NATIONAL REPORT—The lighting of commercial and residential areas used to take a lot of planning for years. Most people were stuck with Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFLs) and for a good reason. First, they provide high-quality light output; they are efficient and last for a long time. The T8 lamps used about 40 percent less energy than the old T12 lamps, which are being phased out. Now a new player has arrived in the field of commercial lighting, promising higher efficiency: the linear LED tube T8. The 4ft 8T LED tube light is found to save a lot of energy as compared to other light tubes.
Advantages of Using LED Tube Lights
So, the question is, what do T8 LED tubes take to replace your proven Linear Fluorescent (LFL) bulbs? To help you make an informed decision, this article explains the benefits of T8 LEDs:
No Mercury: The lack of mercury is a significant advantage. Unlike fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) do not contain mercury, making them one of the safest and most environmentally friendly lighting systems on the market.
Dimmable: Most LED lighting systems have full dimming capabilities, although fluorescent bulbs are costly for dimming and perform poorly.
Directional Lighting: LED tube lights allow you to receive focused light (meaning they can be illuminated precisely where you need it). But fluorescent lamps are characterized by multi-directional lighting. This means that some of the light on the device and other unnecessary places is likely to be lost.
Works Well with Controls: Most fluorescent lighting systems often burn out even when integrated with standard occupancy sensors and other controls. In contrast, LED lighting systems work perfectly with all control systems, thanks to which their lifespan does not depend on whether they are on or off.
Superior Efficiency: Newer LED tubes are about 30 percent more efficient than their LFL counterparts.
Quality Light: Today’s LED lighting systems can produce light in different color temperatures comparable to fluorescent lamps, but they do not suffer from the most common flickering problems in most fluorescent lamps.
Lifespan: On average, the lifespan of an LED lighting system is 50,000 hours, and the lifespan of the LFL is about 30,000 hours.
Potentially Unbreakable: Most LED tubes are designed with an indestructible coating. However, for fluorescents you must order a separate anti-fluorescent lamp or use a linear fluorescent lamp protector, which can be very expensive.
The only problem with LED lights is the initial cost. With discounts, various tax breaks, and enormous energy-saving opportunities, you will likely get a high return on your investment faster than expected.
The Golden Advice
It is crucial that you first look at the numbers (relevant to your situation) to see if those initial costs make sense for your business. You should do a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and consider all factors when choosing between LFL and LED. Do your research too. Ask the experts about their experience and suggestions. But one thing is for sure, LED lights are better than LFLs.
