Upgrading from outdated HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting to modern LED technology is one of the smartest investments Canadian businesses can make. With energy savings of 50-70% and lifespans exceeding 50,000 hours, LED conversion pays for itself within 1-3 years while dramatically improving light quality.
What is HID to LED Conversion?
HID to LED conversion is the process of replacing traditional High-Intensity Discharge lamps (metal halide, high-pressure sodium, or mercury vapor) with energy-efficient LED equivalents. Modern retrofit LED lamps allow for direct replacement without rewiring or fixture modifications, making the upgrade process simple and cost-effective.
Why Convert from HID to LED?
1. Massive Energy Savings
HID lamps typically consume 250-1000 watts per fixture. Equivalent LED replacements use only 100-300 watts while producing the same or better light output. For a facility with 100 fixtures, this translates to:
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Annual energy savings: $15,000-$30,000 (based on $0.12/kWh)
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Reduced cooling costs: LEDs produce 70% less heat
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Lower demand charges: Reduced peak power consumption
2. Dramatic Maintenance Cost Reduction
HID lamps require replacement every 6,000-15,000 hours. LED fixtures last 50,000+ hours, meaning:
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Fewer replacements: Change bulbs every 10-15 years instead of annually
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Lower labor costs: Reduce maintenance staff time by 80%
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Less downtime: Fewer disruptions to operations
3. Superior Light Quality
Modern LEDs offer significant advantages over HID lighting:
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Instant on/off: No 15-minute warm-up period
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Better color rendering: CRI 80-90 vs 60-70 for HID
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No flicker: Improved worker comfort and productivity
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Consistent output: No degradation over time
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Dimmable options: Adjust light levels as needed
4. Cold Weather Performance
Unlike HID lamps that struggle in cold conditions, LEDs actually perform better at lower temperatures. This makes them ideal for Canadian warehouses, cold storage facilities, and outdoor applications operating in -40°C conditions.
5. Utility Rebates and Incentives
DLC-certified LED products qualify for utility rebates across Canada. Typical rebates range from $50-$200 per fixture, significantly reducing upfront costs. Many projects achieve 30-50% cost recovery through incentive programs.
Types of HID to LED Conversion
Option 1: Retrofit LED Lamps (Simplest)
Replace only the bulb while keeping existing fixtures. Our HILED retrofit lamps offer:
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No rewiring required: Direct screw-in replacement
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Works with existing ballasts: Or operates ballast-free
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Installation time: 2-5 minutes per fixture
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Cost: $50-150 per lamp
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Best for: Quick upgrades, rental facilities, budget-conscious projects
Shop: HILED Retrofit Lamps
Option 2: Complete Fixture Replacement
Replace entire fixtures with modern LED units. Benefits include:
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Maximum efficiency: 140-180 lumens per watt
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Advanced features: Dimming, sensors, wireless controls
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Better light distribution: Optimized optics
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Cost: $150-500 per fixture
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Best for: New construction, complete renovations, maximum performance
Shop: High Bay LED Fixtures | Area Lights
HID to LED Conversion Process
Step 1: Conduct a Lighting Audit
Document your current setup:
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Number and type of HID fixtures (metal halide, HPS, mercury vapor)
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Wattage and lumen output
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Fixture mounting heights
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Operating hours per day
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Current energy costs
Step 2: Calculate ROI
Determine payback period using:
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Energy savings (kWh reduction × electricity rate)
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Maintenance savings (labor + materials)
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Available utility rebates
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Installation costs
Example Calculation:
Step 3: Select the Right LED Products
Consider these factors:
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Lumen output: Match or exceed current HID lumens
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Color temperature: 4000-5000K for industrial, 2700-3000K for hospitality
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Beam angle: High bay (90-120°), low bay (120-150°)
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Certifications: cUL, DLC Premium for rebate eligibility
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Warranty: Minimum 5-year coverage
Step 4: Plan Installation
For retrofit lamps:
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Schedule during off-hours to minimize disruption
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Have electrician inspect ballasts if applicable
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Update emergency lighting systems
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Test photocells and controls
For complete fixture replacement:
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Coordinate with electrical contractor
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Arrange for disposal of old fixtures
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Update lighting plans and documentation
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Commission new system
Step 5: Submit for Rebates
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Complete utility rebate applications before installation
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Provide product spec sheets and DLC numbers
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Document pre- and post-installation conditions
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Submit final paperwork within program deadlines
Common HID to LED Conversion Applications
Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Replace 400W metal halide high bay fixtures with 150W LED equivalents. Typical results:
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60% energy reduction
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Improved picking accuracy
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Better security camera performance
