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T5 LED Lighting Replacement Guide for Commercial Buildings
- LumaEnergy
- Aug 10
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Upgrading your commercial building’s lighting from outdated fluorescent tubes to T5 LED lights is one of the fastest ways to cut energy costs and improve workplace illumination. Whether you operate a warehouse, laboratory, or multi-level parking facility, T5 LEDs offer better efficiency, longer life, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lamps.
In Ontario, the Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program makes this upgrade even more cost-effective, providing rebates at the point of sale for qualifying LED lamps and fixtures. That means you can start saving on both purchase costs and electricity bills immediately — without lengthy application processes.
If you’re also considering T8 LED tubes, check out our full T8 LED Tube Replacement Guide for Commercial Buildings in Ontario for a side-by-side breakdown of types, installation tips, ROI, and rebate details.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before replacing your T5 LED lamps, including the benefits, available incentives, and the right retrofit approach for your facility.
1. Why Upgrade to T5 LED Lights?
Switching from older fluorescent tubes to T5 LED lights is not just a simple product swap — it is a strategic upgrade that improves your building’s operating efficiency, light quality, and maintenance profile. These benefits are particularly important in large commercial and industrial spaces like warehouses, laboratories, and parking structures where lighting runs for thousands of hours each year.
1.1 Energy Savings and Lower Hydro Bills
T5 LED light bulbs typically use 40 to 60 percent less energy than equivalent fluorescent lamps. This drop in wattage adds up quickly when multiplied by hundreds of fixtures running long hours. For example, replacing 200 traditional 54-watt T5 fluorescent tubes with 25-watt LED versions can reduce your annual electricity consumption by over 23,000 kilowatt-hours.
In Ontario, that translates to more than $2,700 in annual savings at current commercial electricity rates.
If your facility runs around the clock or has lighting in high-use areas such as loading bays or production floors, the savings potential is even higher. The result is lower hydro bills every month without sacrificing light output.
You can estimate your exact numbers with our Lighting Retrofit Savings Calculator.
1.2 Longer Lifespan and Lower Maintenance Costs
Traditional T5 fluorescents usually need replacing every 15,000 to 20,000 hours. In contrast, a quality T5 LED lamp can operate for 50,000 hours or more before reaching end of life. That means you replace lamps two to three times less often, cutting down on labour costs and avoiding the disruption of frequent ladder or lift work in high-ceiling areas.
For facilities with large lighting networks, this reduced maintenance load can free up staff resources for other tasks while ensuring consistent light levels across the building.
1.3 Better Light Quality and Consistency
T5 LED lights offer higher colour rendering index (CRI) values, meaning colours look more natural and accurate under the light. This is essential in environments where precision is important, such as laboratories, print shops, and quality control areas in manufacturing. LEDs also maintain brightness over their lifetime far better than fluorescents, which tend to dim and change colour as they age.
2. Save on Energy Rebates for T5 LED Lights in Ontario (2025)
Upgrading to T5 LED lamps in Ontario is made even more affordable through the Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program. This program reduces the upfront cost of qualifying LED lamps and fixtures by applying the incentive directly on your purchase invoice. That means you do not have to fill out long applications or wait for a rebate cheque — the savings are immediate.
2.1 How the Instant Discounts Program Works
When you buy from a participating distributor, eligible T5 LED light bulbs or fixtures are automatically discounted at the time of purchase. You simply select products that meet the program’s criteria, and the supplier applies the rebate instantly. This makes the process fast and straightforward for building owners and facility managers.
The program is designed to make high efficiency lighting more accessible for Ontario businesses, helping reduce overall electricity demand across the province. You can confirm participating suppliers and full product eligibility details on the official Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program page.
2.2 2025 Incentive Amounts for T5 LED Lamps and Fixtures
The rebate levels for 2025 are generous enough to noticeably reduce project costs:
T5 LED linear tubes, including Type A plug and play, Type B ballast bypass, and Type C external driver models — up to $3 per lamp
New LED fixtures with integrated T5 lamps — up to $30 per fixture
Occupancy sensors and integrated lighting controls often installed with T5 upgrades — up to $30 per control device
For example, if you are replacing 200 fluorescent tubes with T5 LEDs, the rebate could cover $600 of your costs right away. If you also add 50 occupancy sensors, that is an additional $1,500 in instant discounts before you even turn the lights on.
Working with a licensed retrofit contractor such as LumaEnergy ensures your products qualify for the highest rebate amounts while meeting Ontario building and electrical codes.
3. Choosing the Right T5 LED Retrofit or Replacement Option
Not all T5 LED light upgrades are created equal. The right solution for your facility depends on the condition of your existing fixtures, your energy savings goals, and whether you want to integrate modern lighting controls at the same time.
3.1 T5 LED Retrofit Lamps (Keep Your Existing Fixtures)
A retrofit means replacing the fluorescent tubes in your current fixture with T5 LED lamps while keeping the fixture housing and wiring largely intact. This approach is fast, cost-effective, and minimizes disruption to your operations.
Retrofitting is ideal when your existing fixture bodies are structurally sound, corrosion-free, and meet current safety standards. The installation can be as simple as swapping tubes if you choose a Type A plug and play LED, or as detailed as bypassing the ballast for a Type B LED that runs directly on line voltage.
Best suited for: warehouses, storage areas, parking garages, and other spaces where fixture aesthetics are less important than function.
Read more in our LED Retrofit vs New LED Fixture guide.
