Buyer guide ·
LED lighting retrofits: a guide for property managers and building owners
Plan an LED lighting retrofit: what to replace first, colour temperature, lumens vs watts, certification, controls and how to estimate payback.
Lighting is one of the simplest energy upgrades in a building: fixtures are easy to swap, savings start immediately, and maintenance drops because LEDs last far longer.
Where to start
Begin with fixtures that run longest: parking garages, corridors, stairwells, exterior and lobby lighting. Lights on 24/7 pay back fastest.
Lumens, not watts
Compare light output (lumens) and efficacy (lumens per watt) rather than wattage. Match or slightly exceed the existing light levels; over-lighting wastes energy.
Colour temperature
- 2700 K to 3000 K: warm, for suites, lobbies and hospitality.
- 4000 K: neutral, for corridors, offices and common areas.
- 5000 K: cool, for garages, warehouses and exterior security lighting.
Keep colour temperature consistent within a space.
Certification
Fixtures installed in Canada need certification from an accredited body (cUL, cETL, CSA and similar marks). Utility incentive programs may also require specific qualified-product listings: check before you buy.
Controls
Occupancy sensors in stairwells and garages, and photocells or timers outdoors, add savings on top of the LED swap.
Estimating payback
Annual savings = (old watts minus new watts) × hours per year × your electricity rate. Add avoided maintenance. Divide installed cost by annual savings for simple payback.
Browse Electrical, Solar & Lighting or send a fixture schedule for a retrofit quote.
