When to Upgrade Or Replace Existing Fluorescent Light Fixtures
Determining whether you should upgrade or replace existing fluorescent light fixtures when you are remodeling or renovating really depends on the latest building codes in your area.
You can find out yourself or consult with a local contractor, engineer, or architect.
Any of these professionals will be able to advise you.
It is recommended that you do upgrade or replace lights and fixtures in order to meet the latest codes even if the change is going to be costly.
Your local building codes will probably require that your new fixtures meet new energy efficiency requirements thus helping the environment as well as your wallet.
There are other reasons why you should upgrade your light fixtures even though your local building codes do not require it.
You should think about retrofitting your existing fixtures if the bulbs you are using are not energy efficient.
There are many types of low voltage light bulb alternatives on the market.
Depending on what you are currently using, switching bulbs could save you up to 50% on energy costs.
The same goes for replacing fixtures even if code doesn't call for it.
Older lighting systems should be replaced if they will not accommodate new energy efficient light bulbs.
Again this is a small investment considering how much you can save in the long run.
You should also replace fixtures and light bulbs that are not functioning properly.
Lights that are burned out, flickering, or producing a dim illumination must be replaced because they are only wasting energy.
Check your states' department of energy website.
Many states have tax credits and discounts for companies that upgrade or replace their existing or outdated lighting with newer and energy saving materials.
Some states also have loans that are directed to business who wish to upgrade but cannot afford the initial cost.
These loans are usually low interest so small businesses can also participate.
Local utility companies also offer discounts or rebates to those who increase their energy efficiency.
The money could make a nice dent on the cost of the upgrades.
You can research about local codes, loan programs, rebates, and discounts in your area directly on the internet.
If you are unable to find information, contact a lighting professional in your area.
A professional can visit your building and estimate how much it will cost you to upgrade or replace existing fixtures to bring them up to code.
You can then decide whether or not to do more and how much it will cost you.
Keep in mind that the building codes are created to make your building safe and functioning properly.
Most local governments are now also incorporating codes that are environmentally safe as well.
This is not an attempt to force you to go green.
On the contrary, it can actually save you a noticeable amount of money in the future.
You can find out yourself or consult with a local contractor, engineer, or architect.
Any of these professionals will be able to advise you.
It is recommended that you do upgrade or replace lights and fixtures in order to meet the latest codes even if the change is going to be costly.
Your local building codes will probably require that your new fixtures meet new energy efficiency requirements thus helping the environment as well as your wallet.
There are other reasons why you should upgrade your light fixtures even though your local building codes do not require it.
You should think about retrofitting your existing fixtures if the bulbs you are using are not energy efficient.
There are many types of low voltage light bulb alternatives on the market.
Depending on what you are currently using, switching bulbs could save you up to 50% on energy costs.
The same goes for replacing fixtures even if code doesn't call for it.
Older lighting systems should be replaced if they will not accommodate new energy efficient light bulbs.
Again this is a small investment considering how much you can save in the long run.
You should also replace fixtures and light bulbs that are not functioning properly.
Lights that are burned out, flickering, or producing a dim illumination must be replaced because they are only wasting energy.
Check your states' department of energy website.
Many states have tax credits and discounts for companies that upgrade or replace their existing or outdated lighting with newer and energy saving materials.
Some states also have loans that are directed to business who wish to upgrade but cannot afford the initial cost.
These loans are usually low interest so small businesses can also participate.
Local utility companies also offer discounts or rebates to those who increase their energy efficiency.
The money could make a nice dent on the cost of the upgrades.
You can research about local codes, loan programs, rebates, and discounts in your area directly on the internet.
If you are unable to find information, contact a lighting professional in your area.
A professional can visit your building and estimate how much it will cost you to upgrade or replace existing fixtures to bring them up to code.
You can then decide whether or not to do more and how much it will cost you.
Keep in mind that the building codes are created to make your building safe and functioning properly.
Most local governments are now also incorporating codes that are environmentally safe as well.
This is not an attempt to force you to go green.
On the contrary, it can actually save you a noticeable amount of money in the future.
