A Brighter Option with Every Passing Year

When LED lighting first burst onto the scene in the facility maintenance world, 2×4 LED troffers cost more than $200 per fixture, their warranties were limited, and color temperature selection was a pipe dream. The thought of converting a facility of any size or type to LED carried large energy savings, but the return on investment for such projects typically ranged from four to eight years!

Fast forward to 2024 and LED lighting retrofit options are not only more cost efficient, but styles and options for LED are more eclectic than ever before. Return on investment potential has dramatically expanded and accelerated, with the method making an impact on these figures as well.

In this post we’ll explore the different LED lighting retrofit options available as of today so you can make an informed decision about which to implement in your locations.

Go in-depth into commercial LED retrofits in this extensive overview, complete with a glossary of LED and lighting terminology. Download your copy now.

Exploring the Different Types of LED Lighting Retrofit Options

  • Retrofit existing fixtures — When looking to manage a budget for commercial facilities for LED lighting upgrades, the option to retrofit existing fixtures will always be more cost efficient than replacing technology with new fixtures. Please don’t feel like this option is “cheaper,” but instead merely more cost efficient. For businesses that do not desire an entirely new aesthetic, retrofitting existing fixtures can make projects more budget friendly, while simultaneously capturing energy savings in the 40 to 80% range. Likewise, LED lamp options carry very strong five- to 10-year warranties.
  • Replace fixtures entirely — For businesses looking for a new aesthetic, new fixture options are most cost efficient than ever and carry strong warranties as well. New fixture technologies often come with color selectable features, allowing fixture settings to be customized for each and every space. Feasibly, one office could have one color temperature, while the office next door is a different color temperature altogether.

Additional Considerations with LED Retrofits

Ballast Elimination is Most Important

Regardless of whether you choose to retrofit existing fixtures or to go with all-new LED fixtures, the elimination of T12, T8, T5, and HID ballasts is the most important element in converting to LED. While energy savings and lighting utility rebates help to support stronger ROI, the elimination of ballasts creates one point of failure in each fixture and saves thousands of dollars in the future. This is because ballasts no longer need to be replaced, which was necessary with older lighting technologies that LED is replacing. The elimination of ballasts reduces maintenance savings immediately after project completion and continues to pay back your business with maintenance and material savings for years to come.

Maximize Your LED Warranties

Furthermore, regardless of LED retrofit vs. fixture replacement options, maximizing your LED lighting warranty is integral. Working with an experienced partner like CLS — who has completed more than 10,000 lighting retrofits in the past decade — offers businesses the opportunity to earn warranties that go beyond the norm.

Oftentimes, those strong relationships CLS has with manufacturers can help you to earn an industry-leading 10-year warranty on LED technologies. In this manner, not only does your business reap the benefits of strong project ROIs and great results, but you are benefitting from 10 years of not having to pay for lighting technology replacement or material costs to replace lamps or fixtures.

Let’s Shine a Light on the Best LED Lighting Retrofit Options for Your Situation

CLS Facility Services has been supporting organizations across the country for more than 50 years with all manner of facility asset maintenance needs. From HVAC/R and lighting to plumbing and fire/life safety, we build proactive programs that keep assets running their best while helping businesses avoid unexpected maintenance costs and more. With a highly experienced team, distinct value-adds that keep you informed 24/7/365, and a national network of proven vendors, we’re the team you need to achieve your facility management goals.

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