Fluorescent lighting has been a popular choice for many decades thanks to its efficiency and low cost. However, as LED technology improves, many homeowners and businesses are looking to replace their fluorescents with more modern options. There are several factors to consider when selecting a replacement, including efficiency, cost, lighting quality, and ease of installation. This article will provide an overview of the best options for replacing fluorescent fixtures in both residential and commercial settings.
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Why Replace Fluorescents?
There are a few key reasons fluorescents may need replacing:
- Older fluorescents are inefficient compared to LEDs and newer fluorescent options
- Fluorescents require ballasts, which can fail over time
- Fluorescents contain mercury, requiring special disposal
- LEDs last longer than fluorescents
- Fluorescents have poor dimming capabilities and light quality
By upgrading to newer lighting, you can achieve energy savings, reduced maintenance, better lighting quality, and avoid the need for special fluorescent disposal.
Best Light Fixture Options for Replacing Fluorescents
LED Tubes/TROFFERS
The most direct replacement option is to swap fluorescents tubes with LED tubes, also known as T8 LEDs or T5 LEDs. These are designed to slot into existing fluorescent fixtures. Benefits include:
- Low cost replacement
- Easy installation into existing fixtures
- 50-70% more energy efficient than fluorescents
- Long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours
- Better light quality and less flickering
LED tubes come in a variety of lengths, colors, and brightness levels to suit different spaces. However, their light distribution may not be ideal for some fixtures, leading to dark spots. Going with LED-optimized troffers (a type of panel fixture) can provide better lighting uniformity.
LED PANELS/TROFFERS
LED flat panels provide a dedicated fixture designed for LEDs, engineered for optimal light distribution. Benefits include:
- Designed specifically for LED lighting
- Even, uniform lighting
- Energy savings of 40-60% vs fluorescents
- Long 50,000+ hour lifetime
- Simpler wiring and no ballast needed
- Low profile, lightweight
The panels come in recessed, surface mount, and suspended mount options. This makes them very versatile for offices, schools, hospitals, warehouses and more. They are available in different lumen outputs, CCT colors, and dimensions. Popular options are 2×2, 2×4, and 1×4 panels from leading brands.
LINEAR HIGHBAY/LOWBAY FIXTURES
For industrial settings with high ceilings, such as gyms, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, linear high bay LEDs present an efficient fluorescent replacement. Benefits include:
- Powerful directional lighting for high ceilings
- Uniform high lumen output
- Light weight and low profile
- Energy savings of 50% or more
- Long lifespan up to 100,000 hours
- Enhanced safety from instant-on illumination
These fixtures come in weatherproof designs and offer simple installation. 4ft and 8ft single-ended and double-ended options are common. Suspended, pendant and pole/high mount choices provide flexibility.
RETROFIT KITS
For recessed fluorescents like 6” or 8” cans, retrofit kits can convert the existing fixtures to LED. This allows keeping the same recessed housings. Retrofit options include:
- LED modules/boards
- LED flat panels
- LED Edison style lamps
Benefits include easy installation, 50-90% energy savings, and improved light quality. This avoids full fixture replacement. However, light distribution depends on the existing can design.
Key Considerations for Fluorescent Replacement
Here are some tips for selecting the right fluorescent replacement:
- Measure existing fixtures and space to select suitable LED replacement
- Check required lumen output and color temperature
- For tubes, measure pin configuration (G13, G5, etc)
- Select reliable LED brands with long lifespans
- Consider lighting needs – task lighting, general ambient, directional etc
- Evaluate installation requirements – new wiring, retrofit, or simple swap
- Dispose of fluorescents properly to avoid mercury contamination
Getting LED fixtures and bulbs from reputable manufacturers ensures optimal efficiency, light quality and longevity. Consulting with a lighting contractor is advisable for larger fluorescent replacement projects.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fluorescent replacement costs will vary depending on the type of fixture and labor involved:
| Fixture Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LED Tubes – 4ft | $5 – $25 per tube |
| 2×2 LED Panel | $50 – $150 per fixture |
| LED High Bay – 4ft | $100 – $300 per fixture |
| LED Retrofit Kits | $25 – $150 per kit |
| Labor | $100 – $250 per hour |
Most LED tubes are easy direct replacements that can be installed as DIY projects. More complex installations like new LED panels or wiring retrofits will incur added labor fees. Luckily the long lifespan and energy savings from LEDs provide a quick payback.
Conclusion
Upgrading from fluorescent lighting provides the benefits of energy efficiency, enhanced lighting quality, reduced maintenance, and improved aesthetics. LED tubes, panels, and high/low bay fixtures offer simple, cost-effective fluorescent replacement options with quick payback. Consider lighting needs, fixture types, light output, and ease of installation when selecting the right LED replacement products for your space. With their long lifespans and low power use, LEDs are the smart, eco-friendly choice over outdated fluorescents.