How to Convert Fluorescent to LED: 5 Cost Effective Ways

When fluorescent lighting options became available on the lighting market, they were considered to be highly efficient. They were a better option at the time when compared to High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights such as Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium. However, these lights were surpassed quickly by LEDs.

So, if you are still using fluorescent lights in a commercial or industrial facility, a lighting upgrade to LED lights can cut your energy costs by half. A very common upgrade we help with all the time is converting fluorescent T5 high-output high bays over to linear panel high bays.

At the time of their introduction to the lighting market, LEDs were much more expensive when compared to fluorescent and HID lights. Since then, they’ve become much more affordable and are competitively priced.

Plus, you will make up the extra money spent immediately through maintenance costs and energy savings.

Upgrading Fluorescent Lights to LED

You can upgrade from fluorescents to LEDs in two distinct ways. Firstly, you can do a lighting retrofit to your existing fixtures to make them function for LED lighting. This is known as retrofitting. Secondly, it is possible to replace the lighting fixtures entirely with modern LED lighting.

Once you have decided whether you would like to retrofit or not, there are many other considerations to make. Here, you have to consider factors like the kind of fixtures available, location, budget, and other lighting requirements.

Regardless of the option that you go with, LEDs have quite a few advantages over fluorescent lights. After they are installed, you will enjoy a reduction in operating expenses and lower electrical bills. Plus, with better lighting, you will see a productivity enhancement.

So, learn here how you can cut down your utility expenses and employ LEDs.

The Issues with Fluorescent Fixtures

1. Fluorescent Tubes Contain Mercury

The worst thing about fluorescent lights is that they contain mercury. Although there is no danger when mercury is contained within the sealed tube, it becomes a hazard if the tube drops and breaks.

When a tube gets broken, some amount of mercury gets released into the area. Thus, it is recommended to air out that area immediately and clean up shattered glass quickly.

However, a vacuum cannot be used for cleaning up as it makes the mercury airborne. Thus, workers must take some extra precautions to ensure that they are not injured even when cleaning up the mess.

When it comes to appearance, LED tubes look exactly like fluorescents. However, they are very different. First, LED is a mercury-free lighting solution. There is no costly recycling fees associated with LED lights. And you will never have to worry about a tube dropping and contaminating an area, such as a school class room or hospital.

2. Fluorescents’ Lumens Drop Quicker in Cold or Hot Environments

Fluorescents are delicate when it comes to their functionality and composition. These lights only perform well in a room-temperature setting. In fact, in temperatures under 50 degrees, you can expect the light to perform at max, at 80% capacity.

Plus, this is only when you put up a brand-new light. We are going to discuss this later in more detail. However, fluorescent lights are infamous due to their rapid light quality and quantity depletion.

On the other hand, LEDs do not get affected by factors like temperature. These lights keep functioning at their peak regardless of your room’s ambient conditions.

Plus, it is important to note that even when at an appropriate temperature and indoors, LEDs can still outpace fluorescents quickly.

3. Fluorescent Technology Does Not Work Well with Dimmers

Most fluorescents are not dimmable. However, some can be. Dimmers interfere with the interior functioning of fluorescent fixtures.

Thus, they reduce their life significantly. This is a huge drawback as dimmer switches are an awesome way of cutting energy costs.

So, if you want dimmable lighting and like to get it done efficiently, LEDs are dimmable lighting solutions that will work for you.

4. Fluorescent Lights are Not Directional

In case you have been looking into the lighting options for your unit, then you may probably have heard of terms like directional lighting and omnidirectional lighting.

So, what do these words mean in the lighting world? Here, omnidirectional means the lighting fixture emits light at 360 degrees light distribution. LEDs feature directional fixtures, whereas fluorescents are omnidirectional.

So, does this matter? Around 30-40% of the non-directional light emitted through a fluorescent bulb is wasted. This much light gets lost to various refractions or diverted to an area where it is not required.

Most LED lighting options are directional. Thus, you can direct the light in any direction that you need it to be. You also have options related to light beam spread. This beam spread can be tailored to your particular lighting application. Plus, it ensures that there is no wasted light.

5. Fluorescents Utilize More Energy than LEDs

When you switch to LED technology, there are lots of benefits. As a result, you save more money. However, the most drastic one is that LEDs result in lower electrical costs.

