around a year or two before needing to be replaced.
Often known as LED lights, these are popular because they produce very little heat. They also consume less energy than other types of lighting and can last for up to ten years before needing changed. Unfortunately, it does take a few seconds to power on but many of them come with motion sensors that allow you to turn them on when somebody walks by without having to touch anything. Also, LEDs draw about 1 watt per light so they aren't always suitable for battery backup systems unless you add enough lights to make it worth while from a cost vs performance standpoint.
Phillips head screwdriver
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
Electrical tape
Tape measure
Extension cord
Start by connecting the wires from the power source to the downlight (you might need an electrician for this). You'll be able to figure out which colours go where by looking at the diagram on the side of the box. After making sure it's all wired up correctly, use a Phillips head screwdriver to secure all of the screws on the downlight. Finally, attach any grounding wire if your downlight came with one so you can be safe when turning it on.
Over your sink, on top of counters or around the cooking area. You'll want this for easy food prep and clean up at night. Also good during those times you forget to turn off the stove before calling it a night. Have sufficient access to the location during installation.
If you're staying in one place for more than just a night or two, consider adding a few lights in the bathroom so you know where things are and can see what's going on. Make sure you can access the installation location.
Up above your front storage cabinets is an easy way to light up the area without needing to put lights inside the drawers themselves. They're also great for lighting up a nearby table or counter for doing work at night. Ensure good access to the location.
Having some lights right next to your bed will help you find what you need in case of emergency and allows you to get dressed without waking up anybody else. Access to the location is highly crucial.
You may not have room under your kitchen counter but adding a few spots that allow you to see better when cooking, writing out a check or doing any other activity, is more than helpful. Access to the top of counters and access to the surroundings is very important. Drill the holes in the ceiling cavity of your home to install a downlight kit. The ceiling should have ample space and not have ceiling fans near the light when you install downlights at home.
The amount you'll be charged for the installation of your downlights will vary based on things like where you live, how many lights you want to be installed and whether or not you have a larger electrical project in mind. A small 8 light system shouldn't cost more than $300-$400 to install but that may rise upwards of $1000 depending on what other projects are going on as well as how much experience your electrician has with this particular task.
Here's how much electricians charge to install downlights and other lighting systems job at home.
Job | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Electrician call out fee | Up to $150 |
Cost to install lighting fixtures (single led lighting) | $50- $75 |
Hourly rate of an electrician | $80- $110 |
Service fee | $70- $130 |
Cost to install downlight kits | Between $100 to $190 or even more per kit |
50W halogen light bulbs: 1.5c per hour (at a rate of 30c per kWh)
4.8W downlights (LED): 0.144c per hour
Halogen lights or halogen bulbs: $2.52 per week (if run for 168 hours or 24 hours per day for a week)
LED bulb: $0.24 per week