What is a good replacement for fluorescent light fixture?

Fluorescent lighting has been a popular choice for many years due to its energy efficiency and low cost. However, as LED technology has advanced, LED lights are now considered a better option than traditional fluorescent lighting in most cases. When it’s time to replace old fluorescent fixtures, LEDs offer many benefits.

Why Replace Fluorescent Lighting?

There are a few main reasons you may want to replace fluorescent lighting fixtures:

• Fluorescents use more energy – While fluorescents are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, LEDs use even less energy. Replacing fluorescents with LEDs can reduce lighting energy use by 30-80%.
• Fluorescents have shorter lifespan – The average lifespan of an LED bulb is 25,000-50,000 hours compared to only 10,000-20,000 hours for a fluorescent. This means fewer bulb replacements.
• Fluorescents contain mercury – Fluorescent tubes contain a small amount of toxic mercury. LEDs are mercury-free, making them safer for the environment.
• Fluorescents have poor light quality – LEDs provide a clearer, brighter, more natural light compared to the cooler, harsher light of fluorescents.
• Fluorescents don’t dim well – Fluorescent lighting does not dim smoothly or to very low levels. LEDs can be dimmed much better.

As LED technology has improved, the energy savings, longer lifespan, better light quality and reduced environmental impact make LEDs the better choice for most lighting situations.

Benefits of Switching to LED Lighting

Here are some of the top benefits of switching from fluorescent lighting to LEDs:

• Energy Savings – As mentioned above, LEDs use significantly less power. Replacing T8 or T12 fluorescents with LED tubes can reduce lighting power consumption by 35-60%.
• Long Lifespan – The extremely long-lasting LEDs mean fewer bulb replacements over time.
• Lower Maintenance – With their long lifespans, LEDs have greatly reduced maintenance costs.
• Safety – No glass tubes or mercury content make LEDs a safer choice.
• Better Light Quality – Users often report LED lighting provides improved visibility, reduced eyestrain, and brighter spaces.
• No Warm-up Time – LEDs provide instant-on lighting, whereas fluorescents take time to warm up.
• Cooler Temperatures – LED fixtures run cooler, reducing HVAC costs.
• Dimmability – LEDs can smoothly dim from 100% to 1% brightness.
• No Buzz or Flicker – Poorly designed fluorescents sometimes flicker or emit audible buzzing. Quality LEDs operate silently with no flicker.
• No Mercury or UV Emissions – LED lighting is more environmentally friendly.

For most applications, the switch to LED lighting provides better performance, lower environmental impact, and reduced long-term costs. The higher upfront cost of LED fixtures is typically earned back through energy and maintenance savings within 2-3 years.

LED Replacement Options for Fluorescent Fixtures

There are a few different options for replacing fluorescent troffers and tubes with LED lighting:

LED Retrofit Kits

Retrofit kits allow you to convert existing fluorescent fixtures by replacing fluorescent tubes or ballasts with LED components:

• LED Tubes – LED tubes are designed to replace fluorescent T8 and T12 tubes. They fit into existing sockets and bypass the fluorescent ballast. Different tube options provide direct wire connections or plug-and-play compatibility.
• LED Ballast Bypass – These retrofit kits remove the fluorescent ballast and rewire sockets directly to line voltage. LED lamp holders are installed into existing sockets.
• LED Ballast Compatible – These use LED tubes designed to operate on the existing fluorescent ballast. Useful for temporary retrofits, but ballast may fail before LED lifespan is reached.

Benefits of retrofit kits include:

• Lower upfront cost than new fixtures
• Easier installation – often a direct swap for fluorescent components
• Retain existing fixture housing

Potential downsides:

• Light distribution from tube lighting is not ideal
• Existing fixture and wiring must be adequate
• Bypassed ballasts may still need to be removed and disposed of properly

Complete LED Fixture Replacement

Rather than modifying the existing fluorescent fixtures, they can be completely replaced with new LED troffer-style fixtures designed for retrofit installations. This allows a clean slate for lighting design and takes full advantage of LED features. Benefits include:

• Engineered optical design for ideal lighting distribution
• Integrated controls options including occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight harvesting, tunable color, and connectivity
• Simplified installation with integrated driver and no ballast removal required

The downside is higher upfront cost compared to retrofit kits. However, the total long term value is higher thanks to better efficiency, controls, and lighting performance.

How to Choose the Best LED Tubes

When using LED tube lights to replace fluorescents, here are some key factors to look for:

• Luminous flux – Similar or higher lumen output compared to fluorescent tubes being replaced
• Beam angle – Wide 120°-150° beam spread similar to fluorescents
• CRI – Color Rendering Index of 80+ for good color recognition
• CCT – Choose 3000K-5000K to match fluorescent color temperature
• Safety certifications – LED tubes should be UL listed with no mercury or UV emissions
• Warranty – 5-10 year warranties from reputable brands forLED components
• Compatibility – Match electricalcompatibility and tombstone connections
• Efficacy – 100+ lumens per wattin top performing models

Higher end LED tubes also offer features like dimmability, built-in sensors, and robust construction. Avoid no-name brands and ensure the product specifications match your existing fluorescent lighting.

