Commercial LED Lighting Installation
If you’re thinking about upgrading your lighting, you’ve probably heard a lot about LEDs. But what exactly makes LED lighting better than traditional options like incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs? Is it really worth making the switch?
At ProStar Energy, we install energy-efficient LED lighting systems for properties across the UK – and the results speak for themselves. In this article, we break down the key differences between LED and traditional lighting, covering everything from energy savings and lifespan to environmental impact and overall value.
1. Energy Efficiency
Let’s start with the big one: energy use.
Traditional incandescent bulbs work by heating a filament until it glows, which wastes a huge amount of energy as heat. Halogens are a slightly improved version, but still inefficient by modern standards. Fluorescent tubes and CFLs are better, but can’t match the performance of LEDs.
In contrast, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) convert electricity directly into light using a semiconductor, meaning far less energy is lost as heat.
Typical energy use comparison:
- 60W incandescent ≈ 10W LED
- 50W halogen ≈ 6–8W LED
- CFLs use more than LEDs for similar brightness
This translates into up to 90% energy savings on your lighting bill – a game-changer, especially for commercial buildings or homes with extensive lighting needs.
2. Lifespan and Durability
LED bulbs last significantly longer than traditional options. On average:
- Incandescent: 1,000 hours
- Halogen: 2,000 hours
- Fluorescent: 15,000–20,000 hours
- LED: 30,000–50,000+ hours
That means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and less hassle over time. For businesses, it also means lower labour costs and fewer disruptions.
LEDs are also more durable – resistant to vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures. They’re ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, from warehouses to garden lighting.
3. Light Quality and Control
Another key difference is light quality. LEDs offer instant, full-brightness lighting, with no warm-up time. You can choose from a wide range of colour temperatures, from warm white for cosy living areas to cool white for task lighting or offices.
Traditional bulbs tend to have limited options and often degrade in quality over time. Fluorescent lights, for example, can flicker or buzz – which isn’t great for concentration or comfort.
LEDs can also be paired with dimmers, motion sensors, and smart lighting systems, giving you complete control over your environment and energy use.
4. Environmental Impact
LED lighting is far more eco-friendly than older lighting types.
- Lower carbon emissions due to reduced energy use
- No toxic materials like mercury (unlike CFLs and fluorescent tubes)
- Less landfill waste thanks to longer lifespan
In fact, if every home in the UK switched to LED lighting, we could reduce carbon emissions by over 1.7 million tonnes per year. That’s the same as taking hundreds of thousands of cars off the road.
Making the switch to LED is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact – both at home and in your business.
5. Cost Comparison: Upfront vs Long-Term
It’s true that LED bulbs cost more upfront than traditional bulbs. But the long-term savings are undeniable.
Let’s say you replace a 50W halogen spotlight with a 6W LED. You’ll save around £75 over the lifetime of the bulb – and that’s just one light. Multiply that across an office or home with dozens of bulbs, and you’re looking at hundreds, even thousands of pounds saved on energy and replacements.
And with energy prices continuing to rise, future-proofing your property with efficient lighting just makes sense.
6. Safety and Heat Output
Traditional lights, especially halogens and incandescents, get very hot – posing a risk of burns or even fire if installed near flammable materials.
LEDs stay cool to the touch, reducing the risk of overheating and lowering the need for additional cooling (which is another indirect way they help reduce energy use).
They’re also much safer in environments where lighting is left on for long periods, such as retail, hospitality, or manufacturing settings.
So, Is It Worth Switching to LED?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to cut monthly bills or a facilities manager looking to reduce energy consumption across your commercial estate, the benefits of LED lighting are clear:
- Lower energy costs
- Longer-lasting bulbs
- Better light quality and control
- Reduced environmental impact
- Safer, cooler operation
- Smarter, future-proof tech
At ProStar Energy, we specialise in LED lighting installation for homes and commercial properties across the South. Our systems are tailored, efficient, and installed to the highest standards by a qualified team you can trust.
Ready to upgrade your lighting? Call us on 03316 302 225 or book a free LED survey online.
