There’s much to appreciate about LED lighting in the retail environment. For starters, LED lighting uses less energy, costs less to run, and needs less care than traditional incandescent bulbs, halogen lights, high- and low-pressure sodium lamps, compact fluorescents, and others. They are also energy-efficient and last a long time.
Let's look at the benefits of using LED lights for stores, and why you should install them in your business today.
LED Bulbs are Energy-efficient
Retail shops use a lot of energy for lighting. A 2024 report from worldmetrics reports that LED lighting can help businesses save up to 90% on energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Even when compared to other lighting types, the savings may be up to 75%.
This is because LED lights produce the same amount of lumens while also drawing less power. For example, a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced with an eight to 12-watt LED and maintain the same brightness.
Light Bulbs Efficiency Comparison Chart
This energy efficiency comparison chart shows the lumens created per watt of electrical energy.
Light bulb type | Lumens/watt |
|---|---|
LED | 80 to 100 |
Compact fluorescent | 45 to 75 |
Fluorescent tubes | 40 to 105 |
High-pressure sodium | 85 to 150 |
Low-pressure sodium | 100 to 190 |
Sulfur plasma | 50 to 100 |
Metal halide | 75 to 100 |
Mercury vapor | 35 to 65 |
Halogen | 16 to 30 |
Tungsten incandescent | 12 to 18 |
LED lighting is the winner in energy efficiency, which makes it clear that businesses stand to gain when they install LED lighting and/or retrofit old lighting systems in their retail stores. The wattage used by LED lights in retail stores is approximately seven to 10 times lower compared to an equivalent amount of light produced by incandescent light bulbs.
Durability and Long Lifespan
LED bulbs are much more durable, especially when compared to fragile incandescent bulbs with delicate tungsten metal filaments. Drop an incandescent bulb on the floor and it may either shatter or the filament will break, at the very least. In both cases, you are short a bulb. By contrast, LED lights can withstand the same type of drop without suffering much damage.
LED light bulbs last 25,000 hours or longer. LED fixtures may last over 100,000 hours. Compare this extended lifespan for LED lights to the measly 1,000 hours, on average, for an incandescent bulb. If your retail store still uses incandescent bulbs for lighting, you are wasting money.
If you’re based out of Washington, Oregon, or Alaska, NetZero Energy is the go-to for any LED lighting installation. In the Northwest, LED lighting is a boon thanks to its long life, even in challenging weather conditions. LED lighting also works well for exterior retail lighting, such as lights used in parking lots and to illuminate signage. Additionally, maintenance expenses for changing out burnt-out LED bulbs are much less because the bulbs need changing infrequently compared to other lighting types.
Lower Maintenance
There are some retail stores that operate 24/7. And there are others that are open fewer hours, but have everything brilliantly lit. Regardless of the hours of operation or strength of lighting, retail environments carefully use lighting to set the mood and motivate buyers.
Lighting is an impactful element in store design, and significant labor may be expended in creating retail displays with associated lighting. Saving on maintenance comes from the extended lifespan of LED bulbs.
And the benefits are obvious, as the compact nature of many retail displays might make it challenging to change the bulbs. It is far easier and less labor-intensive to work with LED bulbs that can last 25 times longer than other types.
Less Heat Expended
LEDs convert most of the electricity they consume into light rather than heat. Other types of lighting, such as traditional incandescent bulbs or halogen fixtures, create significant amounts of wasted heat. The excess heat not only increases the cost of electricity for lighting, but also adds strain to the HVAC system in hot regions where it is necessary to keep the air temperature comfortable.
Environmentally Friendly
Being environmentally friendly is good for the planet and good for business. A 2024 survey from PwC found that eight out of ten consumers say they will pay more for products made with sustainable sources, even amid rising prices. They also look for companies that prioritize environmentally friendly business practices. Simply put, LED lighting helps reduce the carbon footprint of any operating retail chain.
Business owners of retail stores can appreciate the cost savings of using LED lighting along with a positive reaction by their customers for the improved environmental impact.
LEDs Light the Way
It’s a terrific time to commit to energy-efficient LED lighting, as LED solutions can work for both interior and exterior lighting. Retail store owners can enjoy the benefits of installing LED lighting or retrofitting older lighting systems with LED upgrades.
Reach out to the experts at NetZero Energy to get an energy audit and learn how much savings may be possible by embracing LED lighting for your retail store chain. Get in touch with NetZero Energy for all your LED lighting needs.
Comments