I am getting my recessed old fluorescent tube ceiling lights replaced with t5 lamps

The contractor estimated it would require 30 lamps (4 ft * 30 = 120 ft length) and i asked for 2 more spare. he will try to use existing connections and switches where possible.

I also have existing downlights. the idea is to have different lighting effects, with the t5 giving a warm diffused glow and the downlights giving a brighter even lighting.

see pic

Question :

1. what kind of t5 lamp would you recommend? There are both fluorescent and led t5, and even the specs for the t5 differ. very confused.

2. how much would the wiring cost in this case? would it cost more than the lights themselves?

3. current downlights are non-led energy saving lamps (see photo). is it better to switch to led and how much would these cost?

was quoted $1400 for the above work, to install 30 units of phillips ademco lamps for cove lighting. is this reasonable?

Edited October 10, 201115 yr by burgess

is there any breakdown of the quote?

LED covelight for 120ft of ceiling costs around S$1800. Brightness is comparable to T5 and they literally last forever at 50% energy saving in comparison to T5. You can remove them and re-install at a new location even you move house.

If you are using CFL square shaped downlight, you can carry on using the existing lamps as they are still a cost effective lighting option. The cost of replacing them would be around S$70-80 each. However if your downlight is MR16 halogen spotlight, it is worth investing in high quality MR16 LED spotlight. You get to enjoy 80~90% energy saving and almost negligible heat. Furthermore, you can keep your existing fixture and replace the bulb and ballast only which cost much less than square downlight.

Edited October 17, 201115 yr by collins