Swapping out traditional fixtures with LEDs leads to many lasting benefits, such as energy-efficiency, longevity, increased productivity, and reduced costs. Whether your company is moving to a new facility and you need lighting that matches your needs, or you're upgrading the lighting at your current location, you have two options: relamping or a full fixture replacement.
- Relamping: When you retrofit an existing fixture with a LED bulb or tube, instead of replacing an entire fixture. This is typically a cost-effective and easier installation solution.
- Fixture Replacement: When a light fixture is completely switched out with an LED fixture. Full fixture replacements often leads to a higher energy-efficiency and less maintenance concerns.
There are a few factors to think about to determine which technique is best for your business. Does it make sense to go for fast and easy LED light upgrades or choose a total relamping project? You might pass inspections just by switching out the fixtures, but you could lose the opportunity to make lighting a part of your operational advantage. Considering the factors below provides clarity on how to get more lumens per hour and increase the value of your facility.
What to Consider to Decide Between an LED Light Upgrade or a Total Relamp:
Purpose of the Space
Odds are, a relamp project can uncover efficiencies and provide the best solution for any property, but they are immensely valuable in the case of building retrofits. However, if a location is being updated to serve a new purpose, a complete lighting upgrade can increase optimization.
Financial Incentives From Utility Companies
The up-front costs of LED lighting systems is typically the only barrier, given their numerous benefits. The good news is many utility companies offer incentives to capitalize on that will cover a large portion of the work. The more you save, the more they save.
Lighting Operating Schedule
The light fixtures you use the most indicate the biggest savings opportunities. For example, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and other places where lights need to be on all the time, it might be worth going down to the studs and reconfiguring the wiring to optimize your light output.
Wanted Energy Savings
Upgrading your existing light fixtures is a good start, but you could end up powering more lights than you need. Maximizing your savings means taking a holistic approach and addressing your industrial lighting at the system level, which may be more work and investment up front, but pays off in the long run.
Dimming, Motion Sensors, and Smart Lighting Needs
LEDs work with dimmers, motion sensors, and smart controls, reducing unnecessary light. Brightness levels can be raised or lowered to meet the space's needs and can be set up with sensors to increase light output when motion is detected. For relamping, the existing fixture and wire must be compatible in order to work with these controls.
Financial Incentives From Utility Companies
The up-front costs of LED lighting systems is typically the only barrier, given their numerous benefits. The good news is many utility companies offer incentives to capitalize on that will cover a large portion of the work. The more you save, the more they save.
Number of Luminaires Needed
Any time you simplify one of your systems, you reduce the maintenance cost. Depending on how long ago your lights were installed, you may only need a fraction of the existing number when using commercial-grade LEDs.
Appropriate Lighting for Mixed-Use Facilities
Mixed-use facilities are increasingly common, and the business that originally occupied a space can change, making it important to have proper lighting for each space. For example, making the first floor appealing to retail tenants, while making it possible for the higher floors to be rented as office, multi-family, or other commercial spaces. This style of building can also mean some floors are more fit for a relamp while others might be better with a complete upgrade.
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As demand for industrial and commercial space continues to grow, more organizations will find themselves adapting to new locations and building types, either as part of a larger strategy or simply due to necessity. Taking a thoughtful, long-term approach to how you light your new facilities will help you operate with efficiency and resiliency. There is still value with each option, but upgrades and replacements offer lower value for lower investment. If you want longevity, a relamp will likely get you the best ROI and protect your operations for the future. Contact our ur customer service advocates or product support specialists at 866-590-3533 to get personalized product recommendations and insights into which approach will serve you best.
Learn more about LED solutions for industrial and commercial applications here.
by Super Bright LEDs Experts
The Super Bright LEDs editorial team provides expert guidance on LED lighting solutions for commercial, industrial, vehicle, and residential use. Their trusted insights help businesses and homeowners make informed lighting decisions.
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