11 Reasons to Change Your Fluorescent Lights to LED

11 Reasons to Change Your Fluorescent Lights to LED

1. LED replacements are 300% more efficient!

The standard 2×4 light fixture that has 3 t-8 lamps uses 84-96 watts of electricity. The replacement fixture we recommend has settings of 27w, 36, and 45w. That is right they have adjustable wattage and color temperature. You can even add a motion sensor to the light for more savings.

2. LED fixtures provide at least 70% more light.

The standard t-8 lamp has a beam angle of 360°. Only 30% of the light produced is actually directed properly. 70% of the light produced is wasted light in the fixture. Fluorescent fixtures with mirrored reflectors do cut down on the wasted light, but do not stop the wasted light. With an LED fixture the light is directed in the intended direction

3. LED fixtures do not give off UV.

Ultraviolet light (UV light) is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be damaging to living tissue over time. In fluorescent tubes used for lighting, “ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm is produced along with the blue light that is emitted when an electric current is passed through mercury vapor,” according to the University of Nebraska. “This ultraviolet radiation is invisible but contains more energy than the visible light emitted.

The LED fixtures that we install do not emit any light in the non-visible light spectrum (UV). UV light causes colors to fade in fabrics and other materials and is also the leading cause of eye strain and eye fatigue.

4. Money in your pocket!

You can get a rebate from your utility to replace these fixtures. B&W Electric will assist you in getting these rebates from your utility. We can file the paperwork so your account will be credited accordingly and in some cases you will get a check for the fixtures we replace.

5. They look amazing!

Fluorescent fixtures are outdated and make your setting look outdated. New lighting really makes a difference all the way around.

6. LED fixtures transfer light rather than heat.

LED fixtures use their energy to produce light and that light is focused in the intended direction. Most other lights, including fluorescent lights use heat to generate light which is why many consumers are changing out the metal halide, incandescent and fluorescent fixtures for LEDs.

7. LEDs still give off light at end-of-life.

Fluorescent lamps get dim at the end of their life cycle. A t-8 lamp is considered dead at 60% of its light output, which averages 14,400 hours. The LED fixtures we recommend and install reach the end of life at 70% and are rated to last at least 100,000 hours. This means you will be changing the lamps seven times to keep up with the LED fixture.

8. LED fixtures have no mercury.

Each year, an estimated 600 million fluorescent lamps are disposed of in US landfills amounting to 30,000 pounds of mercury waste. One teaspoon of mercury can contaminate a 20 acre lake forever. B&W Electric will dispose of your lamps properly with a waste recycling facility so that your lamps do not end up in the landfill.

9. Cut out maintenance costs.

The fixtures we recommend and install come with a 10 year warranty. No more changing ballasts and lamps. This in itself translates to a huge savings and sometimes allows more productivity as one does not have to schedule shut downs for maintenance and repairs.

10. LED fixtures make air conditioning more efficient.

LED fixtures generate little to no heat. Less heat means the air conditioning system does not have to work as hard to cool the space. Not only are you saving money by using less energy to light your facility, but you are also saving money when the AC does not have to work as hard. This is especially important if you are doing a new build or a remodel as you may be able to install a smaller AC to cool the same area.

11. Your investment will pay for itself very quickly.

With the energy savings and rebates your lighting upgrade can pay for itself in under a year in some cases. B&W Electric will come visit your project and put together a report for you detailing the savings and when you can expect the upgrade to pay for itself. Don’t wait, call B&W Electric today to schedule an audit. (720) 925-1241. Feel free to visit our website and see some of the projects we have worked on in the past. www.bandwelectric.com. We also have online booking for your convenience.