Halogen downlights were the default in NZ kitchens and hallways from about 2005 to 2015. They're 50 W each, run hot enough that you can't put insulation around them (so they punch holes in your ceiling insulation), and most homes have 8–14 of them.
A modern 4.5 W LED downlight with the same lumen output:
- Uses 91% less power
- Runs cool — you can insulate right up to it (use IC-F rated)
- Lasts 25,000+ hours vs 2,000 for halogen
- Costs $8–$25 each at major NZ retailers
The maths for a typical Kiwi home
10 halogens × 50 W × 4 hr/day × 365 days = 730 kWh/yr ≈ $290/yr.
Same 10 lights as 4.5 W LEDs = 66 kWh/yr ≈ $26/yr.
Annual saving: ~$260. Payback on the swap: under 1 year.