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Whether you’re looking to illuminate your home, light up your office space, brighten up your retail store, or create the perfect ambience for your restaurant, LED lighting is the perfect choice for it all. Ideal for all kinds of residential, commercial, and industrial uses, these energy-efficient and low-maintenance lights have taken over the lighting market by storm.
When installing new LED lights or retrofitting them to replace other types of bulbs, it is important to take into account several factors that may affect their cost. While LED lights are generally compatible with existing wiring and take a simple change of a light bulb to install, you may need a professional electrician for more complex installations such as installing dimmer switches and making sure all the fixtures are compatible with the lights.
The general cost of LED lighting installation in the UK ranges between £80 and £300. The cost varies based on the type of LED light, the number of fittings, the complexity of the job, electrician pricing, and more.
Read on to find out all about LED installation costs in the UK, electrician pricing, along with an LED retrofit cost guide for replacing traditional lights with newer and more modern LED lights:
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a great lighting option for all kinds of uses and applications. Compared to traditional lights such as halogen and incandescent bulbs that heat a filament to produce light, LED lights use what is called solid-state lighting technology, or SSL, to emit light when current passes through a solid piece of matter which, in their case, is a semiconductor.
This fundamental difference between LED lights and other lighting options is what sets the former apart from the rest. LED lights are ruling the current lighting landscape, and justifiably so. They are incredibly reliable, long-lasting, and energy efficient. Since they use much less energy, it automatically translates into lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
LED lighting has developed considerably over the last few years with a range of designs to choose from. Some common LED types include strips, tubes, downlights, candles, GLS, golf balls, and reflectors. They come in different power ratings, colour temperatures, and with a variety of fittings including screws and bayonets.
Installing LED lights on your property is a great way to improve your energy efficiency and reduce your overall costs. However, to get a better idea of how much you will be able to save, and to avoid any unexpected expenses, it is important to understand the full cost of LED lighting installation. By doing so, you can plan accordingly and ensure that everything stays within budget.
The cost of LED installation in the UK can vary greatly depending on several factors. Understanding them can give you a better idea of what to expect and how to make an informed decision:
The biggest determinant of the cost of LED installation is the materials used, which includes the LED lights themselves. LED lights come in different variants, some of which are more expensive than others. The prices can vary based on several factors such as the type of light, quality, brand, features, performance, and additional components and accessories. The number of LED lights used in the installation process also has a direct impact on the total cost incurred.
The upfront material cost of a standard LED bulb commonly used for general lighting purposes ranges from £2.5 to £5. A candle bulb used for decorative purposes ranges from £3 to £6. An LED spotlight typically used for ambience lighting ranges from £3.5 to £8. A smart LED bulb that is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app falls between £15 and £50.
The nature and complexity of the installation are one of the main determining factors of LED lighting installation. A simple installation would naturally cost much less than a complex one. The number of lights to be installed also affects the cost as it would directly add to the material cost as well as labour hours required to get the job done.
A simple installation could mean a simple bulb swap and minimal wiring work, whereas a complex installation could include a full fixture upgrade with either new installations or retrofitting existing fittings for modern LED lighting. The accessibility of the wiring as well as its current condition also plays a huge role in how expensive the job will be.
LED lights come with several additional accessories and components that you can add to your installation. While these certainly enhance the lighting experience, they also add to the cost of the installation.
These accessories and components include dimmer switches, controllers, and smart integration. Dimmer switches are special LED components that help adjust the brightness of the LEDs. They are specifically used with dimmable LEDs and are made to be compatible with these lights. Make sure to use LED-specific dimmers to avoid issues such as flickering and dimming.
Controllers are like remote controls that have advanced functions such as colour adjustments and lighting presets. You can also set timing schedules for the lights to automatically turn them on and off at certain times. If you have smart LEDs, you can integrate them with smart home systems such as Google Home and Alexa and enjoy automation features for an even better experience. Smart LEDs can also be controlled remotely through apps used on your smartphones and laptops.
If you plan on hiring a professional electrician for the LED lighting installation, the electrician’s pricing will add to the overall cost of LED lighting installation. Some electricians have a fixed rate for different types of jobs while others charge an hourly rate. These rates vary depending on the electrician’s qualifications, experience, and the complexity of the job.
