LED Fluorescent Tube Replacement Guide

Are you in a position to replace your old fluorescent tubes and aren't sure if T8 LED tubes are the right solution for you? Our team has put together this guide to help you navigate through the many options.

Why Should I Upgrade to LED Tubes When Fluorescent Tubes are Only $2 Each?

Besides the obvious fact of having over a 70% reduction in power consumption, there are 5 good reasons why you should consider switching to LED:

More Efficient, More Reliable, More Consistent

LED tubes produce NO INFRARED heat, in fact they give off very minimal heat. LED tubes can also last up to 50,000 hours on average. That’s twice as long as a fluorescent tube (15,000 – 30,000 hrs). Unlike traditional bulbs and fluorescent tubes, LED tubes will not change their light output (brightness) or color temperature over their lifetime.

Rebates, Rebates, Rebates

There are millions of dollars available to you from the Federal Government in the form of rebates and tax incentives. But, don’t wait! These rebates won't last forever. Please be sure to check with your local government and power company for all available rebates in your area.

Do you live in Georgia?

See if you're eligible for Georgia Power's energy efficiency program!

More Versatile

The lifespan of a fluorescent tube can be significantly shortened by switching them on and off often. LED tubes are much friendlier with all the available lighting sensors and controls since their lifespans are not affected by constant changes. Some of the newer LED tubes even offer dimmable options.

No More flickering, No More Buzzing, No More Ballast.

The flickering and buzzing that you have experienced from your LFL fixture occurs when the ballast and the fluorescent tube’s inner gas are no longer playing nice. Since LED light fixtures are not controlled by a ballast or a gas, those annoyances simply do not exist. Ballasts can cost as much as $30 and last between 1-3 years. The craziest thing is that they are also responsible for an additional 20%-30% power consumption per fixture.

Better for the environment

Unlike fluorescent tubes, LED tubes contain NO MERCURY. This eliminates the harmful effects that mercury can have on individuals and the environment. This eco-friendly feature also makes LED tubes much easier to dispose.

BONUS: No Replacements Needed!

Switching to LED tubes will offer significant reduction in maintenance and operating costs.

Which Linear Fluorescent Lamp Do I Have?

PICTURE OF EACH TUBE & ITS DIAMETER MEASUREMENT

The type of linear fluorescent lamp you have all depends on when your fixtures were upgraded. T12 fluorescent fixtures are slowly phasing out due their low efficiency, in comparison to T5 and T8 LED tubes. If they were installed in the last 15 years, it is safe to assume that you probably have either a T5 or T8 linear fixture.

Fluorescent tubes come in various diameters and lengths. However, 4-ft T5, T8, and T12 are going to be your most common type.

T5 Fluorescent Lamps

Since T5 lamps are the most efficient fluorescent tubes and are available at higher wattages, they have been adopted to replace the ever-aging metal halide or high pressure sodium gas lamps. These are generally found in places like workshops, hangars, retail spaces, warehouse spaces, and auto body shops.

If you already purchased a new light fixture, and are ready for installation, check out: T5 Fluorescent LED Tube Replacement

T8 Fluorescent Lamps

You will traditionally find T8 fluorescent in retail spaces, commercial offices, hospitals, schools, hotels, and nursing homes.

Already purchased a new light fixture? Ready for installation? Check out: T8 Fluorescent LED Tube Replacement

T12 Fluorescent Lamps

As far as the aging T12 fixtures goes, they are normally found across commercial, retail and institutional businesses.

Ready for installation? Check out: T12 Fluorescent Tube Replacement

David Lu

David is the founder and CEO of HomElectrical. As an advocate for green initiatives, he is constantly searching for new products that are friendlier to the environment. David has helped many business owners and schools reduce their carbon footprint while putting extra profits back into their organizations. Known around the office for his work ethic, you can find him roaming around the office challenging his co-workers to push their boundaries. When he is not here, David enjoys spending time with his wife Sylvia and their two children exploring the world!