LED tube lights, also known as LED T8 or T12 tubes, are designed to replace traditional fluorescent tube lights. They are long, thin tubes that can be easily inserted into existing fluorescent fixtures, making them a popular choice for retrofitting older buildings with LED lighting. They have a high lumen output and are energy efficient, making them a cost-effective lighting solution for commercial and industrial settings. This retrofit approach is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get the benefits of LED for your space.

• -Easy, quick installation: No need for fixture modifications as long as you're only considering plug-and-play options.
• -Energy-efficient: LED tube lights use less energy than traditional fluorescent tube lights, which can result in significant energy savings over time with typical energy savings between 45%-60%.
• -Good lifespan increase (rated life of 36,000 to 50,000 hours) compared to the typical fluorescent lighting.
• -Access to LED lighting rebate programs in some regions of the U.S. to offset the up-front cost of retrofitting.
• -Cost-effective: LED tube lights are a cost-effective solution for retrofitting older buildings with LED lighting. They are less expensive than replacing the entire fixture.
• -Excellent warranty support from reputable manufacturers
•  

• -Difficult, complex choice between large number of LED tube options, like plug-and-play, ballast-bypass, remote driver, and some combinations of these.
• -Quality of light: Some LED tube lights may produce a lower quality of light than LED fixtures, depending on the quality of the tube.
• -The type of LED tube being installed is limited to the fixture it's being installed in.
• -The LED tube that you're replacing may outlive the old fixture it's being installed in.
• -Visual appeal of old, faded fixtures will not be enhanced by a tube upgrade.
•  

• -Maximized energy efficiency compared to LED tubes.
• -Maximized lifespan (as much as 100,000 burn hours).
• -Rebate potential on DLC-listed fixtures.
• -Upgrade the appearance of old, cracked fixtures.
• -Lower maximum fixture wattage than traditional fixtures, which can help with meeting certain building codes.
• -Flexibility: LED fixtures can be easily customized and tailored to the specific needs of the application.
• -Versatile: LED fixtures come in a wide variety of styles and designs, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
•  

• -Higher up-front cost for installation and materials
• -Longer commitment to a single product, prohibiting upgrades to newer products which may offer better benefits
• -Installation: LED fixtures require more extensive installation than LED tube lights, which can add to the cost and complexity of the project.
•  

Making the final decision of whether to replace with LED tubes or the entire LED fixture depends on your application and your needs for LED lighting. Here are a few things to consider.

If your fixtures are in poor working condition, it doesn't make sense to just replace the tubes. Yellowed or cracked lenses can reduce the effectiveness of your new, energy-efficient lighting if they are not replaced. Additionally, the cost of purchasing new lenses or fixture components can add up quickly. In this case, it would be wise to consider switching to an LED fixture as it would maximize the energy efficiency and maintenance benefits, give your fixtures a modern look, and the cost might be comparable to replacing the lenses or components.

Without a doubt, new LED fixtures will give you the best efficiency and maintenance benefits. However, LED fixtures generally have a higher upfront cost compared to LED tubes. Upgrading to LED tubes will have a lower upfront cost compared to LED fixtures while still giving you the energy efficiency that you're looking for.

If you are gradually transitioning to LED lighting by replacing old lamps as they burn out, in order to avoid the high upfront cost of a retrofit, then LED tubes may be the ideal option for you.

If you need to comply with strict energy or efficiency regulations, it may be best to opt for a complete fixture replacement. The latest LED fixtures come equipped with advanced controls that can assist in meeting these stringent requirements.

Available rebates can completely change the landscape for which option has the best return on investment or which option have the lowest up-front cost. We recommend that you consider the rebates in your area at the beginning of your decision-making process.

Overall, the choice between LED tube lights and LED fixtures will depend on the specific needs and constraints of the application. If cost and energy efficiency are the main priorities, LED tube lights may be the better choice. If design and flexibility are more important, LED fixtures may be the way to go. If you're looking to do an LED Lighting Upgrade at your facility, contact one of our LED Experts Today!