Standard electrician hourly rates in the UK are around £45 per hour. In areas such as London and the Southeast, the cost may be a bit higher up to £70 per hour due to the higher cost of living.
When considering an LED lighting upgrade for your home or office, one of the main questions that arise is whether to install new lighting fixtures or take advantage of LED retrofits. The answer is not that simple, and factors such as budget, performance, requirements, and aesthetics all play a major role.
Retrofitting means using your current lighting fixtures, usually for halogen and incandescent bulbs, to accommodate LED lights. Reusing your current fittings has several advantages and can be a good option for upgrading your lighting.
Compared to a new installation, LED retrofitting can be more affordable both in terms of material as well as installation costs. The type of bulb being replaced and the complexity of the job will have an impact on the total cost. Some retrofitting jobs are incredibly simple and DIY-friendly and require only a bulb change. Others may involve minor rewiring work or installing new components. In that case, you may need professional help and will have to factor in the electrician’s pricing into the total cost of LED retrofitting.
Situations where retrofitting LEDs may not be the best option are when your current light fittings are either damaged, obsolete, or incompatible with LED lights. Retrofitting may also not be possible if you intend to use smart functionality with your LEDs.
It is always best to check all the features and functionality you require from the LEDs and that the existing fittings are compatible with said features. Only after factoring in all these key points can you make an informed decision of whether to go for a new installation or an LED retrofit.
If you are unsure, it is best to speak to a professional electrician who can guide you on which route to take. Contact us right away for the best professional advice when it comes to lighting up your property in the most aesthetic and energy-efficient way.
When installing lights on your property, you have two options: either DIY it or go for professional installation. While the DIY approach may be a good idea if you wish to save money, it may not always be the best in terms of safety and compliance. Professional installation, although more expensive, has its benefits and is usually the better choice for optimal LED performance.
Replacing a light bulb with an LED is a straightforward task that you can easily do yourself. However, complex installations with new components and wiring work are better left to the professionals. An expert electrician is equipped with the necessary skills, experience, and tools to carry out the LED installation for peak performance.
The biggest benefit of DIY LED lighting installation is that it is cost-effective. It includes only the material cost and eliminates professional electrician costs. Also, it provides a sense of achievement and satisfaction that you get by completing a project by yourself.
The issue with DIY LED lighting installation is that it requires a basic understanding of electrical systems to ensure safety and compliance. Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with how these systems work. This can lead to accidents, damages, and issues with the installation leading to flickering, dimming, colour inconsistencies, and in serious cases, burns, shocks, and even fires.
In the UK, to carry out certain electrical work, you need to comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which means that the work be carried out by a professional certified electrician. Therefore, depending on the nature of the LED installation, it is best to hire a professional for the job, especially if it is a complex one with technical requirements such as rewiring, installing dimmer switches, and adding new circuits and components.
Professional LED installation ensures that the work is compliant with electrical safety standards and includes warranties and customer support. The downside is that it is costlier due to the added electrician fee.
When deciding whether to go for a DIY or professional installation, it is important to consider a few things such as the scope of the project, your level of experience, as well as your budget. If the work includes simple bulb replacement, you can opt for a DIY given you are confident in your skills and abilities. If not, it is always best and recommended to hire a professional electrician to get the job done in the best possible way.
Before you go for LED lighting installation, it is important to get a few things out of the way for a smooth and safe installation. Here is a list of things to do:
If you wish to learn more about LED lights and the best lighting solutions for your property, Calder Electrical Services is here to help! From LED installation to upgrades, repairs, and troubleshooting, we offer a complete package for your homes and businesses – ensuring that everything complies with the latest electrical safety standards and regulations.
We can offer fittings with 3 to 5+ year warranties that will not only reduce energy costs but also make your homes brighter. We can also provide a forecasted energy calculation so you can see what your energy bills and savings will look like.
Our specialists can survey your property and create a lighting design to not only reduce the number of light fittings but also make the area reach a lighting level suitable for use. We can also incorporate motion detectors so that lighting in areas that are low usage is only switched on when someone enters them.
We can give you an energy calculation to show your current lighting costs and the estimated costs by upgrading to LED lighting so that you can see how much you will save, normally aiming for a 40% saving.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 3001 to talk to our LED lighting experts for more information on LED lighting installation costs in the UK.
Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash
