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In most buildings, switching to LED pays off – especially where lights are on for a long time: stairwells, underground car parks, corridors and offices. LEDs use far less electricity than older lamps and last much longer. Combined with motion sensors, electricity and maintenance costs drop noticeably.
Where LED pays off most
- Underground car parks and basements: lights are often on permanently or for very long periods.
- Stairwells and corridors: many light fittings, frequent switching.
- Offices and practices: long operating hours on working days.
- Outdoor lighting: paths, entrances and car parks, often all night.
Three reasons to switch
1. Lower electricity costs. Compared with incandescent, halogen or fluorescent lamps, consumption often falls by more than half, depending on the existing lighting.
2. Less maintenance. LEDs last for many years. That saves frequently replacing failed tubes – and complaints about dark stairwells.
3. Old lamps are being phased out. Since 2023, most conventional fluorescent tubes may no longer be placed on the market in the EU. Replacements are becoming harder to find.
Motion sensors and timers
The biggest savings come when lights are only on when they are needed. Motion sensors switch corridors and garages on and off automatically. In the stairwell, a low base level of light that brightens when someone moves can make sense. That keeps it safe without wasting electricity.
Replace the tube or the whole fitting?
| Option | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| LED tube in the old fitting | Cheap, quick | Old fitting remains, not always compatible |
| New LED fitting | Best efficiency, long life, modern look | Higher purchase cost |
| New fitting with sensor | Biggest savings | Somewhat more planning |
A site visit shows which option fits. A mix often makes sense: new fittings in the underground car park, tube replacement in the basement.
What owners and property managers should bear in mind
- Professional installation: only a registered electrical contractor may work on the electrical installation.
- Emergency lighting: larger buildings have requirements for escape and emergency lighting. These must be taken into account in the planning.
- Service charges: electricity for communal lighting is recoverable, so tenants benefit directly from the savings.
LED retrofit in Düsseldorf
Fresh Flush plans and organises LED retrofits for residential complexes, offices and hotels in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area. We assess the existing lighting, suggest the right solution and replace failed lamps. Work on the electrical installation is carried out by registered specialist companies that we coordinate. More about electrical & lighting, or request a free quote directly.
