In recent years, many business owners have found that LED (or light-emitting diode) retrofits save them time, resources, and money. While their initial price is slightly more expensive than incandescent bulbs, LEDs save businesses money in the long run in two major ways:
- They have low energy use, so your energy bill will be lower.
- They last much longer, so you’ll buy less over time and spend less on maintenance.
This blog takes a closer look at both of these points, as well as several other benefits of choosing a commercial lighting installation in the greater Milwaukee area.
Energy Saving LED Lighting for Businesses
The cost of electricity naturally depends on the size of a commercial building. However, most businesses report that the largest sources of energy consumption are heating, cooling, and lighting. These three services can account for more than half of a business’s electric bill.
According to energy.org, LEDs can use up to 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.
Switching from incandescent to LEDs can cut your energy bill in half. But there are even more savings to consider. Low energy consumption paired with low heat production and resistance to shock and vibration means that LEDs are less of a fire risk than other lighting options, which can lower your insurance costs.
On top of your business’s energy bill savings, an LED lighting contractor in Southeast Wisconsin can help you earn rebates through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program. Learn more about Focus on Energy rebates here.
What Types of Businesses Have The Highest Electric Bills?
Electric Choice, an energy management company, reports that retail and service buildings use the most energy commercially. Other businesses listed in descending order include office buildings, education buildings, healthcare buildings, and hotels.
If you find your type of business on this list, consider your indoor and outdoor lighting and determine if there are any opportunities to save money with LEDs. Consider the following options:
- LED Signage
- LED Street Lights
- Parking Garage LED Lighting
- LED Walkway Lighting
- LED Display Case Lighting
- Wall Mounted LED Lighting
- Outdoor LED Flood Lights
- LED Warehouse Lighting
- LED Recessed Lighting
Long Lasting LED Retrofits
According to that same article from energy.org, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Typically, the standard LED can last up to 50,000 hours, which translates to 10-20 years if used for three to five hours a day. For business owners, this means lower maintenance costs on top of buying fewer light bulbs.
LED Signage
You get the same benefits of LED lighting with outdoor LED signage. Longer-lasting LEDs mean less frequent change-outs on signage in hard-to-reach places that require professionals. Your sign professional can provide a condition report at their next maintenance check and help keep your LED sign in good repair to provide the longest lifespan possible. What's more, you can extend the life of your existing signs by retrofitting them with LEDs.
Sample Projects
Lemberg provides LED retrofitting for customers seeking brighter, more durable, and long-lasting illumination for signage and interior spaces. LED lighting enhances environments with more inviting light and boosts curb appeal. Studies have even shown that LED lighting can positively impact mood and productivity.
What to be inspired by past LED lighting projects? Check out some examples below!
- Windrush Subdivision Signage (Outdoor LED Signage) - An award-winning sign design commissioned for a family-friendly subdivision in Hartland, Wisconsin.
- Wacker Neuson (Indoor Lighting) – Lemberg’s electrical service team completed a retrofit project to upgrade production line lighting with new LED lighting, providing employees with a brighter and safer workspace.
- Hunger Task Force (Indoor LED Signage) – Lemberg created a new, cost-effective LED lighting design that considered different areas of the building and their respective uses. They also worked with the customer to determine the best lighting controls for their needs.
Learn more about custom design options for illuminated signage and LED applications. Download our Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Maintaining a Business Sign.
LED Lights Do More Than Save Money
LEDs are extremely popular in commercial settings because they allow business owners to save money on energy, maintenance, insurance, and rebates, but they are also popular because they look great!
LEDs are commonly used to replace the neon tubing in older or retro signage. With the popularity of vintage everything, they're a great way to bring back the past in a safe and efficient way.
LED lighting is used in a variety of settings, including decorative exterior lighting that enhances architecture and the nighttime skyline or creates inviting, creative spaces.
Outdoor LED Sign Lighting Produces A Crisp Image
One of the most common uses for LED lights in outdoor signage is in digital display boards. These boards use LED lights to display text, images, and even video clearly.
LED display boards come in a variety of resolutions and designs so that you can clearly deliver your message to people at various distances. When choosing digital LED signage, you will want to consider the following:
- Interaction
- Resolution
- Location and zoning
- Size and shape
- Content type
- Budget
- Existing signage
Interested in getting new business signage, but wondering what to expect from a Milwaukee LED lighting contractor? This helpful downloadable guide walks you through the steps of designing, manufacturing, and installing new business signage.
LED Lights Come In Different Temperatures
One component of LED lighting that is often confusing is color temperature.
Lighting temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and specifies how warm or cool the color of the LED appears. Color temperature can be subjective, but in a signage application, it can play a significant role in the mood of your brand.
As the image below shows, the color temperature of an LED can change to match your preferences and help your business create the right atmosphere.
LEDs Perform Better Than Other Lighting in Extremely Cold Temperatures
Wisconsin can get pretty cold, and one of the last things you want as a business owner is for your outdoor signage and lighting to dim or sputter out completely.
In the winter months, when it gets dark earlier and stays dark longer, a blown-out sign can spell disaster for the visibility of your business. Worse, unlit parking lots or walkways can result in accidents and unsafe environments for visitors and employees alike.
LEDs are not affected by cold weather. In fact, according to a study shared by Science Direct, cooler environments actually increase an LED’s output. That means bright, beautiful lights and safer conditions for all.
Commercial LED Lighting and Signage Services from Lemberg Electric
Depending on the number of lights in your facility and on your property, the transition from incandescent light bulbs to LED may seem like a large undertaking at first, but our Electrical Service and Signs Teams pride themselves on providing an excellent experience for customers.
Lemberg Electric is a Milwaukee LED lighting contractor that offers complete LED solutions for businesses across Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin. From efficient interior lighting upgrades to eye-catching, custom LED signage, our team helps you improve efficiency and make a lasting impression.
Our services include:
- Energy-saving LED retrofits and design
- Interior, exterior, and specialty lighting for all industries
- Custom LED signage that aligns with your brand
- Digital displays, channel letters, and monument signs
- End-to-end project management and rebate support
So, if you’re looking for an LED lighting contractor in Southeast Wisconsin, let us help you create a brighter, more impactful business environment—inside and out. Request a quote today or contact us, and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have about commercial lighting installation for the greater Milwaukee area.
