LED lighting upgrades can be implemented more quickly than most other energy efficiency measures, causing minimal disruptions. LED lighting also offers an excellent return on investment: typically payback period under 4 years and an ROI above 25%. However, it is possible to go wrong with lighting upgrades, so we highly recommend getting professional advice before purchasing any lamps or fixtures.
The following are some common mistakes when LED upgrades are undertaken without proper professional advice. Lighting quality may decrease after upgrading, or you may damage your new bulbs by connecting them to the wrong power source.
When done correctly, an LED lighting upgrade offers significant energy savings, up to 80% of previous lighting consumption in some cases. Maintenance is also simplified, as LED products last much longer than incandescent, fluorescent and HID lamps.
Considering LED lighting for your building?
Make sure you use the correct upgrade for each type of fixture.
Mistake #1 – Not checking the power supply
While incandescent lamps are connected directly to the voltage source, fluorescent and HID lamps are driven by power conditioning units called ballasts. In simple terms, a ballast controls the current supplied to the lamp, ensuring it is sufficient for proper operation, but not so high that it causes damage.
When upgrading to LED lighting, there are three possibilities regarding the power source. LED tubes intended to replace fluorescent tubes come in three versions:
|
CONNECTION TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Direct |
Many LED products come with an integrated power conditioning circuit, allowing direct connection to utility-supplied AC voltage. |
|
Ballast |
To simplify installation, many LED manufacturers have developed lamps that are compatible with existing ballasts. This way, there is no need to disconnect them. The main disadvantage is slightly lower efficiency due to ballast losses. It may also be necessary to replace the ballasts later if they are already old at the time of the LED upgrade. |
|
Driver |
Drivers are power conditioning units similar to ballasts, but designed exclusively for LED lighting. Installation can be complex, as ballasts must be replaced with drivers, but LED products with this configuration are typically highly efficient and reliable. |
Before upgrading to LED, be sure to check the power supply requirements. For example, a common mistake is to remove bulbs that use ballasts and add LED bulbs that are for direct connection.
Mistake #2 – Not checking the beam shape
If two lamps use the same power supply and the same type of base, it does not necessarily mean they are for the same application. LED products are characterized by their design flexibility, which means that there are many beam shapes available. For example:
- An A-series LED bulb is globe-shaped and emits light in all directions.
- On the other hand, a PAR (aluminized parabolic reflector) lamp emits most of its lighting output in a narrow beam.
Many A-series and PAR lamps share base types, but you will get poor results if the beam shape is not suitable for an application. For example, if you use a PAR bulb in a table lamp, you will get a narrow beam toward the ceiling and almost no lighting on the sides.
Mistake #3 – Not checking color performance
All light sources have a color rendering index (CRI) and a correlated color temperature (CCT). The CRI has a maximum value of 100 and describes how well the light source reveals the colors of other objects and surfaces. On the other hand, CCT describes the color of the light source itself, typically ranging from 2700K (warm white) to 6500K (daytime white).
- For CRI, a higher value is always better, although LED products with a high CRI typically have a higher price. A maximum CRI of 100 indicates a light source that can match the performance of natural lighting (sunlight).
- For CCT, there is no single value that can be considered “the best”, since different CCT values are suitable for different applications. For example, warm white is recommended in bedrooms, while daytime white is recommended for high-precision work in industrial environments.
A well-designed lighting system provides the right amount of light, where it is needed, and with the right color properties. Lighting efficiency is important, but quality should not be sacrificed.
Mistake #4 – Not checking incentive programs
Governments and utility companies are aware of the benefits offered by LED lighting. As a result, they often introduce incentive programs to make lighting upgrades more affordable for energy consumers. However, these incentive programs set technical eligibility requirements, and you could lose out if you upgrade your lighting without checking these requirements.
If you're in New York City, you can check out the incentives available at Con Edison . Depending on the property type and location, you may even be able to get some LED upgrades for free. In the case of New Jersey, energy efficiency incentives are managed through the NJ Clean Energy Program. Note that these programs are not exclusive to lighting, so check the full range of available incentives if you are planning other building upgrades.
Conclusion
LED lighting upgrades are quick and offer a short payback period, but lighting results can be poor if new bulbs and fixtures are not selected carefully. Contacting qualified design professionals is highly recommended to ensure you achieve efficiency and performance. Energy savings should not be achieved at the expense of lighting quality and human comfort.
If your building is covered by Local Law 88 of 2009 , you must update your lighting in accordance with the requirements of the New York Energy Conservation Code. However, this is a great opportunity to implement an LED lighting system that goes beyond code, offering long-term savings.
