Lighting
LED Lighting Upgrade Guide for Brooklyn Homes and Businesses
Jetco Electrical Team
2025-11-20
5 min read

Why Upgrade to LED Lighting?
LED technology has revolutionized home and commercial lighting, offering dramatic energy savings, longer lifespans, and superior light quality compared to traditional bulbs.
LED vs Traditional Lighting
Energy Efficiency
- LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- 50% less energy than fluorescent lighting
- Significantly reduce cooling costs (less heat output)
Lifespan
- LED bulbs: 25,000-50,000 hours
- Incandescent: 1,000 hours
- CFL: 8,000 hours
Result: Replace bulbs 25-50x less often
Cost Savings
Average Brooklyn home (30 bulbs):
- Current annual cost (incandescent): $660
- After LED upgrade: $165
- Annual savings: $495
- Upgrade pays for itself in 1-2 years
Types of LED Lighting
Residential LED Options
LED Bulbs
- Direct replacement for existing fixtures
- Multiple color temperatures
- Dimmable options available
Recessed LED Fixtures
- Sleek, modern appearance
- Directional lighting control
- Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms
LED Track Lighting
- Adjustable beam direction
- Accent and task lighting
- Contemporary aesthetic
Under-Cabinet LEDs
- Kitchen task lighting
- Low-profile strips
- Color-changing options
Commercial LED Options
High-Bay LED Fixtures
- Warehouse and industrial spaces
- Powerful, efficient illumination
- Instant-on (no warm-up time)
LED Panels
- Office ceiling lighting
- Uniform light distribution
- Sleek, professional look
Exterior LED Lighting
- Building facades
- Parking lots
- Security lighting
Emergency LED Lighting
- Battery backup systems
- Code-compliant solutions
- Long service life
LED Upgrade Process
1. Lighting Assessment
- Count existing fixtures
- Measure current energy use
- Identify lighting goals
- Calculate potential savings
2. Design Planning
- Select appropriate LED products
- Plan lighting layouts
- Consider smart controls
- Design for future needs
3. Installation
- Remove old fixtures/bulbs
- Install LED fixtures
- Update dimmer switches (if needed)
- Test all functions
4. Smart Controls (Optional)
- Install smart switches
- Set up automation
- Configure scenes
- Enable voice control
Special Considerations for Brooklyn Properties
Historic Buildings
- Maintain aesthetic character
- Use period-appropriate fixtures with LED retrofits
- Work with landmarks preservation requirements
Multi-Family Buildings
- Coordinate with tenants
- Plan common area upgrades first
- Consider master metering benefits
Commercial Spaces
- Minimize business disruption
- After-hours installation available
- Coordinate with building management
Smart LED Lighting Features
Dimming
- Smooth dimming curves
- Energy savings at lower levels
- Mood and task lighting control
Color Temperature Control
- Warm white (2700K) for relaxing spaces
- Cool white (4000K+) for task areas
- Tunable white for circadian rhythm support
Motion Sensors
- Automatic on/off
- 50-75% additional energy savings
- Ideal for hallways, bathrooms, garages
Scheduling
- Automatic on/off times
- Vacation mode
- Seasonal adjustments
Cost Breakdown
Residential LED Upgrade
Typical 2-Bedroom Brooklyn Apartment:
- 25 LED bulbs: $150-$300
- Installation (if needed): $200-$400
- Dimmer switch updates: $100-$200
- Total: $450-$900
- Payback period: 12-18 months
Commercial LED Upgrade
Small Business (1,500 sq ft):
- LED fixtures: $1,500-$3,000
- Installation: $1,000-$2,000
- Smart controls: $500-$1,000
- Total: $3,000-$6,000
- Payback period: 18-24 months
Available Incentives
Con Edison Rebates
- Commercial LED upgrades: Up to $100 per fixture
- Residential programs: Check current offerings
- Smart thermostat bundles
Federal Tax Credits
- Energy-efficient home improvements
- Commercial building upgrades
- Consult tax professional for details
NYSERDA Programs
- Small business incentives
- Multifamily building programs
- Free energy assessments
Maximizing Your LED Investment
Proper Placement
- Task lighting where needed
- Ambient lighting for overall illumination
- Accent lighting for aesthetics
Color Temperature Strategy
- Warm (2700-3000K): Living rooms, bedrooms
- Neutral (3500-4000K): Kitchens, bathrooms
- Cool (5000K+): Workspaces, garages
Dimmer Compatibility
- Use LED-compatible dimmers
- Check bulb dimming specifications
- Test before full installation
Maintenance and Longevity
LEDs require minimal maintenance:
- Dust fixtures annually
- Check connections if flickering occurs
- Replace drivers if needed (rare)
- Update smart firmware regularly
Environmental Benefits
Switching to LEDs reduces:
- Carbon footprint by 50-70%
- Mercury exposure (vs CFLs)
- Light pollution (directional light)
- Landfill waste (longer lifespan)
Ready to upgrade to LED lighting? Contact Jetco at (667) 455-6368 for a free lighting assessment and quote.
