Equine facilities including barns, stalls, and arenas, are critical to both the horseman and animals alike as they provide shelter and safety for birthing, training, grooming, breeding, exercising, sleeping, and more.  A key component to the safety, comfort and sustainability of these spaces is the lighting. For decades equine professionals have struggled with incandescent, fluorescent, and HID lighting systems, with their slow startup times, the inability to function properly at low temperatures as well as their high burnout rates and energy usages.   Now many barn managers and owners are deciding to retrofit to LED lighting and now is the perfect time, see our article exploring the best timing to do an LED retrofit here - https://nearsay.com/c/735252/730973/why-and-when-to-retrofit-to-commercial-led-lighting).   There are many reasons that LED’s make sense over traditional lighting systems for equine professionals, here is a list of a few.

• Energy savings- The lighting of choice for decades to light large areas was metal halide and high-pressure sodium low bay and high bay lights in the large circular fixtures.  These lights usually draw 450 watts or more per light and their bulb life is relatively short (around 6,000-15,000 hours).  These lights are often retrofitted to a LED highbay which is sleeker and puts off more and better light for around 150 watts and last 50,000 to 100,000 hours.  That is a 67% energy savings and significant time and maintenance savings because you no longer have to climb the ladder to replace failing bulbs and ballasts.
•  Quality of light- LED lights have a cleaner and more crisp appearance with less shadowing due to their unidirectionality and light spectrum.  Many LED lights have higher Color Rendering Index numbers which allow the eyes of both animal and human to adjust quickly when coming in from outdoors to the artificially lit environment.  LED’s also have less flickering and buzzing than traditional lighting sources which can strain and irritate the eyes and ears of animals.  Most LED’s also do not emit UV wavelengths and therefore attract less insects to your facility.
• Less heat and improved durability- LED lights run significantly cooler than traditional lighting sources reducing both cooling costs and the very real dangers of barn fires. Many LED fixtures come in water and dust resistant housings making them easy to clean with a hose or power washer.  Also, unlike traditional lights, if an LED is knocked, kicked, dropped, or smashed they don’t shatter and spill glass, mercury, and other contaminants into the area, further making them them the right choice for any environment.

These are just a few of the many reasons that equine professionals are deciding to make the transition to LED lighting.  Call us today to see how an LED upgrade at your facility is the right choice for your building, animals, customers and bottom line!

Turnkey LED is your trusted commercial lighting consultant and project management company, serving the entire state of Colorado.  From specifying, procuring, installing, rebating, and warranting high-quality, LED lighting and controls, trust Turnkey LED to be your one stop solution. Call or text us today at (303) 999-5108 to see how we can get your facility running more efficiently, safely, comfortably, and productively!