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2-year payback
Recommended: High Bay LED Lights
Manufacturing Facilities
Upgrade 1000W HPS fixtures in high-ceiling plants. Benefits include:
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Superior color rendering for quality control
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Instant restrike after power outages
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Reduced HVAC load
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Safer working environment
Recommended: Industrial LED Solutions
Parking Lots and Outdoor Areas
Convert 250W HPS area lights to 100W LED. Advantages:
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Built-in photocells for automatic operation
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Better uniformity and coverage
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Reduced light pollution
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Weather resistance -40°C to +50°C
Recommended: LED Area Lights
Retail and Commercial Spaces
Replace 175W metal halide with 75W LED. Results:
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Improved merchandise appearance
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Reduced heat in store environment
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Dimming capability for ambiance
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Lower cooling costs
Recommended: LED Panels | Commercial LED Solutions
Cold Storage Facilities
Upgrade freezer and cooler lighting to LED. Critical benefits:
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Maintains full output at -40°C
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No mercury hazards if broken
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Reduced heat transfer into cold space
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Extended lifespan in cold conditions
Recommended: Cold-Rated LED Solutions
Polarix HILED: The Smart Conversion Solution
Our HILED retrofit lamps are specifically engineered for seamless HID to LED conversion:
Key Features:
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Universal compatibility: Fits E26, E39 bases
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Ballast flexibility: Works with or without ballast
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Wide voltage range: 120-277V AC
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Multiple wattages: 30W-150W options
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Adjustable: 360° light distribution
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Certifications: cUL, ETL, DLC listed
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Warranty: 5-year comprehensive coverage
Available Configurations:
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Corn bulb design for 360° output
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Directional for focused applications
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High lumen packages up to 21,000 lumens
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Color temperatures: 3000K, 4000K, 5000K
Cost Considerations
Upfront Costs
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Retrofit lamps: $50-150 per unit
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Complete fixtures: $150-500 per unit
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Installation labor: $25-75 per fixture
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Controls (optional): $50-200 per fixture
Long-Term Savings
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Energy savings: 50-70% reduction
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Maintenance savings: 80% reduction
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Cooling savings: 10-15% HVAC reduction
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Productivity gains: Improved visibility and comfort
Available Incentives
Canadian utility rebates typically cover:
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DLC Standard: $50-100 per fixture
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DLC Premium: $100-200 per fixture
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Controls bonus: Additional $25-50
Check with your local utility for current programs.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Metal Halide | HPS | LED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 60-90 lm/W | 80-120 lm/W | 130-180 lm/W |
| Lifespan | 6,000-15,000h | 12,000-24,000h | 50,000-100,000h |
| Warm-up time | 5-15 minutes | 3-10 minutes | Instant |
| Restrike time | 10-20 minutes | 1 minute | Instant |
| Color rendering | CRI 60-70 | CRI 20-25 | CRI 80-90 |
| Operating temp | Degrades in cold | Degrades in cold | Better in cold |
| Dimming | Difficult | Not practical | Smooth 0-100% |
| Contains mercury | Yes | Yes | No |
Common Questions About HID to LED Conversion
Q: Can I mix HID and LED fixtures during transition?
A: Yes, but ensure consistent light levels and color temperatures across areas. Gradual conversion is common.
Q: Do LED retrofit lamps work with existing photocells?
A: Most retrofit LEDs are compatible with standard photocells, but verify specifications.
Q: Will LED lights work with my existing emergency backup system?
A: Yes, LED fixtures typically draw less current, extending battery backup runtime.
Q: How do I dispose of old HID lamps?
A: HID lamps contain mercury and require proper recycling through certified facilities.
Q: Can I get financing for LED conversion projects?
A: Many utilities and lenders offer financing programs specifically for commercial LED upgrades.
Start Your HID to LED Conversion Today
Ready to reduce energy costs by 50-70% while improving light quality? Polarix makes HID to LED conversion simple with our complete line of cUL and DLC certified products.
Next Steps:
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Calculate your savings: Contact us for a free lighting audit
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Explore products: Browse our HILED retrofit lamps and complete fixtures
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Get expert guidance: Request a consultation with our lighting specialists
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Check rebate eligibility: We'll help identify available incentives
Why Choose Polarix?
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✓ 25+ years of lighting expertise
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✓ cUL, ETL, and DLC certified products
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✓ Made for Canadian conditions (-40°C rated)
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✓ Comprehensive warranties (5-10 years)
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✓ Rebate documentation support
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✓ Technical support throughout your project
Start Your LED Conversion Project →
About the Author: Polarix Lighting Technology has been helping Canadian businesses upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting since 1999. Our team of certified lighting specialists has completed thousands of HID to LED conversion projects across commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
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