Upgrade to LED: Take the Heat Off Your Performers

When it comes to stage lighting, upgrading from traditional tungsten lights to LED (light-emitting diode) technology can offer several advantages. LED lights are considered by some to provide better lighting quality, and they produce significantly less heat, creating a more comfortable environment for performers, potentially reducing air conditioning costs. Here are some reasons why upgrading to LED might be beneficial for venues: 

The Heat Issue with Traditional Stage Lighting 

Traditional tungsten stage lighting operates by heating a filament until it glows. This process generates a considerable amount of heat, which can have several drawbacks: 

• Uncomfortable Environment: The heat produced by traditional lights can make the stage uncomfortably warm for performers, potentially affecting their comfort and performance quality. 
• Increased Air-Conditioning Costs: To counteract the heat generated by traditional lighting, venues often rely heavily on air conditioning, which can drive up energy consumption and costs. 
• Health and Safety Concerns: High temperatures can pose safety risks, including the potential for burns when handling lights and an increased fire hazard. 

The Cool Solution: LED Stage Lighting 

LEDs present an alternative to traditional tungsten lighting, addressing several of the heat-related issues: 

• Minimal Heat Production: LEDs produce light through electroluminescence rather than heating a filament, resulting in significantly lower heat output. This can create a cooler, more comfortable environment on stage. 
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs can use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, reducing the load on HVAC systems and potentially lowering air conditioning costs. 
• Longevity and Durability: LED lights have a longer lifespan and are more durable than their traditional counterparts, which can lead to fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs over time. 

Financial and Environmental Benefits of LED Lighting 

Switching to LED can also offer financial and environmental benefits: 

• Reduced Energy Bills: Due to their lower power consumption, LEDs can reduce energy bills. According to the Old Laundry Theatre, their recent LED upgrade has led them to use 88% less electricity compared to their previous tungsten lighting rig. 
• Lower Cooling Costs: The reduction in heat output means that air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard to keep the venue cool, resulting in additional savings. 
• Eco-Friendly Choice: For many schools, theatres, and venues, transitioning from existing tungsten lighting rigs to greener, LED alternatives represent a significant opportunity to reduce the impact the operation of their performance spaces has on the planet 

Making the Transition to LED Lighting 

It’s no secret that upgrading to LED requires a substantial initial investment, depending on the size of your venue, but the long-term savings and benefits could outweigh the costs. Here are some steps to consider: 

• Evaluate Your Current Lighting: Assess the type, number, and energy consumption of your current lighting system to understand the potential savings. 
• Plan Your Upgrade: Work with a lighting specialist to design an LED lighting system that meets your venue’s needs and budget. 

In conclusion, while upgrading to LED lighting involves upfront costs, the potential benefits in terms of reduced heat output, energy savings, and environmental impact make it a consideration worth exploring for performance venues. 

Thinking of taking the next step and upgrading to LED? Email us at hello@stage-electrics.co.uk to discuss options.