3 Ways to Retrofit Drop Ceiling Lighting
Drop ceilings are commonly found in commercial spaces such as offices, schools, healthcare and institutional facilities. Generally speaking, a metal grid and tiles or panels are hung below the structural ceiling (known as a secondary ceiling or false ceiling) to conceal things like air ducts or pipes. They create a clean appearance in an area that would otherwise look unfinished or unprofessional. Drop ceilings often utilize recessed lights for a simple lighting plan that looks great and doesn’t reduce the available headroom. Depending on the layout of your space, there are 3 ways to retrofit drop ceiling lighting, changing out the old recessed cans for more energy efficient LED alternatives – and here they are!
Change the LED Fluorescent Lamps to T5 or T8 LED Tubes
If your current lighting plan includes T8 fluorescent lamps, simply switching them out for T5 or T8 LED bulbs has some immediate advantages. It’s less expensive than replacing the entire fixture and they don’t flicker as fluorescent bulbs do from time to time. They are more energy efficient, mercury-free, and have a much longer lifespan – roughly 50,000 hours! While there is an initial cost differential, the long-term energy savings, positive environmental impact, and ROI make the choice to retrofit a good one.
Update the Lighting Fixtures to LED Troffer Lighting
New LED Troffers provide low energy, high lumen output and excellent color characteristics for a wide range of new construction, commercial, and retrofit applications. The U.S. Dept. of Energy reports that lighting systems using linear fluorescent lamps accounted for over 75% of the lighting service in commercial buildings and recessed troffer luminaires. Commonly available in 1X4, 2X4, and 2X2 sizes, troffers provide the majority of this lighting. In fact, the total installed stock of troffers in the United States is estimated to be over 360 million.
From a single project standpoint, switching out traditional recessed troffers for LED troffers can provide up to 60% in energy savings. Perfect for office, healthcare, retail, and many other commercial applications, troffers from EarthTronics are designed to be installed in 1’x4’, 2’X2’ and 2’X4’ grid ceilings and are available in 4000K and 5000K with a high 80+ CRI. It’s a quick install, providing a clean, new look that hides old fixtures.
Replace the Fluorescent Troffer with an LED Panel Light
Retain the troffer footprint while upgrading a sleek, contemporary look. This is a great option for lighting in a suspended grid or drop ceilings. LED panel lights from EarthTronics are constructed using an extended aluminum frame with an attractive impact resistant acrylic lens that helps achieve a wide light distribution pattern. The 1X4 and 2X2 LED Flat Panel Lights delivers 4000 initial lumens using only 40 watts, while the 2X4 Flat Panel Light produces 5000 initial lumens using only 50 watts. In addition, each of the light panels has a long performance, with a rated life of 50,000 hours, and come with a five-year warranty. A natural lighting solution, all EarthTronics panel lights feature 4000K natural light with smooth dimming and a high color rendering of 82+.
Not sure what option is best for your next lighting retrofit or upgrade? Our team is available to help with your switch to LEDs lighting solutions. Contact us anytime!
