Your office lighting does more than illuminate the space. It also affects your team’s productivity, energy levels, and mood.

Dim lighting can cause staff to feel tired and cranky. Using lighting that’s too bright can result in eye strain and migraines. It can also disrupt everyone’s circadian rhythms.

When the lighting isn’t too bright or dim, employees feel more alert, energized, and capable of giving the task 100 percent. However, finding the right balance between dim and bright light isn’t always easy.

Office LED Upgrade – What to Consider

Before starting your office lighting upgrade, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the right illumination for your space.

1. Basic Lighting Standards

The minimum standard lighting for office buildings is determined by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The administration recommends using 500 lumens per square meter.

For example, a standard desk lamp with a 60-watt bulb produces 800 lumens.

Other lighting standards provided by the GSA include,

• Using fluorescent fixtures and bulbs for ceiling lights. However, during your office lighting upgrade, we recommend replacing the bulbs and fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs.
• The lighting layout should evenly illuminate the space.
• Use task lighting options to fill in any gaps (dark areas).
• Minimize shadows by installing adjustable lighting options.

2. Type of Bulb

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are the best option to replace inefficient fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent lamps.

Some of the advantages associated with an LED upgrade for office buildings are,

• LED bulbs are less expensive to operate and maintain
• LEDs have a longer lifespan
• LED fixtures use less electricity
• LED bulbs do not emit infrared radiation
• LEDs do not trigger migraines caused by bright light
• LEDs are adjustable to match the season and time of day

LEDs also do not interfere with melatonin production or disrupt your natural sleep pattern.

3. Temperature and Color

The light’s temperature and color can affect the productivity and health of your staff.

Cool white and blue light improves alertness and concentration. Warmer orange and yellow light induce feelings of relaxation and is best suited for evenings as workers are leaving the building.

 Some LEDs are temperature and color adjustable, allowing you to mimic the natural light outside.

4. Brightness

Along with temperature and color, the light’s brightness also impacts energy levels and mood.

Using brighter lights in the morning encourages alertness, creativity, and activity. A dimmer light in the afternoon is ideal for stationary tasks and work requiring focus.

During your LED upgrade, you may want to consider installing adjustable bulbs. Some automatically adjust the light’s brightness according to the time of day. The light is bright in the morning, gradually dimming throughout the day.

5. Cost

A primary consideration during your office light upgrade is cost.

LEDs are more expensive, but you can also take advantage of rebates and other financial incentives that make the upgrade more affordable.

Light-emitting diodes can save you money in the long run. The bulbs use less energy, and last longer reducing maintenance costs. LEDs also emit less heat which produces additional savings.

6. LED Placement

Even energy-efficient LEDs can be too bright next to or above computer screens.

To prevent glare from the screens and bulbs, carefully consider the fixtures’ placement.

Action Services Group can help you with your office lighting design to ensure your upgraded lighting is placed in the best locations. We also offer a full turnkey LED upgrade solution provider, including incentive and rebate recover services. Contact us today to learn more about an office LED upgrade, by calling 610-558-9773, emailing [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.