December 23, 2022

By Anastazia Csegeny

LED retrofitting is quickly gaining traction as an energy-conscious and lasting addition to commercial and industrial businesses around the world. While light emitting diodes (LEDs) have already been established as a high quality and inexpensive lighting choice, retrofitting projects have now become the next step in the way forward to more widespread energy conservation. But not all business owners and building managers are well-informed on the ins and outs of LED lighting retrofits, including the process, the benefits, and even the different types. In this latest blog, we are breaking down the basics of LED retrofitting to help you and your business better understand this efficient lighting solution.

Understanding LED Retrofits

Despite the technical name, LED retrofitting is a straightforward service now provided by many lighting and energy companies, including Daisy Energy. An LED retrofit involves converting existing lighting fixtures into LED fixtures. Today, LEDs are commonly used in most electronic devices and lighting systems, but there are still many commercial and industrial buildings using outdated and inefficient lighting, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and incandescent lamps. A retrofit project would then change these systems to LED lights while preserving the existing fixtures.

If an existing fixture is incompatible with LEDs, it may not be possible to complete a retrofit service. But in those cases, the fixtures can usually still be replaced with completely new LED fixtures. If your current lighting system has dimmer switches and lighting control, there is also the possibility that they may not work with new LED lights. However, new and LED-specific switches can often be installed alongside the retrofit, which upholds a smooth transition for your company.

Some people might wonder why it is worth pursuing an LED retrofit over installing a completely new fixture. When it really comes down to it, LED retrofit lighting is significantly cheaper. Retrofits exist for companies and businesses who may not want to purchase and go through the long hassle of installing a new lighting system. An LED retrofit thus ticks the boxes of quick turnaround and being cost-effective both upfront and for the long term.

Types of LED Retrofits

The types of LED retrofits range depending on whether they are being installed in an office, a corporate facility, a retail store, a warehouse, or for general commercial and industrial use. Different spaces require different sized bulbs or tubes, and existing fixtures, as mentioned, will determine the complexity of the retrofit and how long the project might take. More often than not, a retrofit project will use one of the following types of LED fixtures:

LED Tubes

LED tubes are the most common type of LED retrofit. The existing fluorescent tubes in a space are replaced with LED tubes, which preserves the existing lighting fixtures and only requires minimal labour. LED tubes are used for a wide range of lighting purposes, and they are usually found in buildings where lights are on all the time, such as retail stores and refrigeration rooms.

LED Strip Light Fixtures

Strip lights are sometimes referred to as “shop lights” since they are relatively simple light fixtures that focus an exact amount of light over a work area. As such, they are often found in garages and workshops, as well as storage facilities and warehouses. In terms of the fixture, the new LEDs can be replaceable or permanent.

LED Troffer Lights

Troffer lights are typically found in office settings, and they are usually installed in drop-ceilings for employees working at desks and cubicles. An LED retrofit for troffer lights is beneficial for spaces that hope to integrate more energy efficient lighting into their workflow but also want to preserve the existing fixture’s appearance.

LED Vapor Tight Fixtures

Vapor tight fixtures are used for outdoor purposes since they are sealed from dust, moisture, and other weather. Environments like parking garages, greenhouses, manufacturing facilities, and farmyards often use these fixtures since they can withstand the harsh environmental impacts.

Benefits of LED Retrofits

LED light retrofitting brings about several benefits for both the employers and employees at any company. From commercial to industrial businesses, the benefits span much further than simply cost savings.

In an office environment, your company can expect benefits like the following after an LED retrofit:

  • Lower energy usage
  • Eligibility for tax rebates
  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Higher quality and colour accurate lighting
  • Improved work performance and productivity
  • Reduced eye strain, screen glare, and physical stress

In an industrial environment, your company can expect benefits like the following after an LED retrofit:

  • High energy savings
  • Eligibility for energy rebates
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Low heat emissions
  • Instant and full brightness
  • Long-lasting and low maintenance
  • Increased safety through improved visibility

These benefits, particularly those anticipated for an office setting, were confirmed in a case study Daisy Energy completed on one of its end users. The Lake Street Meridian Credit Union branch in St Catharines recently underwent an LED lighting retrofit to reduce their energy usage and lower the business’ environmental impacts. Some of the highlights of this particular retrofit project include the following:

  • Increased productivity of staff by eliminating light flickering and glare
  • Monthly energy usage year-over-year fell from 22,012-kWh to 14,697-kWh
  • 10-year operational energy savings are predicted to be over $110,000
  • Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) rebate covered approximately 25 per cent of the project’s cost
  • Retrofit projects are now anticipated at 11 more Meridian Credit Union branches

Ready for Your Retrofit?

Daisy Energy is proud to offer LED lighting retrofit services to both small and large businesses, as well as ongoing maintenance and support well after the project is completed. If you think your business is ready to pursue an LED retrofit solution and take the next step towards energy conservation and overall lighting efficiency, contact Daisy Energy today. Our experts are here to conduct a professional consultation and provide a no-obligation quote to find the lighting solutions that best meet your business’ needs and budget. An LED retrofit is your best option for the future, and we are here to get you there.