Based on the fluorescent lights installed before and what LED lights you replace them with, you can save up to 80% on your energy bills, lower your environmental impact and be part of carbon footprint reduction.

On average, it is found that there is about a 30% reduction in electricity consumption. Even when you do not replace your fluorescent lighting fixtures with the best LED lighting options, there is a drastic reduction in energy usage.

So, consider how much LED lights cost as compared to fluorescents in the long run. LEDs provide a return on investment, which is not possible with fluorescents.

6. Fluorescent Tubes Produce More Heat

Facility managers and property owners know that appliances that emit more heat are something that you should avoid. That’s because they increase cooling costs and pose a hazard to employees.

While it is unavoidable to use such equipment in particular situations like factory settings, it is always possible not to use heat-producing lighting fixtures.

Sometimes, fluorescent lights are a big contributor to this. When you own a large facility, covering its ceiling with fluorescents will make the situation even worse.

This becomes worse when it already costs a great deal of money to keep the facility cool. Changing to LEDs will make a noticeable difference and a great impact. This is because LEDs emit little to no heat.

7. Regular Usage of Fluorescents Causes Failure

In your industrial or commercial facility, you are probably using lights every day for the majority of the day. One of the best ways to mitigate the cost of lights each day is to install motion sensors for dimmers.

However, this could be a detriment to the fluorescent fixture’s life. Fluorescent lights do work well with motion sensors and dimmers. Plus, when you switch off/on these sensors, it actually decreases the light’s lifespan.

So, you might want technology that enables frequent off/on switching during the day. LED lighting solutions are the perfect option.

These lights do well with lighting controls and sensors. One can switch them off and on multiple times without affecting their feasibility.

8. Fluorescent Lights Require More Replacement and Maintenance

You can extend the lifespan of a fluorescent tube by following certain steps, such as cutting down on the number of times you switch it on and off. Nevertheless, they will deteriorate rapidly. Flurescent lights have an average lifetime of 15,000 hours. This is three to four times quicker than your average LED light.

On average, LEDs are long lifespan lighting that last for about 50,000 hours. This means that you must replace fluorescent lights at least three times more frequently than an LED. In large buildings that have lots of lighting solutions, the cost of replacing fluorescent lights usually adds up quickly.

So, you need to spend more money on replacement bulbs and on the manpower that it takes to switch out the old lights for the new ones. With LED, you will realize a maintenance cost reduction. These lights have a remarkably long lifespan and emit brighter light for a long period.

9. Flickering and Buzzing

Lastly, the most infamous aspect of fluorescents is their flicker and buzz. This loathsome flickering and buzzing put a strain both mentally and physically on employees. This, in turn, affects productivity and morale severely.

Most health problems have been attributed to working under buzzing fluorescent lights, such as:

• irritation and eye strain
• migraine headaches
• sleep disorders
• enhanced stress levels

So, this is unfortunately an unavoidable thing about fluorescent lighting. Fortunately, you can resolve this issue by opting for LED lighting. LEDs are flicker-free lighting that run off a consistent DC current. As a result, these lights never flicker or buzz, even when they approach the end of their useful life.

Fluorescent to LED Conversion

As you can see, conversion to LEDs comes with various benefits. It is possible to switch to LED lighting through various methods.

However, the best method for you and your facility will depend on various factors, such as budget, the state of current lighting fixtures, and how you plan to use the lights. When replacing your current fluorescent tubes, it is best to use retrofit LED tubes.

So, this process is less expensive as you do not have to replace the complete fixture here. For this method, you need to do rewiring work to bypass the ballast in a lighting fixture. However, this is not nearly like replacing the complete lighting option. If you want to learn how to replace a fluorescent tube with an LED batten, you can review this article by LED First Choice.

Benefits: Replace Fluorescent Tube with LED

When you decide to retrofit, the best way to carry out this task is to use LED tubes. This procedure saves energy, where you just bypass the ballast.

Also, this helps to prevent ballast failures and flickering or dimness in the future. You can look for retrofit tubes in high-efficient models and standard models too.

The brightness increases depending on the LED tube’s lumen ratings. Changing your lights to LEDs will reduce the expenses of running them and give back twice the brightness.

Plus, the conversion method ensures that you enjoy very efficient usage. Usually, standard LED Tubes use about 18 watts compared to the 36 watts fluorescents consume.

