If you’re looking to make your industrial lighting more energy efficient by switching to LEDs, you’re already on the path to reducing costs and increasing productivity. However, there’s still a lot to consider. Should you go for fast and easy LED light upgrades or go all in on a total relamping project? The short answer is, “it depends.”
While you may be able to pass inspections by simply swapping out the fixtures, you could be missing a bigger opportunity to make your lighting a part of your operational advantage. The fact is that closely examining the type, location, and number of existing fixtures may reveal how you can get more lumens per dollar and increase the value of your facility.
What Does Relamping Mean?
Relamping, or retrofitting, is the process of replacing existing lighting components with more energy-efficient and modern alternatives, typically LEDs. This typically involves swapping out old bulbs, lamps, and tubes with a compatible alternative. In some cases, bypassing the ballast may be necessary or recommended. Relamping is an economical way to enhance the efficiency of a building's lighting system without the need for a complete fixture overhaul.
There are indoor and outdoor retrofit options for a wide variety of applications. Common retrofit solutions include fluorescent tube replacement bulbs, can light retrofits, corn bubs, retrofit kits, and high bay bulbs.
Complete Fixture Replacements
While retrofitting is often the most economical upgrade solution upfront, complete fixture replacement provides the highest level of efficiency and the most optimized light emission. During a full fixture upgrade, all existing lighting components are replaced. This eliminates faulty ballasts and eliminates the need to rely on inefficient reflectors to focus light. Newer fixtures are also designed specifically to maximize the benefits of LED technology, offering better heat management, improved optics, and, in some cases, full compatibility with smart controls.
Before deciding between a compete LED upgrades or an LED retrofit, consider these questions:
- Are you using the space for the same purpose the existing lighting was installed for? If you are using your industrial or commercial spaces for the same activities and tasks as before, a retrofit project may be the quickest and best option. However, if the space is being repurposed, a full lighting upgrade will better optimize the space for its new purpose.
- What are your needs related to motion sensors and smart lighting? LED light fixtures offer the fullest level of compatibility with energy-saving motion sensors and smart lighting controls. However, in a retrofit installation, your existing light fixture and wiring will determine the compatibility of newer technologies.
- Would you benefit from reducing the number of luminaires to streamline maintenance? Any time you simplify one of your systems, you reduce the cost of maintaining it. Depending on how long ago your lights were installed, you may find you only need a fraction of the existing number when using modern, commercial-grade LEDs.
- What is the operating schedule of the light systems/components you’re considering for an upgrade? The lights you use the most represent the biggest savings opportunities. Particularly in warehouse environments and other places where the lights need to be on all the time, it might be worth reconfiguring the wiring in order to optimize your light output for cleaner operations.
- Are there any financial incentives offered by your utility company? The up-front costs of LED lighting systems is typically the only barrier, given their numerous benefits in all commercial applications. The good news is many utility companies offer incentives you can capitalize on that will cover a large portion of the work. The more you save, the more they save.
As demand for 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 to be had in each option, but upgrades and replacements offer lower value for lower investment. If you want longevity, a full lighting replacement is likely going to get you the best ROI and best protect your operations for the future.
Contact our team today to get personalized product recommendations and insights into which approach will serve you best. Call today! 888-249-8166
