When considering alternatives to a fluorescent light, the best options are LED, halogen, and incandescent light bulbs. LED is the most efficient of the three, last longest, and put off the least amount of heat.
Halogen is the next most efficient option, and though it produces more heat than LED, it is more efficient than incandescent. Finally, incandescent is the least efficient option, but is often the most cost-effective.
In addition to the traditional lighting options, you could also consider natural lighting. Opening up windows, using sun tunnels and skylights, adding a door, or expanding a window can all help to increase the amount of natural light coming into a space, making it a viable option for getting the light you need.
Is it worth replacing fluorescent lights with LED?
Yes, it is definitely worth replacing fluorescent lights with LED lights. LEDs offer many benefits when compared to traditional fluorescent lights, including cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and improved light quality.
LED lights cost less to purchase up front and require less energy to operate so you will be able to reduce your energy bill. LEDs are also more durable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly compared to fluorescent lights.
Additionally, LED lights give off better quality light, with customizable colors and color temperatures, so you can control the lighting experience in your space. LED lights are also dimmable while fluorescent lights are not, which can help with versatility and ambiance.
All in all, LED lights are the better choice when it comes to lighting and replacing fluorescent lights with LED lights will help you save money in the long run.
How do I replace my fluorescent light with a new fixture?
Replacing a fluorescent light fixture is a fairly straightforward process if you have some basic knowledge of electrical wiring. Before beginning, make sure to turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker.
Next, unscrew or unbolt the existing fixture and remove it from the ceiling. Examine the existing wiring and note how the wires are connected to the fixture and then disconnect the wires. Carefully examine the new fixture and note how the wiring matches up with it.
Once you have matched the colors of the wires to the new fixture, twist the exposed strands together and attach a wire connector to it. Then, attach the wire to the new fixture. Once you have wired the fixture, mount it to the ceiling.
Lastly, turn the power back on and flip the switch to test the fixture.
How much does it cost to change fluorescent lights to LED?
The cost to change fluorescent lights to LED will vary based on several factors including the size of the area to be lit, the type of LED lights you choose and the type of installation required. Generally, the cost to switch fluorescent lights to LED can range from $500 – $3000 depending on the size of the space.
When replacing fluorescent lights with LED lighting, you can typically expect to pay between $20-$80 per bulb. Installation costs will vary based on the complexity of the project, but the average cost to have a professional installer replace up to 8 lights is usually around $250.
Labor costs account for the majority of the costs associated with the replacement project. Additionally, you will likely need to factor in the cost of upgrading or adding power supplies or new circuit breakers.
Doing the work yourself can help save on the cost, however it is important to note that this should only be done if you are comfortable with handling the wires and adequately understand the complexities of the electrical system.
The cost savings associated with switching to LED can be significant, making it well worth the effort and financial cost of the changeover.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?
It is important to know whether you have a T8 or T12 ballast, as this determines the type of bulbs that can be used with the ballast. First, the shape of the ballast is a clue. T8 ballasts are usually thin and rectangular, while T12 ballasts are thicker and often more cylindrical.
Additionally, try looking for labels on the ballast itself. Many ballasts will have labels indicating whether they are T8 or T12 on the casing, either on the body of the ballast, or on one end of it.
If you can’t find any obvious labels or clues, try consulting the manual or installation guides that came with the ballast, which may indicate whether the ballast is T8 or T12. If you cannot find a manual and are still unable to tell, you can consult with someone at a local light store who should be familiar with your ballast and able to advise you.
Can I bypass the ballast for LED lights?
Yes, it is possible to bypass the ballast for LED lights. It is important to note that the ballast is responsible for limiting the amount of current that flows through the bulbs and providing the bulbs with a good starting voltage.
As a result, when bypassing the ballast, some modifications must be made in order to provide the proper voltage, current, and heat sinking. If modifications are not made properly, the LEDs can overheat and significantly reduce their lifespan.
In order to bypass the ballast, the positive and negative wires that are currently connected to the ballast’s input must be spliced together and then connected to a suitable power source. The power source should match the voltage and wattage requirements of the LEDs.
Additionally, a bypassing kit may need to be purchased in order to ensure that the proper voltage, current, and heat sinking is provided. It is also recommended that a qualified professional be consulted to ensure that the bypassing of the ballast is done safely and correctly.
Do I still need a starter with an LED tube?
