How to tell if you already have LED downlights

We have written before about how to check if you already have downlights in your property, as it’s a very common question from our customers inquiring about our free LED downlight upgrade. We do occasionally have customers enquire about upgrading to LED downlights and they already have LEDs in place. If you already have LED lights in place we cannot upgrade your globes.

The reason we’re unable to upgrade globes that are already to LED is because of regulations under the Victoria Energy Upgrades program. This program exists to reduce the energy consumption of Victoria and decrease carbon emissions by implementing energy efficiency upgrades. The retrofit lighting program that upgrades outdated lights like incandescents, spotlights and downlights to LED is part of this program. If you already have LED lights or LED downlights in place the globes cannot be upgraded to a more efficient globe and therefore there would be no energy savings and your property would not decrease its carbon emissions. But the good news is, you already have the most efficient globes in your property so you don’t NEED to upgrade!

Another popular question we’re asked is ‘how do I know if I already have LEDs’. We thought we would help answer the question for you here.

What’s the easiest way to tell if I have LED downlights?

1. The easiest way to tell if you have LEDs is to get in touch with us. You can also take a picture (on your phone) and send it to us and we can tell you! Give us a call 1300 788 776
2. Does your light glow a slightly yellow, or orange colour when it’s switched off? If so, then they’re very likely to be LED downlights.
3. Halogen downlights typically have one lighting element in the centre of the globe. LEDs typically have many lighting elements in a circle around the globe (an image below for your reference for an MR16 and GU10 halogen downlight)

Below is another image example of the difference between a halogen MR16 compared to an LED MR16. If your lights currently look like those on the left, then you should be eligible for an LED upgrade from $33*. If they look like the ones on the right, then congratulations – you already have the most energy-efficient lights in place!

At Energy Makeovers we also upgrade homes that have spotlights, candle-style bulbs and incandescent globes – both bayonet and screw for all – so if you have lights in your home or business that you think might be eligible to upgrade to LED, then we can help. Even if you’re not sure if they’re already LED, we’d be happy to speak to you and help you check. It’s worth it – just think of the money you could save and don’t forget – it’s FREE!

There’s a lot of information out there about LED upgrades around Victoria, but we have answered some of the questions for you to try and help with the most commonly asked questions we hear.

How bright are LEDs?
Which lamps are brighter: fluorescent or LED?
Do LEDs really save money?
Why are LEDs so expensive to buy?
What don’t LEDs get warm?
What are the advantages of LEDs over other lights?

Or you might have questions specific to the regulations of the subsidy program. Such as:

Should I install warm white or cool white LEDs?
Can I upgrade my lights myself and still get them free?
Can we upgrade light fittings with no globes in them?
Can we upgrade lights in lamp fittings?
Is it necessary for the electrician to take photos of my light fittings?