Thus, one LED tube can replace two fluorescent lights. So, this makes an 18-watt versus 72-watt energy consumption.

Another benefit of using LEDs is getting rebates from a utility provider. These rebates are for energy-saving upgrades that you make to your lighting system.

To qualify for these rebates, always purchase LED lighting options that have a DLC listing. Make sure to look for this listing before purchasing new LED lights.

Also, the lifespan of an LED tube is significantly longer than fluorescent tubes. When it comes to an LED, you can enjoy about 50,000 hours on the low end.

Cost to Convert Fluorescents to LED

The up-front cost of converting can be high, totaling between $1000 and $20,000.* This includes $50-$100 per hour for an electrician and the cost of LED bulbs and conversion kits. The efficiency of LED lighting will save you money in the long run.

* This depends entirely on the number of fixtures being converted.

Replacing Fluorescent Light Fixture with LED Fixture

This method is a bit expensive. However, it will offer a transformative experience. One can swap the complete fluorescent lighting fixture with both strip lighting fixtures and LED Wrap-around lighting fixtures.

Benefits of Employing LED Wrap Around Fixtures

These are unique fixtures that require no rewiring other than what is needed for replacing the fixture. The primary advantage of this method is that you can enjoy all the benefits of new LED features, such as light distribution, impressive light levels, and color temperatures.

Plus, this upgrade fixes other issues immediately, such as when lighting fixtures are old, or the lenses are faded or yellowed.

Ceiling Mounted LED Wrap Fixtures

LED wrap fixtures are classic ceiling mount lighting fixtures. They are low in cost and offer good lighting solutions for different settings like shops, garages, and workshops. These fixtures are ceiling mounted only. So, they do restrict the installation options a bit. install magnetic LED strips. This way provides more advantages than just retrofitting the existing fixtures.

Strip Light Hanging LED Fixtures

These fixtures are hanging-style shop lighting fixtures. Strip light fixtures offer customization when it comes to installation. Plus, they bring the lighting closer to your work area. These fixtures are available in 2, 4, or 8-foot lengths.

There are options available with vapor-proof and IP ratings, which keep dust and moisture from getting into the fixture’s interior. This protection enables the lighting options to function trouble-free in tough environments for longer.

Benefits of LED Panels

Also, you can replace fluorescent lights with LED panels. These LED Drop-In Panels are specially designed for drop ceiling grids or surface mounts. These trendy lighting options keep the troffer integral.

Thus, you get to enjoy an impressive look. This is a perfect kind of LED fitting, which can be used in suspended grid ceilings. Plus, they look great on flat ceilings.

Using LED panels, the light is evenly disturbed and spread without dim spots. So, the lighting looks pleasing, even within the panel. They offer a bright option to replace a 2×4 lighting fixture with two tubes.

To replace a 2×4 lighting fixture, this fixture employs 40 Watts and provides 5000 lumens. The average life of this fixture is about 100,000 hours.

Also, we offer dimming and color-changing panels. If you are confused about the color temperature, then worry not. Use the supplied remote for changing the light levels and color temperatures to easily suit all requirements.

Benefits of Shop LED Fixtures

Besides LED wrap fixtures and LED panels, you even have the option to swap your fluorescents with a single linear shop fixture. These lighting fixtures are very sleek and slim.

These integrated lights are the same size as fluorescents. One can suspend these fixtures from wires. It is also possible to surface mount these fixtures. So, installation is entirely customizable.

Plus, the brightness of shop fixtures is better than the tube ones. These fixtures offer long lamp life, which saves a lot of money because they don’t require frequent replacements.

They also offer dust and water protection along with an integrated design. There are more intense options available, such as waterproof and vapor-tight fixtures.

Benefits of Linear High Bays

Most warehouses employ T5 high output linear high bays that provide general lighting. They cover large portions of aisle lighting. Typically, they contain 4, 6, or 8 54 watt T5 high-output tubes.

Unfortunately, these tubes become a maintenance problem quickly and need constant replacing. Also, they do not function well with other devices, such as motion sensors that switch off the lighting fixture when they are not needed.

Switching to linear high bays from T5 Linear High Bays is a smart and simple process. These powerful options can offer light levels that are not obtainable with T5 tube lighting fixtures.

Here, we are talking about 71,000 lumens. To offer such a light, you require 18 tubes if you are using a comparable T5 lighting fixture.