Why is Commercial LED Lighting a Smart Move for Energy Savings?
LED light bulbs are significantly cheaper than traditional incandescent and fluorescent options without sacrificing performance. They utilize less energy, therefore providing significant savings for your business.
Browse by Category
Article Contents
Jump to a specific section
Key Takeaways
Switching from traditional lightbulbs to LED lighting can reduce your business’s energy consumption and energy costs. With different types to choose from, your organization will easily be able to adopt and upgrade to LED lighting fixtures. With different rebates and incentives available, it has never been easier to upgrade your office’s lighting.
- LED light bulbs utilize up to 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs, while providing improved lighting quality.
- Lasting up to 25 times longer than other lightbulbs, LEDs require less maintenance and replacement.
- Utility rebates and tax credits are available for commercial businesses that are looking for energy-efficient upgrades, like LEDs.
- Smart control options are available to amplify the effectiveness of LED lighting fixtures.
Will LED Lighting Make an Impact on my Business?
LED lighting is advantageous to any business looking to reduce its energy consumption and costs. So, what is LED lighting? Light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option available on the market, utilizing up to 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, there are many LED options available to meet any of your business’s needs, whether it’s industrial LED lighting options or new commercial ceiling lights.
The benefits of LED lighting are lucrative because not only do they perform better than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, but they also use significantly less energy. A direct result of making the switch to LEDs is reducing your business’s energy consumption, which, in turn, can reduce your energy bill. LED lights’ energy savings will allow your business’s balance sheet to be more flexible and efficient.
What Are the Common Types of LED lighting?
With LED adoption growing every year, many commercial businesses have discovered the benefits and advantages of LEDs. Regarding LED adoption and potential savings for businesses, the U.S. Department of Energy states, “The majority of potential savings, however, is associated with low/high bay and linear fixtures, which are staples of commercial and industrial buildings.” Commercial LED lighting use will continue to grow, and a big reason for that is the many types of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions available.
1. Standard LED Bulbs
Known for their ability to customize color, size, and application, there is a wide variety of LED lighting options for business operations, which is why these lightbulbs are relied on heavily by warehouses, workshops, and retail spaces. Picking the right energy-efficient LED lighting fixture for different areas of your business can provide significant savings over time.
2. Canned (Recessed) LED Lights
Specifically designed to be compatible with recessed lighting fixtures, canned lighting is ideal for creating uniform ambient illumination. Depending on your recessed lighting set-up, they can also create focused task lighting or spotlights throughout your business. Canned LEDs are often available with various features like dimming, color-changing, or smart building compatibility. They’re often utilized by retail spaces, offices, and restaurants.
3. Smart LED Lighting
Smart lighting pairs energy efficiency with customization and greater energy management. Businesses can adjust brightness, color, and turn lighting on or off through a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-compatible device. These lightbulbs are compatible with most energy management systems or smart home systems and are used in retail spaces and restaurant settings.
4. Track Lighting
As an ideal solution for directional lighting, businesses can use LED track lighting to spotlight merchandising displays or focused task lighting. The beauty of track lighting is its versatility. Businesses can create a unique lighting ambiance to match a specific season, event, or business operation. Track lighting design is often utilized in retail stores, galleries, restaurants, and offices.
5. LED Tube Lights
A more efficient upgrade of fluorescent tube lighting, tube LEDs are an ideal solution for offices, medical practices, and kitchens. They last significantly longer and are safer than traditional fluorescents because they don’t contain mercury. There are two types: direct replacements and ballast-free models. Direct replacements can be installed on existing rapid or instant-start ballasts. Ballast-free models must be installed by a professional, as the original ballast fixture needs to be rewired for compatibility.
What Are the Benefits of Commercial LED Lighting?
LED technology has evolved at a rapid pace, quickly becoming the industry standard lighting option. The benefits extend far beyond their luminosity, as there are multiple ways they outshine the competition. From advanced illumination technology and safety features to their unparalleled efficiency and longevity, LEDs offer an ideal upgrade for businesses in any industry.
Energy Efficiency
Longer Lifespan
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Lower Heat Emission
Improved Lighting Quality
What is the ROI of switching to commercial LED lighting?
Making the switch to commercial LED lighting is both a strategic and measurable decision. To see if upgrading to LED lighting is worthwhile for your business, you can calculate your return on investment (ROI). This will help your business see the initial costs of purchasing and installing the LEDs and understand when the energy savings will pay for those initial costs, and then ultimately save your business money moving forward.
Calculating ROI is simple when your business keeps track of project costs. To calculate it, you estimate your project costs, including LED fixtures and installations, and compare them to your annual energy and maintenance savings. You then divide the savings by that initial upfront project cost to see how many years it is going to take your business to break even and then become profitable on the investment. The shorter your payback period, the stronger your ROI is.
There are many utility and government programs that offer different incentives, tax credits, and rebates for making the switch to energy-efficient lighting. These options provide opportunities to save even more money and strengthen your ROI. By understanding your potential ROI, you can make a confident, data-driven decision about upgrading to LED lighting. It helps you see how the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront costs.
What Rebates and Incentives Are Available?
Most states offer rebates to replace fluorescent and incandescent bulbs with LEDs due to them using significantly less energy, preventing the electric grid from getting overloaded. Checking with your state departments can potentially unlock rebates and other incentives.
Smart Controls and Technologies That Enhance LED Savings
LED savings extend far beyond simply swapping inferior bulbs for them—smart control options are available to help amplify energy efficiency and savings. From occupancy motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when rooms are empty to daylight harvesting systems that adjust brightness based on natural light levels, there are many ways to utilize these controls and technologies. Additionally, dimming controls allow your business to find the right lighting levels for different tasks or times of the day, further reducing energy consumption. These smart controls and technologies enhance LED performance even more than normal, delivering lower long-term operating costs.
Tips for a Successful LED Lighting Upgrade
It is important to know what steps to take when undergoing your LED lighting upgrade. Knowing your current light fixtures will help you determine which type of LED light bulbs you need. Utilize professional, commercial installation companies to minimize the risk of having to reinstall lighting fixtures. Once installation is complete, schedule ongoing maintenance and inspections to maximize the LEDs’ lifespan and brightness.
Exploring LED Options & More with Integrity Energy
At Integrity Energy, we’re able to manage your energy strategy, maximize your savings, and guide you through every step of your energy procurement journey. Contact us today to start transforming your business’s energy future.
About the Author 
Lian Pickens
Read more from Lian …
Follow Lian Pickens on
