Retrofitting by definition is adding a component or accessory to something that did not have it when manufactured. When upgrading to LED, clients have a choices. They can opt either for upgrading an existing fixture by replacing old fixture components with a retrofitting kit or by removing old fixture and replacing it with a new LED fixture. Depending on the size of your retrofit project, you may qualify for rebates from CenterPoint Energy and the federal government. Call LMS Electrical for full details.
LED Upgrade Pros & Cons
Retrofitting with new LED fixture:
Replaces Entire existing fixture
The advantages:
- Durable and long lasting maintenance free
- Elegant, well-sealed & complete unit, impervious to weather and other atmospheric particles that would normally speed-up the LED driver deterioration.
- Provides comparable illumination as the HID lighting fixture
- Reduces amount of power utilization
- Provides substantial monetary savings
- Depending on the size of the upgrade, it may be possible to receive rebate (up to 40% of conversion cost) from the power company.
The disadvantages:
- Requires a higher initial expenditure for the unit, because the entire fixture is being replaced.
Retrofitting existing fixture with Kit:
Replaces only functional parts of exiting fixture
The advantages:
- Demands a much less initial unit investment, because it keeps the skeleton of the fixture
- This option will produce a comparable illumination as the prior HID technology it replaced
- Provides savings due to the reduction in power utilization
- Depending on the size of the upgrade, it may be possible to receive rebate from the power company
The disadvantages:
- It is more labor intensive because existing working components must be removed and new components installed.
- Because the LED is being placed in an existing cavity it is not always a perfect seal and weather and other atmospheric conditions and contaminants can deteriorate the installation more readily.
- Maintenance will continue to be required.
Ready to convert to LED?
Be sure to read about Rebates for Converting to LED Lighting.