Frequently Asked Questions

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Question

Can I save money by changing out my old light fixtures with L.E.D. fixtures?

Answer

As recently as 2014, the efficacy (lumens per watt) of L.E.D. fixtures could not compare to that of modern high efficiency four foot fluorescent lamp/ballast combinations. Since that time, L.E.D. fixtures have made impressive gains, surpassing the efficacy of other types of fixtures.

Despite these gains, a significant part of the energy savings come not from the improved efficacy, but from the controllability. • H.I.D fixtures cannot be turned back on until they have cooled off, so they tend to be left on until they are no longer needed for the remainder of the night. • Fluorescent lamp life is greatly affected by the number of times they are switched on or off, and the number of hours they are left on. This makes it preferable to leave the lights on for the length of the work day. Dimming fluorescents offers little savings in energy. The dimming ballasts use more power to begin with, and the energy consumption does not change in a linear response to the lighting level reduction. One may reduce the lighting level by 50%, but realize only a small reduction in energy use.

L.E.D.s have none of these problems. They may be turned on and off as often as desired with no reduction in lifespan and without the need to wait for the light to cool off. Lighting level is a linear response to the energy consumed. Dimming the lights by 50% results in a 50% reduction in energy use. This makes L.E.D fixtures ideal for use with occupancy sensors and motion sensors as well as automatic daylight dimming.

That being said, there is more than just energy savings to consider. L.E.D. luminaire components typically last much longer than most other types, and can save money in maintenance costs.

Before making a decision on a retrofit, make sure the contractor provides you with the LED Lighting Fact sheet available from http://www.lightingfacts.com/ , and don’t rely on easily manipulated photos or calculations.