Switching out your traditional incandescent bulbs for light emitting diode (LED) bulbs and/or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs is one of the easiest ways your business can save money.
| Recommendation Key | Best | Better | OK |
| Bulb Type | LED | CFL | Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | 80% | 75% | 33% |
| Pollution Level | X | XX | XXX |
| Cost Comparison | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Life Span Average (Based on 1,000 Hours Annually) | 25 years | 8 years | 3 years |
| Dimmable | Most | Some | All |
| Color Availability | Warm-Daylight | Warm-Daylight | Warm |
| Bulb Type | LED | CFL | Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Cost | $1.58 | $1.71 | $5.65 |
| Average Bulb Cost | $7.00 | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| Bulb Changes | 1X | 2X | 4X |
| Total Cost Over 10 Years | $22.80 | $27.10 | $68.50 |
| Bulb Type | LED | CFL | Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Cost | $2.23 | $2.37 | $6.96 |
| Bulb Cost | $7.00 | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| Bulb Changes | 1X | 2X | 4X |
| Total Cost Over 10 Years | $29.30 | $33.70 | $81.60 |
| Bulb Type | LED | CFL | Halogen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Energy Cost | $2.88 | $3.02 | $9.96 |
| Bulb Cost | $7.00 | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| Bulb Changes | 1X | 2X | 4X |
| Total Cost Over 10 Years | $35.80 | $40.20 | $111.60 |
Not all T12 options are equal. To find the right fit for your business and your budget, compare bulbs on this list for the most common energy-efficient replacements.
| Recommendation Key | Best | Better | Good | OK |
| Bulb Type | Linear LED | LED Fixture | T5 Fluorescent | T8 Fluorescent Low Watt or High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Savings | Up to 60% | Up to 60% | Up to 45% | Up to 25% |
| Life Span Average (Based on 4,368 Hours Annually) | 10 Years | 10 Years | 5 Years | 4 Years |
| Cost | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $ |
| Fixture Replacement? | Recommended | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
| Maintenance Level | Very Low | Very Low | Medium | OK |
| Lighting Temperature | 2700-6500K | 2700-6500K | 3500-6500K | 3000-6500K |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor |
| Rebates Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulb Type | Linear LED | LED Fixture | T5 Fluorescent | T8 Fluorescent LWatt/HP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor | X | X | X | X |
| Outdoor | X | X | X | X |
| High Ceilings | X | X | ||
| Cold Temperatures | X | X | ||
| Technical Lighting | X | X | X | X |
| High Temperature | X | X | X | X |
Retrofitting Fixtures FAQ
Do I have to replace my entire fixture?
In some instances, you can avoid replacing your entire fixture by replacing the ballast and the bulbs. However, we recommend replacing your fixture completely for maximum energy efficiency and proper light distribution. To help with the switch, ballasts, bulbs and fixtures may be eligible for a DTE Energy rebate.
What is a ballast?
A ballast connects to the light fixture to control electricity sent to the bulb. Electronic ballasts are more efficient than magnetic ballasts, saving both energy and money.
When you are lighting big areas, the right bulb can save a large amount of money. Below are the most common replacements for high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting used in public areas, warehouses, parking lots and more.
| Recommendation Key | Best | Better | Good | OK |
| Bulb Type | LED | T8 or T5 Fluorescent | Induction | Pulse-Start Metal Halide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Savings | Up to 75% | Up to 60% | Up to 50% | Up to 30% |
| Life Span Average (Based on 4,368 Hours Annually) | 10 Years | 6 Years | 16 Years | 4 Years |
| Cost | $$$$ | $$ | $$$ | $ |
| Fixture Replacement? | Recommended | Yes | Recommended | Recommended |
| Maintenance Level | Very Low | Medium | Very Low | High |
| Lighting Temperature | 2700-6500K | 2700-6500K | 4100-6500K | 4100K |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor | Indoor & Outdoor |
| Rebates Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulb Type | LED | T8 or T5 Fluorescent |
Induction | Pulse-Start Metal-Halide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor | X | X | X | X |
| Outdoor | X | X | X | |
| High Ceilings | X | X | X | X |
| Cold Temperatures | X | X | X | |
| Technical Lighting | X | X | ||
| High Temperature | X | X |
Retrofitting Fixtures FAQ
Do I have to replace my entire fixture?
In some instances, you can avoid replacing your entire fixture by replacing the ballast and the bulbs. However, we recommend replacing your fixture completely for maximum energy efficiency and proper light distribution. To help with the switch, ballasts, bulbs and fixtures may be eligible for a DTE Energy rebate.
What is a ballast?
A ballast connects to the light fixture to control electricity sent to the bulb. Electronic ballasts are more efficient than magnetic ballasts, saving both energy and money.
Lumens specify how much light a bulb will produce and watts indicate the energy needed to create that light. The higher the number, the brighter the light and the more energy it requires.
Use the chart below to find the traditional incandescent wattage equivalent in lumens.
| Incandescent Watts | Lumen Equivalence |
|---|---|
| 100W | 1600-1800 Lumens |
| 75W | 1100-1200 Lumens |
| 60W | 800-900 Lumens |
| 40W | 400-600 Lumens |
From cool blue to warm orange, LEDs and CFLs offer a wide variety of tones. The color temperature is measured on a Kelvin scale—the higher the number, the cooler the light.
