How to Reduce Costs by Replacing Old Fluorescent Lighting With LEDs

Introduction

Replacing old fluorescent lighting with LEDs can help businesses and homeowners reduce their lighting costs significantly. LED lighting has many advantages over traditional fluorescent lighting that make it a smart investment. In this article, I will discuss the key benefits of switching to LEDs and provide a step-by-step guide to help you upgrade your lighting in a cost-effective way.

Benefits of Replacing Fluorescents with LEDs

Here are some of the main reasons why LEDs are better than fluorescent lighting:

• Energy savings - LEDs consume up to 80% less energy than fluorescents. This translates into major electricity bill savings over time.

• Longer lifespan - LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours compared to 10,000 hours for fluorescents. Fewer replacements mean lower maintenance costs.

• Better light quality - LEDs produce a brighter, crisper light compared to the buzzing, flickering light of fluorescents. LEDs also allow better control over direction and distribution of light.

• Reduced environmental impact - LEDs contain no toxic chemicals like mercury, making disposal safer. Their efficiency also leads to lower carbon emissions.

• Cost savings - Despite higher upfront costs, LEDs pay for themselves within 2-3 years through energy and maintenance savings. The long-term savings are significant.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading to LEDs

Follow these steps to upgrade your old fluorescent lighting to new, energy-efficient LED lighting:

1. Survey your existing fluorescent fixtures

• Walk through your home or office and take notes on all existing fluorescent tube fixtures. Count the number of tubes in each fixture and note the length (usually 2', 4' or 8').

• Also note the type of ballast (magnetic or electronic), condition of fixtures, and approximate wattage printed on tubes.

2. Choose appropriate LED tube replacements

• Select direct wire LED tubes or plug-and-play LED tube lights based on your existing fluorescent fixtures.

• Match lengths and end-types (single or double ended power). Ensure wattage is 20-40% lower than fluorescents.

3. Purchase LED tubes and accessories

• Buy LED tubes to replace all fluorescent tubes one-for-one. Also purchase any required accessories like LED-compatible ballasts or tombstones.

• Choose reliable brands like Philips, GE or Sylvania for best performance and longevity.

4. Schedule installation with an electrician

• Hire a licensed electrician for installation if unfamiliar with electrical systems. Improper wiring can risk fire or electric shock.

• Installation is quick and easy. The electrician will remove fluorescent tubes, bypass or replace ballasts, and install LED tubes.

5. Enjoy instant energy savings

• Turn on the new LED lights and observe the bright, high-quality illumination immediately.

• Continue monitoring electricity bills. You should see a minimum 20% reduction in lighting energy costs. The savings will pay back your upfront investment in no time.

• Also take advantage of reduced maintenance. With their long 50,000-hour lifespan, LED tube lights will likely never need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about switching over to LED lighting:

Do I need to change fixtures to install LED tube lights?

In most cases, you can retrofit existing fluorescent fixtures with LED tubes without replacing the entire fixture. Just ensure your new LED tubes are compatible with the ballast and sockets.

How difficult is the installation process?

The installation itself is quite straightforward and can be performed by an experienced handyman. However, the wiring requires working with high voltage, so professional installation is recommended for safety.

How long do LED tube lights last?

LED tube lights last 50,000 hours or more - about 5 to 6 times longer than fluorescent lighting. This extreme long life reduces replacement and maintenance costs tremendously.

Is the light quality from LEDs comparable to fluorescent lighting?

Yes, LEDs provide a bright, white light that is often superior in quality to fluorescent lighting. LEDs also avoid the buzzing, flickering, and glare issues sometimes associated with fluorescents.

Will switching to LEDs require special recycling?

Yes, LED lighting contains electronic components and should be recycled responsibly. Many retailers offer recycling programs. LEDs contain no hazardous materials like mercury, however, making recycling much safer than with fluorescents.

Conclusion

Upgrading from fluorescent to LED lighting offers tremendous energy and cost saving benefits. The switch is easy with LED tube lights that plug directly into existing fixtures. Just take care to purchase compatible LED tubes, accessories, and utilize professional installation. With quality LED lighting, you can realize major electricity savings and drastically reduce maintenance costs.