How to Choose LED Panel Lights

Here are the key factors to evaluate when selecting new LED panel lights (also called troffers or fixtures):

• Lumens – Match or exceed the fluorescent lumen output to achieve equal or greater brightness
• Efficacy – 100+ lumens per watt from quality LED fixtures
• CCT – Match fluorescent color temperature (usually 3500K-5000K)
• CRI – 80+ CRI provides good color rendering and visibility
• Optics – Diffused lens with wide 120°+ beam spread
• Trim – Minimal trim footprint to fit existing ceiling grids
• Dimensions – Match or exceed existing fluorescent fixture dimensions
• Controls – Integrated occupancy/vacancy sensors are ideal
• Emergency backup – Battery backup for safety (select models)
• Certifications – UL listed with 5+ year warranty from reputable brands

Additional factors like tunable color temperature, integrated lighting controls, and connectivity may be desirable for some installations but add cost. Prioritize OEM components, efficacy, light quality, and warranties for long-lasting performance.

LED Installation Tips

When installing LED lighting as a replacement for fluorescent fixtures, follow these guidelines for best results:

• Turn off power at circuit breaker before installation
• Carefully review installation instructions
• Ensure adequate voltage at fixtures (100-277V)
• Properly wire line voltage connections
• Confirm fixture compatibility – avoid gaps or misalignment with ceiling grid
• Use mounting hardware appropriate for ceiling type
• Adhere to local building and electrical codes
• Dispose of old fluorescent tubes and ballasts properly
• Have certified electrician handle installations if needed

Taking care with initial installation will ensure your new LED lighting provides optimal performance and longevity. Follow-up with occupancy sensor adjustment and tuning after installation as needed.

LED Troffer Lighting Recommendations

Based on the key selection criteria outlined above, here are some recommended LED panel lights to consider for replacing fluorescent troffer fixtures:

Brand	Product	Lumens	Efficacy (lm/W)	CCT	CRI
Acuity Brands	LSN 2×2	3100-5000	100-130	3500K/4000K/5000K	80+
Eaton	WaveStream LED	4000-5000	130-143	3500K/4000K/5000K	82-85
GE Current	ETROFIT 4	2900-4900	100-120	3000K/4000K/5000K	80+
Philips	SlimSurface LED	3300-5000	100-130	3000K/4000K/5000K	80+

These 2×2 and 2×4 LED panel lights from top brands provide direct replacements for fluorescent troffers with superior efficiency, light quality and longevity. Models with integrated controls like occupancy sensors or emergency backup provide additional value.

LED Strip Light Recommendations

Here are some top-rated LED strip lights to replace fluorescent tubes:

Brand	Product	Lumens	Wattage	CCT	CRI
Philips	InstantFit T8	2200-3100	18-25W	3500K/4100K/5000K	82-85
GE Lighting	LED T8 Replacement	2000-3000	17-24W	3500K/4000K/5000K	80+
Cree	T8 LED Tube	2300-3300	18-25W	4000K/5000K	80+
EcoSmart	LED T8 Tube	2600-3100	18-20W	4000K/5000K	82-85

These direct wire, direct drive LED tubes offer simple installation, high efficiency, flicker-free operation and long lifespan. Choose 4000K-5000K to match fluorescent color temperature.

LED Fluorescent Fixture Replacement Costs

On average, replacing a 2×4 fluorescent troffer with an LED fixture will cost:

• LED panel light: $100 to $300 per fixture
• Retrofit kit: $50 to $150 per fixture
• Labor: $50 per hour (0.5 to 2 hours per fixture)

For a 4-lamp fluorescent fixture, LED tube replacement will cost:

• LED tubes: $10 – $30 per tube
• Labor: $50 per hour

Total project costs depend on the number of fixtures, retrofit vs new fixtures, specialty disposal fees, and labor rates in your area. Electrical contractor rates average $50-$100 per hour. Expect a 1-3 year payback from energy savings when replacing fluorescent lighting with LEDs.

Pro Tips

Here are a few professional tips for a smooth fluorescent to LED lighting conversion project:

• Conduct an audit of existing fluorescent lighting and establish goals before specifying new LED replacements
• Group lighting upgrades by location or fixture type for more efficient installation
• Look for utility rebates – many provide incentives for switching to LED lighting
• Consider integrated sensor controls – new fixtures are a great chance to add occupancy/vacancy sensors and daylight harvesting
• Require LM-79 and LM-80 testing data from LED manufacturers to verify product performance
• Dispose of old fluorescent fixtures properly – many states require special hazardous waste disposal
• Have a licensed electrician handle any necessary electrical work
• Start with a pilot installation area to evaluate products and processes
• Document energy use before and after installation to track savings

Paying attention to lighting design, product selection, and installation practices will help maximize the benefits of switching from fluorescent to LED lighting.

Conclusion

Replacing old fluorescent lighting with LEDs is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use while improving lighting quality. LED tube lights and fixtures are now the standard replacement option thanks to greater efficiency, longevity, and light quality compared to fluorescents. Payback from electricity savings typically occurs within 2-3 years. Selecting high quality LED lighting optimized for the specific application will ensure the best lighting performance and lowest long term cost.