Once again our kids are getting ready to go back to school. Today, the LED One Distribution team takes a look at school gymnasium lighting. Replacing existing lighting with LED lights can have a beneficial effect on our children and the school budget.
Advantages of Using LED Lighting in Gymnasiums
Gymnasiums and sports facilities have unique lighting needs. They also use a high number of lights. Traditionally 400 W metal halide high bay lighting bulbs are used in school gymnasiums. Metal halide bulbs waste a lot of energy making them expensive to use. The metal halide bulbs will dim as they age and burn out. While the lights dim they continue to burn the same amount of energy.
Schools usually change the burned-out bulbs once or twice a year to save on maintenance costs. Sports facility lights are usually 25 feet high and frequently in hard to reach areas. It is expensive to bring in the equipment and people needed to change the bulbs. While the school is saving on maintenance costs, the people using the gymnasium have poor light quality until the bulbs are replaced.
Saving on Energy and Maintenance
Typically LED lighting cuts energy usage by 80%. The lights provide 50,000 to 80,000 hours of light before needing replacement. LED high bay lights offer the best option for cost savings and as well as a better quality light. LED lights are available in different shapes, energy savings, costs, and even color temperatures. They last longer and won’t dim as they age so there are fewer maintenance changes. This creates significant maintenance cost savings.
LED lighting’s energy efficiency generates a fraction of the heat of other types of lighting. The energy efficiency helps to save on air conditioning expenses as you aren’t cooling the heat generated with traditional lighting. Adding dimmers and occupancy sensors to the lighting system provides even greater savings.
Many of the traditional light options have a ‘warm-up’ period anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. You also won’t experience the ‘buzzing’ some of the other high bay lighting options have.
Better for the Environment
LED lighting does not use mercury or other substances harmful to the environment. Metal halide bulbs are under pressure and can explode when failing. Anyone or anything under the bulbs during a failure can be harmed by the falling glass
A Better Environment for Students
There is more at stake than just the cost of the lighting. Poor lighting affects students. It makes it difficult for students to focus and stay sharp in gyms as well as classrooms. LED lighting keeps students and athletes safe and helps them perform at their best. Better lighting also provides the possibility of using the gymnasium for other purposes such as band concerts, practices, other school events.
Making the Change Economical
Switching to LED lighting can be easier than you might think. Traditional light fixtures can be retrofitted to accommodate LED bulbs. Retrofitting existing fixtures saves school districts costs associated with changing to LED fixtures.
Call Our Team
The LED One Distribution team can help you find ways to save money when transitioning to LED lighting. We are here to help with any gymnasium high bay lighting questions you might have. You’ll be thrilled with the savings, the reduction of your maintenance costs, and the improvement in lighting quality. Just give us a call and we can help make the transition easy. You’ll be glad you made the change.