HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEDs FOR YOUR BUSINESS
If you’re looking to upgrade the lighting in your building, LEDs are the energy efficient choice. LEDs (light emitting diodes) are semiconductor devices that convert electrical energy into light. They are a durable and long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting option. They don’t contain any moving parts, filaments, lead, or mercury, and they perform well in cooler temperatures. Best of all, LEDs use much less energy than traditional lighting sources, resulting in a lower energy bill!
There are many different types of LEDs to choose from. In this article, we break down the different types of LEDs along with their benefits and things to consider before making a purchase.
And remember, if you’re interested in upgrading the lighting at your business, we provide incentives! Learn more about our Business Lighting Program.
LED SCREW-IN LAMPS & SPECIALITY LAMPS
LED screw-in lamps and specialty lamps replace line voltage (incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)) and ballasted high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
Benefits:
- They use less energy than traditional lamps.
- They last longer than traditional lamps.
- They come in many different colour temperatures.
- They radiate very little heat.
- They provide directional lighting.
- They’re environmentally friendly and don’t contain hazardous materials.
Things to consider:
- If your new lamp is being used with an existing control/dimming system, make sure it’s compatible.
- LEDs may not work well in high-heat environments
LED LINEAR LAMPS
LED linear lamps replace fluorescent (T12, T8, T5) linear lamps.
Benefits:
- They use less energy than fluorescent lamps.
- They last longer than traditional lamps.
- They won’t need to be replaced as often as traditional lamps.
- They come in many different colour temperatures.
- They radiate very little heat.
- They provide directional lighting.
- They’re environmentally friendly and don’t contain hazardous materials.
- The ceiling cavity isn’t disturbed during installation.
Things to consider:
- If you’re using a Type A lamp, make sure it is compatible with your existing ballast.
- If you’re using a Type B lamp, the fixtures must be recertified after the ballast is removed.
- If your new lamp is being used with an existing control/dimming system, make sure it’s compatible.
- LEDs may not work well in high-heat environments.
LED FIXTURES
LED fixtures replace hardwired HID, incandescent, halogen, CFL, or linear fluorescent fixtures.
Benefits:
- They use less energy than traditional fixtures.
- They last longer than traditional lamps.
- They come in many different colour temperatures.
- They radiate very little heat.
- They reach full brightness immediately.
- They’re environmentally friendly and don’t contain hazardous materials.
- They have sealed construction requiring minimal ongoing maintenance.
- Slim profiles are available, which can increase free space in a ceiling cavity.
Things to consider:
- They cost more to purchase, but you’ll save money in the long term.
- If your new fixture is being used with an existing control/dimming system, make sure it’s compatible.
- LEDs may not work well in high-heat environments.
LED RETROFIT KTS
LED retrofit kits add new technology to the existing housing of hardwired HID, incandescent, halogen, CFL, or linear fluorescent fixtures.
Benefits:
- They use less energy than traditional fixtures.
- They last longer than traditional lamps.
- They come in many different colour temperatures.
- They radiate very little heat.
- They reach full brightness immediately.
- The ceiling cavity isn’t disturbed during installation.
- They’re environmentally friendly and don’t contain hazardous materials.
Things to consider:
- Make sure the retrofit kit is compatible with your existing fixture.
- LEDs may not work well in high-heat environments.
LED BACKLIT SIGNS
LED backlit signs replace neon or fluorescent tubes.
Benefits:
- They use less energy than traditional signs.
- They last longer than traditional signs.
- Less system changes and disruptions are required.
- They come in many different colour temperatures.
- They’re environmentally friendly and don’t contain hazardous materials.
- They use lower voltage wires.
- Electrical connections ensure that an outage of one LED doesn’t affect the entire system.
Things to consider:
- They cost more to purchase, but you’ll save money in the long term.
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR LIGHTING?
We provide incentives for eligible lighting upgrades!