LED lighting upgrades are the way of the future. Already have an LED system? Considering putting one in today? It pays to understand the importance and mechanisms of LED lighting.
Are you curious about your options for LED lighting upgrades? Do you wonder if your commercial, warehouse, or office space could be more energy-efficient? Do you already have LED lights, but get the sense that they’re not the quality they could be?
If you answered no to all of the above, then congratulations – you’re either totally on top of your lighting game, or you’re just too busy binging the hottest new series to care. However, if you answered yes to any of the above questions, it’s time to learn more about what LED lights can do for you and your business. Here are the top LED lighting FAQS we get.
What Is LED Lighting?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is becoming increasingly popular for commercial and residential use. It can be retrofitted and built into new construction, and it provides a long-term reduction in energy and expense. LED lights have been around since the 1960s, first primarily used in digital clocks and television remote controls.
LEDs work by passing electrons through a semiconductor, which creates electroluminescence. These light bulbs don’t require filaments like incandescent bulbs, nor do they rely on gas like halogens or fluorescents. They also don’t burn out or need to warm up like fluorescent, and HID bulbs do.
Are LEDs More Energy Efficient?
LED bulbs and fixtures use far less energy than incandescent or fluorescent lighting. They use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. Where an incandescent lamp used to take 60 watts to achieve a certain level of light, an LED lamp uses a mere 8 watts. It’s easy to see how this can help you save on operating expenses.
Yes, LEDs may cost more initially, but they offer more significant savings. In addition to saving on your energy bill, LEDs have a fantastic lifespan, lasting, on average, 20 years or 10,000 hours of use. Their fluorescent and HID retrofitted replacements can last at least 45 years or an astonishing 50,000 hours of use. During that lifespan, you will recoup the initial cost of the product through energy savings dozens of times over
When Does LED Lighting Need to Be Replaced?
While the lifespan of LED lighting depends on its use and application, most standard lamps last 50,000 hours, while dimmable LED lamps can last nearly 100,000 hours. For facilities like hospitals and distribution centers that have lights on 24/7, that (theoretically) could mean longevity of six years. On the other hand, office buildings that keep lights on up to 60 hours a week could go 15 years without replacing.
Unlike incandescent lamps, LEDs don’t have a filament to break or fail. Instead, they’ll slowly lose output over time. Manufacturers will rate lighting signifying when 50% of bulbs that are quality tested will reach 70% brightness (B50-L70). The L-rating will change depending on your option; B50-L50 would reach 50% of brightness by the end of the 50,000-hour lifespan.
Is Upgrading to LED Lighting Really Worth It?
When lighting and fixtures last longer, they require less maintenance over time. This is one of the strongest selling points for LED upgrades. Traditional lighting requires more frequent replacement, and in some commercial buildings that take special equipment operated by skilled professionals — an additional cost to include in maintenance calculations. Maintenance can also disrupt business operations. Don’t overlook the cost of downtime in your facility as complicated maintenance processes are performed to keep lighting working.
The question of upgrading to LED lighting shouldn’t be if but when, and the best way to get proper ROI is by working closely with a distributor with experience. Our team is proud to work with you to find the best industrial lighting solutions for your needs. We help you save money, get rebates, use less energy, and find the perfect industrial lighting solutions. Contact us today to learn more about LED lighting upgrades!