You have probably heard of LED lighting and know that these types of bulbs and fixtures are more energy efficient and long-lasting than their traditional counterparts. But when it comes to commercial LED lighting, things get a bit more complicated. So, before you upgrade your facilities with more modern, cost-effective lighting, read through this guide to understand all the advantages of LEDs, the different types of LED lights for businesses, and the best way to install them at your properties. 

What is commercial LED lighting?

Commercial LED lighting uses a different type of bulb that requires less energy than others (such as the common traditional incandescent bulb) and makes them much more efficient and helps businesses save money. How do they achieve this? Well, LED stands for “light-emitting diode” and LEDs create light when electrons move in a semiconductor material (known as the diode). Unlike incandescent bulbs, the LED process does not generate heat, which is why it does not need to use as much energy.   

Types of LED lights 

There are many different types of LED lights when it comes to commercial uses. Here are some of the most commonly used examples and the purposes they serve. 

Flood lights

These fixtures are typically used for outdoor spaces and spread light over a wide area, such as parking lots. 

Troffer lighting

Troffers are rectangular lights used indoors and installed in ceiling grids. This is a good option for large areas that need lighting, such as businesses, schools, or hospitals. 

Track lights

These are another indoor option that is great for businesses looking for a flexible option, since the track lighting fixtures can be adjusted. They are often used at businesses such as restaurants or galleries.  

Canopy

This is a type of commercial outdoor lighting that is commonly used for covered areas and that helps keep outdoor areas well-lit. Canopy lights are great for entrances, gas stations, and parking garages. 

Wall packs

This is another outdoor lighting type used to illuminate pathways and perimeters in areas such as commercial businesses, colleges and schools, and more.  

Commercial LED lighting benefits

Durability/longer lasting

Commercial LEDs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. This is largely due to how they are made and how they make light. As mentioned above, they work by using a semi-conductor—whereas traditional light bulbs use a filament that burns out frequently and causes bulbs to require replacement more often. Plus, they tend to be overall more robust and less likely to break. A good quality LED bulb can last 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb and 3 to 5 times longer than a CFL, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  

Low maintenance costs

Because they last longer, commercial LEDs don’t need to be replaced as often. This means even though they sometimes have slightly higher upfront costs, you’ll save a lot in the long run. Plus, operations will be simpler as you will not have to spend as much time maintaining them, which, especially in a large facility with a lot of lights, can really add up.   

Energy-efficiency

Of all the commercial LED lighting benefits, perhaps the best one is that they are significantly more energy efficient. That means they require less energy to run and installing them can help lower your monthly operating costs. It is not a small amount either: according to the DOE, LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. For commercial properties who must keep the lights on for much of the day, these energy savings can add up. Plus, commercial electric LED light installation is a simple and impactful way to help the planet and become more sustainable.  

Minimal heat production

LEDs generate very little heat, which is good for a few different reasons. First of all, low heat is what helps to make them so efficient. Incandescent bulbs waste a lot of the energy they consume through heat production, whereas LEDs waste very little energy and therefore need less to produce light. Because they are cooler, they are also safer: they are much less likely to burn someone who touches them or to cause a fire. Plus, the heat generated by incandescent or halogen bulbs can noticeably raise the temperature of a room, meaning in hot months your HVAC units will have to work harder to cool the air—leading to higher energy bills. With LEDs, this is fortunately not a concern.  

Using a commercial electric LED lighting installer

Figuring out the best commercial LED lighting for your facilities can seem daunting, with so many different types, varying quality levels, and unclear financial benefits. That’s why many business owners are opting to outsource their upgrades to an energy-as-a-service partner that has deep expertise and can serve as a commercial electric LED lighting installer. Plus, when you work with a company like Budderfly, you can get new LED lighting with no cost for the equipment or the installation. That is why outsourcing is simpler and more affordable than doing it yourself. 

Budderfly installs lighting components both internally and externally to commercial buildings that reduce energy consumption and promote safe environments. Our LED lighting replaces outdated and low efficiency lighting inside buildings to create a more energy efficient location, but also a calming, seamlessly lit environment for customers and employees. Plus, we measure energy consumption and can show exactly how much energy your new lights are saving.  

LED lighting is just part of the Budderfly suite of solutions to help lower energy consumption. We also provide our customers with high-efficiency HVACs, refrigeration controls, solar, water conservation, and so much more—all with no upfront costs.  

Want to learn more about our energy-reducing solutions and how we’re already helping 6000+ locations across the U.S. become more efficient? Contact one of our experts today.