Lighting Advisor
Replacement Options and Comparisons
Incandescent
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 | Good |
| Recommendation Key |
| Best |
| Better |
| Good |
| OK |
Bulbs Overview
| 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 |
800-Lumen / 60-Watt Bulbs | |||
| 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 |
1100-Lumen / 75-Watt Bulbs | |||
| 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 |
1600-Lumen / 100-Watt Bulbs | |||
| 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 |
T12
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 |
| Recommendation Key |
| Best |
| Better |
| Good |
| OK |
Bulbs Overview
| 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 |
Settings and Uses
| 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.
HID
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 |
| Recommendation Key |
| Best |
| Better |
| Good |
| OK |
Bulbs Overview
| 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 |
Settings and Uses
| 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.
Buying Guide
Lumens vs. Watts
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 |
Choosing a Color Temperature
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.
Dimmers and Motion Sensors
Dimmers
Dimmer switches allow users to lower light levels manually to help create ambiance or to aid work tasks.
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors automatically turn off or dim lights when the room is unoccupied. They also turn on lighting when someone enters the room. Occupancy sensors are ideal for restrooms, warehouses or low-traffic areas.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors turn on lighting when even small movements are detected. They are frequently used for security lighting, task lighting and lamps.
Photocells (Exterior Daylight Sensors)
Photocell sensors automatically turn off lighting when sunlight is available, helping you to use energy more efficiently. Exterior daylight sensors are often used on security lighting and business signs.
Interior Daylight Sensors
Daylight sensors detect the level of sunlight in a room and adjusts the lighting accordingly. If it is very sunny, the lights are turned off. If it is partly cloudy, the lights are dimmed. Daylight sensors are great for areas with generous natural lighting.
Timers
Lighting timers automatically turn on, dim or turn off lighting at hours you specify. There are two types of lighting timers. Manual timers plug into an outlet and control a specific switch or light. Programmable timers allow you to adjust settings digitally, sometimes through a mobile phone app.
Questions
If you’re ready to take the next step, we offer many ways to help you find new energy savings.
- Call our lighting experts 866.796.0512 (select option 3)
- Schedule a Business Energy Consultation
- Search our Energy Efficiency Directory to find a participating contractor
- Explore DTE Energy Incentives