As in most industries, technology continues to transform how products deliver value. Lighting is no exception — from Edison’s first light bulb to today’s innovations. Over the years incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps, and fluorescent tubes each changed the game. But, in recent years, commercial LED lighting technology has become the clear leader, offering unmatched energy efficiency, customization, and reliability. Businesses now enjoy not only cost savings but also greater control over color temperature, brightness and overall atmosphere.
Historically, updating a light fixture, for example signage and commercial lighting , required a substantial rework or replacement of all componentry. Today, however, the vast majority of lighting fixtures and signs can be retrofitted, gaining all the benefits of this new technology without the accompanying capital expense.
Modern fluorescent lighting is less than a century old, yet it rapidly gained massive popularity. By 1951, more light was produced in the United States by fluorescent lamps than by incandescent lamps. The economics were clear: fluorescents used far less energy and lasted longer.
By 2012, 84% of U.S. commercial buildings used standard fluorescent bulbs for some or all of their lighting, and 41% used compact fluorescents. However, by 2018 those figures had dropped to 68% and 19% respectively, as LEDs began taking over.
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*Image provided by U.S. Energy Information Administration
Despite the benefits over incandescent bulbs, several key issues make fluorescent lights less than ideal for modern businesses.
At the same time that commercial use of fluorescent lights has been shrinking, LED adoption has skyrocketed. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, from 2012 to 2018, commercial buildings have gone from 9% to 44% utilization of LED lighting. There are numerous reasons why businesses have been making the upgrade.
Longevity and Durability: LEDs are renowned for their long lifespan, significantly outperforming fluorescent lights. Some of the top commercial lighting providers offer a comprehensive 10-year warranty on all lights and power supplies, ensuring peace of mind for businesses. This durability translates to fewer maintenance and service calls, allowing companies to focus on their core operations without the hassle of frequent lighting issues.
Brightness Control: Commercial LED lighting systems can offer brightness adjustments, helping to blend naturally with the ambient light. This adaptability is crucial for businesses that require specific lighting conditions throughout the day. They also perform reliably across seasons, especially when properly winterized.
Color Options: Modern LED technology can produce over 16 million distinct shades, allowing businesses to perfectly match their lighting with their brand’s unique color palette. The ability to accurately replicate specific colors in lighting enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and reinforces brand consistency.
Eco-Friendly & Safe: LEDs are an environmentally friendly lighting solution. They do not contain harmful chemicals like mercury, making them safer for both the environment and human health. Their energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs, but also contributes to a business's sustainability goals.
Design Versatility: Commercial LED lighting offers unmatched versatility in design options. From sleek, modern fixtures to more traditional designs, LEDs can be tailored to fit any architectural style or interior décor. This flexibility allows businesses to create a unique atmosphere that aligns with their brand image and enhances the customer experience.
In the past, upgrading meant replacing bulbs, fixtures, wiring, and ballasts — a costly process with long ROI timelines.
A retrofit, on the other hand, keeps most of the existing lighting infrastructure and essentially swaps out the bulbs. This process greatly reduces the total cost and the time needed to complete the project.
In the conversation about commercial lighting, people often think of the fixtures on ceilings or the lamp poles in a parking lot; “lighting” is about illuminating a space so people can see more easily. By the same principle, the lighting of business signage is an equally important consideration.
Commercial signs are illuminated to draw attention and be seen at any time of day or night. As such, all of the downsides of fluorescent lighting in general also apply to signage lighting specifically. Flickering, dim spots, or yellowing will negatively impact brand image, making people less interested in that business.
Fortunately, retrofitting for signage is just as easy as general lighting, and produces the same benefits of brighter, long-lasting, accurate colors. Whether a sign is internally or externally illuminated, replacing the existing light source with LEDs will bring fresh life to the face of a business.
LED upgrades aren’t just about lower energy bills. While LEDs cut electricity use by 10–20% compared to fluorescents, the real savings come from:
These “invisible savings” often outweigh the energy benefits, strengthening the bottom line.
A: Commercial LED lighting offers a longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs, better brightness control, and greater design flexibility compared to fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
A: While LEDs reduce electricity use, the biggest savings come from lower maintenance and fewer replacements. With longer lifespans and fewer failures, businesses spend less on service calls and avoid operational disruptions.
A: Yes, LED lighting delivers brighter, more consistent illumination without flickering or yellowing over time. It also offers accurate color representation, strengthening brand visibility and appeal.
High quality lighting is a crucial component of business success, improving both brand image and on-site safety. This includes direct lighting for visibility and signage illumination.
Businesses ready to upgrade their lighting to LEDs are best served by partnering with a team experienced in all aspects of commercial lighting and signage. Banks, sports teams, and medical centers have all trusted Flexlume for their lighting projects.
With national reach and a 120-year track record of success, Flexlume delivers reliable LED solutions tailored to your business needs. Contact us today to start your commercial LED lighting project with confidence.