Yes, you still need a starter with an LED tube. This is because LED tubes require a specific ballast or driver to power the tube. Without a ballast or driver, the tube would not work. A starter is the part of the wiring system that sends electricity to the ballast or driver.
Without it, the ballast or driver would not receive the necessary power supply, and the LED tube would not turn on. Additionally, a starter helps to ensure the LED tube works with the correct current.
When selecting a starter, it is important to choose one that is compatible with the LED tube and has the correct power rating and wattage.
Are fluorescent lights still used in kitchens?
Yes, fluorescent lights are still widely used in kitchens as an energy-efficient lighting option. Fluorescent lights produce a soft, white light which is perfect for lower-light tasks like cutting vegetables or checking food temperatures.
They also create less heat than typical light bulbs and usually last longer, meaning they require less maintenance and energy. Fluorescent bulbs can be installed as strips under kitchen cabinets, used as track lighting above the counter, and recessed into the ceiling.
Although LED lighting options are becoming increasingly popular, fluorescent lights still offer a great option for those seeking to reduce energy consumption in their kitchen.
How do you make fluorescent kitchen lights look better?
One way to make fluorescent kitchen lights look better is to make sure the lights are covered in soft white paper light diffusers. These diffusers help to provide a more even light that is not too harsh.
You can also install a dimmer switch to adjust the light level to provide a softer and more soothing light. If you don’t have the option of a dimmer switch, you can try covering your fluorescent lights with warm-hued color filters or warm-toned lighting gels.
It’s also a good idea to add layers of lighting to the kitchen. This can include floor lamps, wall sconces, and pendant lights. Finally, make sure your light fixtures are updated and you consider changing out to LED lights for a more modern look that can offer more energy efficiency as well.
What is monorail lighting?
Monorail lighting is a type of track lighting that uses an independent track suspended from the ceiling or mounted onto walls or furniture to provide adjustable illumination. It can be used to provide the flexibility of spotlighting different areas or creating zoned lighting in large open rooms like living rooms, dining rooms, and offices.
Monorail lighting is usually composed of three components: the track, which acts as the structural element that holds the lights, the heads, which are the adjustable lighting fixtures, and the power feed, which supplies electricity to the tracks.
The head fixtures are designed to be adjustable in terms of position, focus and orientation. Additionally, they come in a variety of sizes and different colors, which makes it easier to find the right fit for a space.
Monorail lighting systems have become popular as they allow users to customize and reconfigure their lighting as needed, giving them more versatility than traditional lighting systems.
Are LED lights better than fluorescent?
LED lights are generally more efficient than fluorescent lights. They use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer, which can result in significantly lower energy bills. LED lights are also cooler and provide a better quality of light, since they don’t contain the mercury found in fluorescent bulbs.
This means they can more easily be placed near furniture or other items, and they don’t require special handling during disposal. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and brightness levels, plus they don’t flicker or hum like fluorescents.
Overall, LED lights offer many advantages over fluorescent lighting, making them a popular choice for home and commercial use.
What is the white powder in fluorescent tubes?
The white powder in fluorescent tubes is a phosphor coating. Phosphors are substances that emit light when exposed to electricity. When the tube is filled with a noble gas and electrodes are added, electricity flows through the electrodes, exciting the noble gas, which in turn excites the phosphors, causing them to emit visible light.
The phosphor coating is usually made of barium sulphate or zinc sulphide, allowing for the wide range of colors from different types of tubes. Each type of phosphor has a different composition and will emit a particular light color.
White phosphors typically use a combination of several different colors of phosphor and can be used to produce light in a variety of shades and intensities.
Can you put LED bulbs in old fluorescent fixtures?
Yes, it is possible to put LED bulbs in old fluorescent fixtures. However, it is important to make sure the LED bulb is compatible with the existing fixtures. LED bulbs are used in a variety of different types of fixtures, and some are designed for specific types of fixtures.
Additionally, there are certain safety concerns with putting LED bulbs in old fluorescent fixtures, so it is important to make sure the LED bulb is rated for use in the fixture. Additionally, it is important to check the existing wiring and make sure it is compatible with the LED bulb’s wattage and voltage.
Continuing, it is also important to make sure the fixture is rated for the wattage of the LED bulb and that it can dissipate the heat generated by the bulb. Finally, it is important to make sure the fixture is well-ventilated, as hot spots can occur with LED bulbs due to their high-efficiency rating.