Hungry Halogen Down Lights:
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Today a significant amount of our lighting comes from downlights – in particular halogen downlights. Halogens are 12v MR16 lighting that is installed in roofs. Halogens generally use 50 watts plus a transformer (to convert the electricity from mains 240v to the 12v) which also uses between 10 – 15 watts. Halogens are low voltage lighting, but this does not mean that they are efficient’ in fact they are the opposite.
In the past a 100 watt incandescent globe was used to provide light for a standard room, now we are using at least 4 halogen downlights which equates to 220 watts to light a room instead of 100 watts. Halogen downlights are the epitome of modern interior design but not only are they extremely in-efficient but they are a fire risk.
Imagine a toaster in your roof – that’s exactly what a halogen is. Halogens create heat and as a by-product create light. Halogens can get up to 370 degrees Celsius and pose a significant fire risk especially if there is insulation on top of them. Halogens are a common cause of household fires.
Lighting can contribute over 30% to your electricity bill, especially if your house if full of halogens. Simply replacing your halogens can reduce your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are plenty of easy to do solutions to replace halogens and save money, reduce your household emissions and reduce the risk of fire:
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Energy Efficient Halogens:
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There are energy efficient versions of halogens available. These alternatives fit straight into your current halogen fittings (12v MR16) so they are easy to install. The lower the wattage means the more efficient the halogen is and less heat it produces. Todae has a range of energy efficient halogens:
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- 20w 36 Degree Energy Efficient Halogen: Easy drop in replacement to 50w halogens and provide around 80% of the light output while only using 40% of the energy. With a narrower beam these are ideal for areas where direct light is needed i.e. bathroom sink. These are the most cost effective halogen replacements.
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- 20w 60 Degree Energy Efficient Halogen: Same as the above light using only 40% of the energy but providing 80% of the light output. Have a 60 degree beam angle so they are suitable for areas where more dispersed light is needed i.e. lounge room.
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- 35w 60 Degree Super Efficient Halogen: Provide 1:1 light as a 50w halogen while saving you 30% on your lighting bill. Simply remove your old halogens and replace with these energy saving downlights. These are ideal if a substantial amount of light is needed.
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To see our range of 12v energy efficient halogens click here...
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LED Down Lights:
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LED Lighting are lights which use light emitting diodes (LED's) which are extremely energy efficient and long lasting. LED lights create less heat than traditional lights, which means they last for longer (up to 50 times longer) and it means your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard. LED lights are a relatively new technology and can help you save up to 90% on your lighting cost. Todae has Australia’s leading range of LED Downlights:
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- 3w Luxeon LED Downlight: This drop in replacement for halogens uses only 6% of the energy of a 50w halogen while providing around 65% of the light output. It is ideal for areas where ambient lighting is needed i.e. hallways. The Luxeon is the most affordable LED Downlight replacement. Available in 240v GU10 also.
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- 5w Zeon LED Downlight: Simple to install and provides around 75-80% of the light from a 50w halogen while saving you 90% on your lighting bill. The Zeon is a great alternative for where more dispersed light is needed i.e. lounge room.
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- 6.5w Galaxy LED Downlight: The most powerful LED halogen replacement is suitable for all lighting applications. This top of the range LED is perfect for replacing halogens all round the house and lasts for an amazing 50, 000 hours.
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To see our range of 12v LED Down Lights click here...
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Transformers:
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All 12v Downlights need a transformer with traditional transformers using between 10 – 15 watts. There are energy efficient alternatives available:
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- Possum Transformer: This transformer only uses 4 watts as opposed to 10 – 15 watts from traditional transformers and is suitable for energy efficient halogens.
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- Redback Transformer: Ideal for LED lighting, this transformer only uses 2 watts and can handle up to 8 LED Downlights per transformer.
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To see our range of Transformers click here...
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Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Downlights:
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CFL Downlights are a great halogen alternative as they use significantly less energy and create less carbon emissions. CFL Downlights create the same warm white glow as halogens and can provide 1:1 light. CFL’s generally take about 1 minute to get to full brightness and have a wider beam angle than halogens. CFL Downlights generally run on 240v GU10 fittings which means you will have to replace your fittings:
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- 11w Low Energy CFL Downlight: By replacing your halogens with 240V you save energy as you do not have to use a transformer. The 11w CFL downlight gives 1:1 lighting but provides a wider beam angle. The light saves you around 80% on your lighting bill.
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- 11w Low Energy Dimmable CFL Downlight: The 11w CFL Dimmable downlight gives 1:1 lighting but provides a wider beam angle. The light is also dimmable via step dimming making it suitable for living areas where variable light is needed. The light saves you around 80% on your lighting bill.
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- 9w Low Energy CFL Downlight: The 9w Compact Fluorescent Down Light uses less than 18% of the energy of a halogen downlight while giving you around 85-90% of the light output. Lasting for 15,000 this light is suitable for most rooms around the house, where lower levels of light is needed e.g. hallways.
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- 240v GU10 Downlight Converter: This kit allows you to replace your 12v lighting with 240v lighting so you do not need to use a transformer.
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To see our range of Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Downlights click here...
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Downlight Covers:
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By giving halogens space to dissipate heat the risk of fire reduces significantly. Downlight covers can be easily installed and are relatively cheap. Try the Isolite Downlight covers
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Our energy efficient downlight replacements can be used in conjunction with each other to provide optimum light levels and energy/carbon reduction. For example, you could use LED Downlights in areas where lighting is used most frequently e.g. kitchen, CFL Downlights in hallways and Efficient Halogens in bedrooms.
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Where Can I Get More Information?
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If you would like more information please feel free to email us or call us on 1300 138 483 and ask us any questions! Our friendly staff will happily answer any question you may have. To contact us click here.
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