Once you’ve implemented an LED system, you’re done, right? You’re all set for as long as you’re in business?
For a while, yes, since light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in general have a longer operational lifespan compared to legacy technologies like fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), and incandescent lighting. However, by upgrading your initial LED installation from years ago, you could take advantage of additional cost savings and achieve much longer operational lifetimes with modern products.
Technology advancements have resulted in current LEDs reaching optimal functionality: vibrant lighting for any setting with high energy efficiency and low thermal output to extend the life of core components. If you’re still relying on older LEDs and an outdated infrastructure, your facility may not be operating at its full potential.
An upgrade to current LED technology can help you achieve increased energy savings and extend operational lifetimes.
Are All LED Lights Energy-Efficient?
LEDs are more efficient than incandescent, halogen, metal halide, HPS, and fluorescent lights. But first-generation LEDs weren’t always designed with longevity and upgradability in mind. Today’s diode manufacturers continue to revolutionize chip technology while LED drivers and luminaire design itself to take them to new levels.
When factoring energy savings, it isn’t just the LED diode itself that matters — it’s the entire luminaire (fixture) and the system as a whole, which includes integrated controls and sensors.
LEDs and control systems have come a long way over the past decade, so don’t sell your organization short by never trading up.
When To Upgrade To New LED Luminaires
By now, first-generation LEDs are getting worn out, experiencing lumen depreciation and may have sustained significant failures. They’re almost certainly out of warranty, so any complications you have with them could be costly. On top of that, the engineering wasn't as sophisticated as it is now, so they're utilizing more power (wattage) than is necessary for a given light output (lumens).
Has it been five to 10 years since your last LED installation? Then there’s no better time than now to think about retrofitting or replacing your facility 1st gen LED lighting.
How can you be even more certain? Aside from energy consumption, you can purchase a light meter to measure light levels(foot-candles) and see if they’re where they need to be for your facility. Better yet, you’re welcome to reach out to Illumadyne to audit your light levels for you.
Why New LEDs Are The Right Option
Luminaires
New LED luminaires are far more efficient than LED luminaires from just five to ten years ago. Imagine your facility with superior lighting that enhances productivity and safety at an even lower energy expense.
The technology has come so far that organizations such as the Design Lights Consortium (DLC) have been established to drive improvements in the energy efficiency and quality of modern lights. They list approved products that meet or exceed strict requirements based on lighting quality and environmental effects, and chances are first-generation LEDs won’t reach those standards.
Many of Illumadyne’s LED products are DLC® listed - meeting current stringent utility incentive program requirements.
Additionally, far more options are available for color temperatures (Kelvin ratings), optics (light distribution patterns),accessories, and more with current LEDs, which makes for better customization.
Providing the right lighting for a comfortable and safe atmosphere goes a long way in protecting workers and keeping productivity high.
Controls
Control systems and sensors can really maximize efficiency and energy savings. Such energy savings can be achieved by using occupancy/vacancy sensors to make sure the lights aren’t wasted on empty spaces or unnecessarily kept on overnight. More controls can also be implemented to set the light at appropriate dimming levels.
This is once again an example of technology taking quantum leaps over the past decade, allowing for programmable light levels, remote access, customizable timers, and more.
You can program your lighting systems to much more minute details than in the past, and with better convenience as wireless control technology has advanced.
You could see 40% to 50% better energy efficiency in new LED luminaires compared to earlier LED products.
Making The Upgrade To Modern LED Lights
While it’s an investment to make an upgrade from first-generation LEDs to new more efficient products, it’s a lower cost than upgrading from fluorescent or HID to LED initially. In addition, some utility incentives may be available for upgrading from older LEDs to newer LED.
We’d love to discuss all the benefits of boosting your efficiency and light quality with new, more efficient LED products.
Please contact us and let’s get started.