LED Lighting for New Construction vs Retrofit: What Contractors Need to Know
Compare LED lighting approaches for new construction and retrofit projects. Covers wiring, code differences, cost analysis, and best practices for electrical contractors.
Whether you're wiring a new building or upgrading an existing one, the LED lighting approach differs significantly. Here's what every electrical contractor needs to know.
New Construction: Key Considerations
Code Compliance from Day One
New construction must meet the latest energy codes:
- IECC 2021: Lighting power density (LPD) limits by space type
- ASHRAE 90.1: Maximum watts per square foot
- Title 24 (California): Strictest state energy code
- Local amendments: Always check municipality requirements
Typical LPD Limits (Watts per Square Foot)
| Space Type | ASHRAE 90.1-2019 | Title 24-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Office (open) | 0.61 W/sf | 0.55 W/sf |
| Retail | 0.84 W/sf | 0.80 W/sf |
| Warehouse | 0.45 W/sf | 0.40 W/sf |
| School | 0.72 W/sf | 0.65 W/sf |
| Healthcare | 0.89 W/sf | 0.80 W/sf |
Modern LED fixtures easily meet these limits — a 50W LED troffer in a 64 sq ft grid = 0.78 W/sf, which passes ASHRAE for retail.
New Construction Advantages
- Clean wire runs: No existing wiring constraints
- Optimal fixture placement: Design from scratch
- Integrated controls: Daylight harvesting, occupancy sensors built in
- Lower install cost: No demolition of old fixtures
Recommended Products for New Construction
- Offices: Auvolar LED Troffers ($49) or Flat Panels ($45)
- Warehouses: UFO High Bay ($69-$139) with motion sensors ($25)
- Retail: Slim Downlights ($15-$25) + Track Lighting
- Parking: OT Series Area Lights ($106-$349)
Retrofit: Key Considerations
Assessing Existing Infrastructure
Before quoting a retrofit, check:
Common Retrofit Scenarios
#### Scenario 1: Warehouse MH to LED (Most Profitable)
- Remove: 400W Metal Halide fixtures
- Install: Auvolar UFO High Bay 150W
- Wiring: Reuse existing — just swap fixture and reconnect
- Time: 20-30 minutes per fixture
- Customer saves: $150-200/fixture/year in energy
- Payback: 3-6 months with rebates
#### Scenario 2: Office Fluorescent to LED
- Option A: LED tubes (Type B direct wire) — $6/tube, bypass ballast, 20 min each
- Option B: New LED troffers — $49 each, remove old troffer, drop in new, 15 min each
- Recommendation: New troffers for cleaner look and better warranty
#### Scenario 3: Parking Lot HPS to LED
- Remove: HPS head from existing pole
- Install: Auvolar OT Series on same arm
- Add: Photocell (if not present)
- Time: 30-45 minutes per pole
- Customer saves: 50-60% energy + better white light
Retrofit ROI Example: 100-Fixture Warehouse
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 100× Auvolar UFO High Bay 150W | $8,900 |
| Installation labor (30 min × 100 @ $75/hr) | $3,750 |
| Total project cost | $12,650 |
| DLC utility rebate (100 × $60) | -$6,000 |
| Net cost after rebate | $6,650 |
| Annual energy savings (250W × 100 × 4,380 hrs × $0.12) | $13,140/yr |
| Payback period | 6 months |
How Auvolar Supports Contractors
For both new construction and retrofit:
- Free photometric design: AGi32/DIALux layouts
- Submittal packages: Cut sheets, IES files, DLC certs
- Rebate assistance: We handle the paperwork
- Same-day shipping: Most items in stock in California
- Technical support: Engineers available by phone
Contact: sales@auvolar.com | (626) 342-8856 | auvolar.com/services/contractor-network
Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
Auvolar provides free lighting design, photometric layouts, and rebate assistance for commercial projects.