If your building is still lit by fluorescent tubes, sodium high bays or halogen spots, you’ve probably wondered whether switching to LED is worth the outlay. For most businesses the answer is yes, and often by a wide margin. Here’s why, and what to think about before you commit.
Where the savings come from
- Less energy: LED fittings use a fraction of the power of the fluorescent, sodium and halogen fittings they replace for the same, or better, light.
- Less maintenance: no more tubes, starters and ballasts failing every few months. Quality LED fittings run for years.
- Less heat: old fittings waste a lot of energy as heat, which matters in warm offices and refrigerated areas.
- Controls: presence detection and daylight dimming mean lights are only on, and only as bright as they need to be, when someone’s actually there.
Which buildings save the most?
The biggest savings are in buildings where lights are on for long hours: warehouses and distribution centres, factories, schools, car parks, retail and offices with long working days. A warehouse running high bays 24/7 will typically see a much faster payback than an office that’s empty by six.
Don’t just swap fittings like for like
The best upgrades start with a proper lighting design. Swapping every old fitting for an LED one in the same position often leaves you over-lit in some areas and under-lit in others. A design based on the right light levels for each space, whether that’s a classroom, a racking aisle or a sports hall, usually means fewer fittings, better light and bigger savings.
Things to check
- Is the existing wiring and emergency lighting in good order? It’s a good time to sort both.
- Are there areas that need specific light levels or glare control, such as screens, sports halls or production lines?
- Can the work be done zone by zone, out of hours, to avoid disruption?
- How will the old fittings be disposed of? Fluorescent tubes need proper recycling.
Is it worth it?
For most commercial buildings, an LED upgrade pays for itself through lower energy and maintenance costs, then keeps saving for years. The only way to know your numbers is a survey of what you’ve got and how it’s used.
We design and install energy saving LED lighting for offices, warehouses, schools and sports halls across London and the South East. Book a free survey or call us on 01525 582582.
