Frequently Asked LED Lighting Retrofit Questions

My building’s lighting works fine. Why change?

Most commercial lighting systems today utilize outdated, inefficient and old lighting technology such as T12 and T8 fluorescent lamps and HID (metal halide and high pressure sodium) high-bay lighting.

These old technologies produce poor light and are very wasteful, in terms of energy consumption and maintenance expense. The low quality of light also results in compromised safety for employees and customers. These systems are also detrimental to the environment by producing greenhouse gasses (CO2) and hazardous waste (mercury). Leaving these systems in place is simply wasting money.

What is LED retrofitting?

Solid-state light emitting diode (LED) retrofitting means replacing your inefficient existing lighting with a new and superior lighting technology, preferably to increase the energy efficiency and the quality of light in the facility. Retrofitting or upgrading are terms often used when converting older, outdated lighting to new energy=efficient technology like LEDs.
Why consider retrofitting to LED?

There are a lot of reasons why companies consider energy-efficiency projects. Being environmentally responsible is a reward in itself, enhancing a company’s eco-intelligent image by being responsive to the environmental concerns of clients, employees and the public.
But the most compelling reason to undertake an energy-efficiency retrofit project is significant financial benefit. Reducing a building’s energy consumption results in reduced energy costs and those savings go straight to the bottom line. Beyond the direct savings achieved from buying less power, LEDs offer a number of financial and environmental benefits:

• Energy cost savings of up to 40% to 75% compared to fluorescents and 50% to 90% compared to traditional HID.
• Instant-on and full light output eliminates warm-up and re-strike time.
• High level of compatibility with lighting controls for increased energy cost savings and flexibility.
• Significantly reduced maintenance expenses due to LEDs long life.
• Reduced HVAC load and costs as LEDs emit far less heat than fluorescents.
• Reduced carbon footprint and zero hazardous waste (mercury-free).
• Longer lamp life, warranties up to 10 years with a 2 to 3 year payback.
• Improved quality of light.
• Improved facility market value and employee productivity.
• Eligibility for utility rebates and state and local tax incentives, where available.

Can LEDs be retrofitted in traditional florescent tube troffers and HID fixtures, or is it necessary to replace the old fixtures?

Generally, LEDs can be placed in the existing indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures. LED retrofit kits upgrade in-place fixtures, saving money and improving efficiency. An LED retrofit kit is an all-in-one system that allows for easy, quick installation of LED lighting in existing fixtures.

Can LEDs be installed in new construction?

Yes, LEDs are perfect for new construction or new spaces within existing buildings, as well as for major renovations of existing facilities where energy-efficient lighting improvements are needed.

Do LEDs provide non-disruptive repair and replacement?

Yes. Rarely does an LED lamp fail, but when they do, replacement is non-disruptive and generally covered by warranty.

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