Parents are building a new house soon and I said I'd lookout for a deal on downlights. I saw this deal which peaked my interest.. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/145978
What should I be looking out for with downlights?
Are there different kinds, ie LED vs …?
What are the standard wattages for brightness etc?
Which ones are best in terms of energy efficiency.
Which brands are best in terms of longest lasting (dont want to change them all the time).
Any other important considerations?
Cheers
What to look for in good LED Downlights?
Riczter on 27/05/2014 - 22:10
Comments
Don't be taken in by a cheaper prices. Not all downlights are same. When I replaced my downlights I looked at the following:
- Brightness - meassured in lumens - for me they needed to be bright enough to sufficiently replace the existing lighting
- Need for a driver - Some need an additional driver to provide flicker free lighting, that would cost additional money for the driver and an electrician to install.
- Installation - Most these days are DIY installs. Check what your existing fittings are.
- Rated life and warranty.
I installed Brightgreen LEDs D700. At the time I purchased they were going for aournd $75. I got a bulk purchase discount at $58 from australian lighting and fans in Oakleigh VIC. These are actually brighter then the downlights I replaced. They come with 40000 hours life and a replacement warrantee for 3 yeers and some sort of warrantee for 10 or 20 years (can't remember now). Brightgreen is Australian designed and had won some awards at that time. These did not need any drivers and fitted with my existing fittings.
http://brightgreen.com/au/led-lightsIf you are in VIC, investigate incentive from VIC Gov to replace existing lighting with LED.
Might be a good idea to look around the whirlpool forums?
Maybe in threads of old deals for these lights, you may find useful info too.
Maybe there is a youtube video out there, explains all about downlights.
Sorry that I don't actually have answers..
(give a guy a net, they said, not a fish?)