Three Reasons to Consider an LED Retrofit Now 

By Molly Looman 

An LED retrofit can feel like a major renovation. It is hard to determine whether it is worth the cost to simply change a light bulb. However, switching to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) goes beyond the bulb itself. LEDs can provide multiple tangible and intangible benefits to any commercial space along with making the life of a building engineer a little easier.  

1.Built to Last

Modern LED lights can last up to 25 times longer than a regular incandescent light. Not only does that mean decreased maintenance costs, but it also means you won’t have to replace them as often. This leads to savings for your building. With retrofits, you can keep the original fixtures, so there is also a reduced cost in that department. The cooler color temperature will also produce cleaner, brighter light that could increase safety and make certain maintenance projects easier. Increased brightness can also be a safety benefit in high-risk areas such as parking lots or stairwells.

2. Saves Money

Running electricity for a commercial building is costly and can have a large environmental footprint. LEDS are more environmentally friendly because they use about 20%-25% of the energy that an incandescent bulb does. This efficiency means you spend less money on replacements and overall energy bills.  A retrofit also saves money as compared to a full overhaul. Because a building can keep its original fixtures, the cost is significantly lower. Between lower up-front costs and high energy savings, an LED retrofit can be a significant cost-saving choice. 

3. Betters Tenant Experience

LED retrofit isn’t just for the building. Making a major lighting change can affect tenant productivity and mood. The WELL Building Standard sees switching to LEDs as an improvement. Making the investment for a retrofit will pay of in human capital as well because tenants and building visitors will have a better experience due to the lighting.  While this is not a tangible benefit, the opportunity for increased safety, increased tenant productivity and less impact on the environment should be reasons enough to consider a retrofit in your property.