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Switching to LED Lighting in 5 Simple Steps

Posted in
Date
10/02/2023
switching to led lighting in 5 simple steps

It’s predicted that almost 90% of lights will be LED (light-emitting diode) by 2030. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as sustainability has a huge appeal to modern, eco-conscious business owners. Many businesses are prioritising energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which has led the industry to consider LED lighting as a much more preferable method of lighting.

In this guide, we’ll review the benefits of switching to LED lighting for your business then outline five simple steps to make the transition simple.

So, why switch to LED?

LED lighting is seen as a natural progression from incandescent bulbs. But like many improvements for business sites, it can be hard to tell whether it’s worth the cost and hassle of making the upgrade. In other words, are the advantages of LED lighting really that significant?

The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. LED has many benefits including:

  • A long lifespan, providing up to 11 years of use. The lifespan of LED lighting ranges from 25,000 to 200,000 hours, which is at least 20 times longer than the typical lifespan of their incandescent counterparts.
  • Up to 90% of their energy is converted into light. As a result, they require less power to create the same amount of light. A four-watt LED can create the same brightness as a 25-watt incandescent bulb, for example.
  • Because of this very low power consumption, they’re also environmentally friendly. This is a big plus point for businesses that need to report on energy usage, such as the Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme.
  • They glow at full brightness as soon as they are switched on. This is in contrast to old-school energy-saving bulbs, which would take an age to reach full brightness – leading to a misconception that LEDs have this problem too!
  • And they don’t heat up the way other bulbs do. As well as reducing energy loss, this avoids lights affecting the temperature of a space.
  • Switching to LED lighting enables smart upgrades too. The transition provides the perfect opportunity to add smart functionality like scheduling, dimming and other customisation – all controlled remotely.

Switching to LED lighting in 5 easy steps

switching to led lighting in 5 easy steps

It is easy to assume that changing your lighting system could be a hassle that you don’t need. As a business owner or site manager, you’re no doubt thinking about the time it will take away from your other responsibilities.

However, it couldn’t be more straightforward to switch your lights to LED and you will be reaping all the benefits outlined above before you know it. Here are five simple steps to make the transition…

1. Find a trusted installer

Begin by finding an experienced professional who you are able to easily research for reviews and details on their qualifications. You should look for accreditations like NICEIC, specialist experience with LED lighting installations, and plenty of good reviews from previous customers.

Online searches and directories are obviously a popular way to search but don’t forget the importance of word of mouth. Many contractors rely on recommendations and work hard to build a good reputation. Ask around for suggestions for a contractor who works to excellent standards.

2. Get a quote

Once you know which contractors you are considering, request a detailed quote. It is important to be clear on what your requirements are, the style and scale you are working with and whether the contractor could fulfil those requirements. Quotes may require a site visit so contractors can gain a better understanding of what’s needed. However, they should still be without charge or obligation.

Don’t be shy about shopping around for quotes. It’s good sense to check that you are getting the best deal for your lighting needs. Asking for a quote from 2 or 3 different electricians or companies will give you a broader understanding of what is involved when switching to LED and the going rate for the services you need.

Crucially, don’t just pick the cheapest price. Make sure you compare the different quotes based on:

  • The experience and reputation of each contractor
  • What’s included and – equally importantly – what’s not
  • The quality of lights and other materials being used
  • Any aftercare including guarantees and warranties

3. Plan the installation

The contractor you have chosen should be able to take control, to ensure there is minimal disruption to your business. They’ll explain how long the job will take and agree on dates and times when access to your site will be needed. For larger projects, this could include specific days or timeframes for each part of your site.

Make sure that you have picked someone who has experience in the specific lighting you want and knows exactly what is needed in terms of safety and compliance. It is also important to be extremely clear on your requirements, budget and layout for your new LED lights. If your electrician is sure of what is needed, then they will be able to work independently and finish the job without having to double-check details. This may allow them to work out of hours in order to minimise downtime for your business.

4. Switch to LED

There are various factors to take into account when estimating how long a full lighting upgrade can take. On average, switching to LED can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on customer requirements, building specifications, contractor availability and any issues that may crop up.

This is where the quality and capabilities of your chosen contractor really come into play. An established electrician will be able to send multiple members of their team to get the job done quickly without cutting any corners.

5. Ongoing maintenance

LED lights have the potential to last for up to 11 years. But only if they are used correctly and cared for to give you optimal use. It’s a good idea to factor regular maintenance of your lighting system into your health and safety checklist to help your lights work for longer.

As discussed in our guide to planned preventative maintenance, this approach will help you improve safety, stay compliant, control your budget and maintain an effective working environment.

Switch easily with Volta Compliance

Thinking of switching to LED? With Volta Compliance, it is an easy and straightforward installation process that will help you save energy and costs at the same time.

With 20 years of experience, our trusted professional team will be happy to talk you through the benefits of LED lighting and help you make the switch.

Request a quote or call us on 0113 436 0402 today.

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Richard Carr Volta Compliance
Richard Carr
Managing Director
Richard is the Director of Volta Compliance. He is a fully qualified approved electrician graded with the JIB. Richard has over 20 years electrical experience working on commercial and industrial installations.
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