Lighting Retrofits, More Than Energy Savings
LED retrofitting is an increasingly popular option for energy-conscious commercial and industrial businesses worldwide.
The energy-saving benefits of LEDs are significant, but there are multiple other benefits business owners and building managers should consider when deciding to retrofit their facilities to LED lighting.
Benefits of LED Retrofitting
Energy Savings
Approximately 90% of a building’s total lifetime cost (including the initial cost of the building itself) is in operating expenses, the most considerable portion of which is energy costs from lighting. Therefore, the primary benefit of LED retrofitting is the drastically lowered energy consumption compared to traditional and fluorescent lighting, resulting in a maximum of 80% reduction in energy costs over a year making energy-efficient LED retrofitting an obvious choice for commercial and industrial buildings.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
The lifespan of traditional light fixtures is finite, resulting in costly maintenance. LED lighting has an exponentially longer operating lifespan, requiring fewer parts replacement and the associated labor hours. The savings in costs associated with LED lighting can significantly add up long term, making switching to LED lighting an obvious decision.
Increased Safety
A less discussed benefit of LED lighting is the quality of light and how that impacts the overall facility appeal. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) scale (the primary measure of light quality) runs from 0 (grayscale) to 100 (natural light). The higher the CRI number results in a better quality of light. Most LED lights produce a score of about 80 to 90+, increasing commercial and industrial facilities’ aesthetic experience and appeal.
Improved Lighting Quality
Unlike traditional lighting, LED lights have multiple color temperature options ranging from 1500k, a warmer redder light, to 8000k, a cooler blue light. Applying these colors can make an office more homely or make a warehouse visible and safe. The color temperature selected for your application is ultimately up to your preferences.
Benefits of LED Retrofitting
Installing LED lighting can result in a few challenges. Below are a few things to consider when doing an LED Retrofit in your facility:
• Retrofitting existing fixtures: Most LED lighting is offered in multiple retrofit configurations aimed to work in most existing fixtures. However, sometimes LED lighting isn’t possible for existing fixtures, limiting your options or identifying a need to replace existing fixtures.
• Replacement of dimmer switches/controls: Unfortunately, dimmer switches/controls used for traditional lighting do not work for LED lighting. An LED-specific version must replace the existing switch if a dimmer option is still needed.
Types of LED Retrofitting
Several types of LED retrofits and fixtures are available for offices, corporate facilities, retail stores, warehouses, and general commercial and industrial use. A range from drop-in LED bulbs that work in existing traditional fixtures to replacement LED fixtures that mimic the size, shape, and aesthetics of the traditional lighting fixtures they replace are available.
Below is a list of fixtures commonly available:
LED Tubes – This is the most common type of LED retrofit. Installation of LED tubes involves removing the existing fluorescent tubes, replacing them with LED tubes, and using existing lighting fixtures.
LED Strip Light Fixtures – Also known as “shop-lights” are simple light fixtures that provide a specific amount of light over a work area at a minimal cost and are often found in garages, workshops, storage facilities, and warehouses. Replaceable LED tubes or permanently fixed lifetime LEDs can be installed.
LED Troffer Lights – A type of lighting fixture that imitates a traditional troffer light typically installed in drop-ceilings and provide optimal light for working at desks and cubicles. Installing this type of light allows office space to integrate LED lighting without disrupting its aesthetics.
LED Vapor Tight Fixture – Commonly used outdoors and is “vapor tight”(sealed from moisture, dust, and weather). A LED vapor-tight fixture is typically used in wet or dusty environments such as parking garages, manufacturing facilities, and farmyards.
Interested in Upgrading Your Facility?
Most facilities should consider switching to LEDs as they provide an aesthetically pleasing environment, increase safety and productivity, and offer significant savings.
When it comes to LED Retrofitting, our team makes it easy. We’ll take care of everything from top to bottom and make sure it’s done right. Feel free to call us at (855) 347-1613 and speak to one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.
Read more about Lighting here:
Guide to Developing Green LED Solutions for Commercial Businesses
Reasons Why LED Lighting Solutions Are Perfect for Small Businesses
Commercial LED Lighting Tips for Commercial Businessess