Are you ready to upgrade your flat or stairwell lighting to LED?
The list of reasons to make this change is endless. More and more property owners and building managers across Edinburgh are abandoning traditional fluorescent and halogen bulbs in favour of energy-efficient LED lighting.
It’s often said that LED lighting is more expensive than other lighting solutions – but it’s not that simple.
The cost of installing LED lighting, for example, will depend on your existing fixtures and the building you want to upgrade. And it’s important to consider the long-term savings you’ll make too.
In this blog, we’ll go through the process of upgrading your lighting and the cost to switch to LED lights in a flat or stairwell of an Edinburgh building.
Why switch to LED lighting?
There are many reasons to switch to LED lights in flat buildings and communal areas like stairwells. From positively impacting the environment to making the space more pleasant for residents and – of course – saving money on your energy bills, here’s how LED lights can improve your property:
- They’re more energy efficient: LED bulbs require much less energy to light up your space, as they convert almost all of their energy into light.
- They’re cheaper to run: The average yearly cost to run an LED bulb is £3.72, while a fluorescent bulb will set you back £14.89. This saving makes a huge difference to your energy bill.
- They have a longer lifespan: LED bulbs last about 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money on replacements and maintenance.
- They’re kinder to the planet: LED bulbs contain no toxic chemicals, making them easier and safer to dispose of. At the end of their long lifetime, they won’t cause any harm to the planet.
Find out more about the benefits of LED lighting in your stairwell in our recent guide.
How do you upgrade to LED lights?
There are a few different ways of upgrading to LED lights.
Some property owners upgrade all their lights simultaneously to enjoy more significant energy bill savings. This requires a higher upfront cost but immediately improves your building’s energy efficiency. Others choose to upgrade their bulbs as and when the old ones burn out.
Because of their much longer lifespan, the average cost of an LED lightbulb is higher than an incandescent bulb. An LED bulb will cost you on average between £10 and £20, with a higher price tag on tube lights.
In most cases, it’s simply a case of changing your old light bulb for a new LED version. In some situations, however, you need to make more substantial changes to the light fixtures in your building which will raise the cost of installations. This includes factors such as:
- Old or faulty wiring: if your building is over 25 years old, we recommend consulting a professional electrician to ensure everything is safe and compatible with LED fittings.
- Dimmable lights: many LED lights are dimmable, but require a specific dimmer switch.
- Fixture upgrades: occasionally, you may need to retrofit your current lighting system to make it work with LED bulbs, or change the fixture entirely.
If you’re unsure about your current lighting system, always bring in a trusted electrician who can advise you on upgrading to LED lights and safely and efficiently make any necessary changes to your current system.
Working with a trusted professional
When it comes to electricity, you must find the right provider to do the job safely. It’s not simply a matter of choosing the cheapest electrician in your local area – you want to ensure a professional, high-quality service.
At Lumen Electrical, we know many customers have been left disappointed and frustrated by their experiences with hiring electricians – so we’re on a mission to provide a service that prioritises clear communication, transparent pricing, and solutions-based thinking.
We hope this guide has answered some of your questions about what it will cost to switch to LED lights in a flat or stairwell in Edinburgh. While there is an upfront cost associated with upgrading the LED lights in your building, it’s a worthwhile investment that will save you money in the future.
If you’d like us to come out and assess your building for an LED upgrade, or you’re ready to make the switch, contact one of our experts today for a detailed and accurate cost estimate.
More posts on saving money with LEDs
How LED Lighting Upgrades Support Edinburgh’s Green Initiatives
How LED bulbs help Edinburgh businesses save on energy bills