LED lighting has revolutionized the industry, with many businesses transitioning from outdated fluorescent tubes to more efficient LED tubes, reaping substantial savings in the process.
If your company falls into this category, you might be wondering when it's a good time to replace your current LED tubes with the latest advancements and whether the upgrade is worth it. The world of LED lighting has made significant strides in recent years, prompting us to explore the changes and whether you should consider adopting the newest generation of LED tubes.
What Happens as LED Tubes Age?
Over time, LED tubes, like all LED lighting, experience a decline in light output. Their lifespan is typically defined by the point when the tubes produce only 70% of their original light output, rather than when they completely cease functioning.
This means that, with time, your LED tubes will emit progressively less light. Additionally, other issues may arise as your LED tubes age, including color shift due to heat affecting the LED chips, driver failure, ballast failure, and even yellowing of plastic components.
Year | Specifications |
2015 | 19 Watts; 80 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 50,000 Hour Life Rating |
2016 | 15.5 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 50,000 Hour Life Rating |
2017 | 15.5 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,100 Lumens; 50,000 Hour Life Rating |
2018 | 15 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 50,000 Hour Life Rating |
2021 | 13 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 60,000 Hour Life Rating |
2022 | 13 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 60,000 Hour Life Rating |
2023 | 12 Watts; 82 CRI; 2,000 Lumens; 50,000 Hour Life Rating |
Comparing LED Tubes Over the Years
Taking a retrospective look at LED tubes, we've compared the specifications of an LED tube designed to replace a standard 32W, four-foot fluorescent tube over the last eight years. Notable changes include a 37% increase in efficiency, improved light consistency, better color quality, enhanced emergency lighting options, and better compatibility with lighting controls. While LED tube costs have generally decreased, some may still be comparable to fluorescent options.
When to Consider Upgrading Your LED Tubes
To determine whether upgrading is a good idea, consider a few key factors:
1. Light Output and Quality: If you're experiencing dim areas or poor lighting quality, it might be time to upgrade.
2. Energy Efficiency: If you've already recouped your initial LED investment, upgrading now could yield an additional 30% or more in savings.
3. Outages or Compatibility Issues: Frequent ballast or driver failures, or difficulties with control compatibility, could indicate a need for an upgrade.
We recommend evaluating your LED tubes for an upgrade every three to five years, ensuring you benefit from the latest technological advancements. However, in low-burn areas, longer periods between upgrades might be feasible.
Considering LED Fixtures
Another consideration is transitioning from LED tubes to complete LED fixtures. Opting for fixtures designed around LEDs typically yields higher efficiency and performance. If your fixtures require an upgrade or a visual overhaul, LED fixtures or retrofit kits could be an excellent solution, even offering skylight-like options for improved wellness benefits.
Need Guidance on LED Tube Upgrades?
Our team specializes in helping you navigate the evolving LED landscape. With our expertise, we can guide you towards the best LED solutions for your needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our lighting consultants to make informed decisions in the ever-changing world of lighting technology.
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