3.2 New T5 LED Fixtures (Full Replacement)
A full replacement means removing your current fluorescent fixture and installing a brand new T5 LED fixture. This is the right choice when your existing fixtures are outdated, inefficient, or damaged. New fixtures often have higher efficiency ratings, sleeker designs, and built-in control compatibility.
The higher upfront investment is often offset by additional energy savings, longer warranties, and more consistent light quality. In high-visibility or precision work environments, the difference in light performance can have a noticeable impact on productivity and visual comfort.
Best suited for: laboratories, production lines, offices, and customer-facing areas where modern appearance and top-tier performance are priorities.
3.3 Adding Smart Lighting Controls
Pairing your T5 LED light upgrade with smart controls can deliver additional savings of 20 to 40 percent. Options include occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting systems, and programmable timers.
In a large facility, the added savings from controls can amount to thousands of dollars per year. Many control systems also qualify for separate Save on Energy rebates, further improving your return on investment.
4. Real-World ROI and Payback Examples in Ontario
Seeing actual numbers can help you visualize how quickly a T5 LED light project can pay for itself. The examples below are based on Ontario electricity rates and 2025 Save on Energy rebate amounts.
4.1 Warehouse Upgrade Example
Current setup: 200 × 54W T5 fluorescent lamps
Annual usage: 4,000 hours
Annual electricity cost: ~$5,180
After upgrade to 25W T5 LED lamps: ~$2,400 annual cost
Annual savings: ~$2,780
Save on Energy rebate: $600 (200 × $3)
Payback period: about 1.8 years including installation labour
4.2 Parkade Lighting Example
Current setup: 120 × 54W T5 fluorescent lamps operating 24/7
Annual usage: 8,760 hours
Annual savings after T5 LED upgrade: ~$3,700
Additional savings with occupancy sensors: ~$1,000
Save on Energy rebates: $360 for lamps + $1,500 for controls = $1,860 instant discount
4.3 Laboratory Upgrade Example
Goal: improve visual accuracy and reduce maintenance interruptions
Solution: replace old fluorescent fixtures with DLC-listed T5 LED fixtures (5000K, CRI 90)
Energy savings: ~40 percent reduction in power consumption
Rebate potential: $2,400 instant discount (80 fixtures × $30)
Use our Lighting Retrofit Savings Calculator to see your own numbers.
5. Buying and Installation Tips for T5 LED Lights
To maximize both performance and rebate eligibility, take the following steps when buying and installing T5 LED light bulbs or fixtures.
5.1 Confirm DLC Listing
Only products listed by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) qualify for Save on Energy rebates. DLC listing also ensures that the lamp or fixture meets strict efficiency, warranty, and quality standards.
5.2 Match the Retrofit Type to Your Needs
Type A: Plug and play — works with existing ballast if it is in good condition
Type B: Ballast bypass — removes ballast maintenance and slightly improves efficiency
Type C: Uses a remote driver — ideal for integrating advanced control systems
Choosing the right type depends on your existing wiring, ballast condition, and control plans.
5.3 Include Lighting Controls in Your Plan
Adding motion sensors, daylight sensors, or time-based controls can dramatically improve ROI and may qualify for additional rebates.
5.4 Use a Licensed Retrofit Contractor
Professional installation ensures compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, proper wiring for long-term safety, and correct documentation for rebate claims. Contractors also help you design the optimal lighting layout for your space to avoid under-lighting or wasted light.
Book a free Lighting Audit to have a LumaEnergy specialist assess your current setup and rebate eligibility.
6. Conclusion – Make the Switch to T5 LED Lights Now
Upgrading to T5 LED lights is one of the most cost-effective improvements a commercial building owner or facility manager can make in 2025. You will see lower energy bills, less maintenance, and better light quality — and with Ontario’s Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program, the upfront investment is smaller than ever.
Whether you choose a quick retrofit or a complete fixture replacement, your project can start generating savings from day one. Add smart controls to multiply those savings and extend your ROI even further.
LumaEnergy handles the entire process for you — from product selection to installation and rebate processing — so you can focus on running your facility while we take care of the details.
Book your free lighting audit today and find out exactly how much you can save with a T5 LED upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions About T5 LED Lights
1. What is a T5 LED light?
A T5 LED light is a linear tube-shaped LED lamp designed to replace traditional T5 fluorescent tubes. It offers higher energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and better light quality while fitting into existing fixtures or new LED housings.
2. Can I replace T5 fluorescent tubes with LED without changing the fixture?
Yes, you can replace T5 fluorescent tubes with T5 LED retrofit lamps in your existing fixture if the fixture is in good condition. The type of LED you choose (Type A, B, or C) will determine whether you need to keep or bypass the ballast.
3. How much energy can I save by switching to T5 LED lights?
Switching from 54-watt T5 fluorescent tubes to 25-watt T5 LEDs can reduce energy use by 40 to 60 percent. For large facilities, this can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings.
4. Are T5 LED lights eligible for rebates in Ontario?
Yes, the Save on Energy Instant Discounts Program offers rebates of up to $3 per T5 LED lamp and up to $30 per T5 LED fixture. Additional incentives are available for occupancy sensors and lighting controls.
5. How long do T5 LED lights last?
A quality T5 LED lamp can last 50,000 hours or more, which is about two to three times the lifespan of a standard T5 fluorescent tube.
6. What is the difference between Type A, Type B, and Type C T5 LEDs?
Type A: Works with your existing electronic ballast for quick installation.
Type B: Bypasses the ballast for direct wiring to line voltage, reducing future maintenance.
Type C: Uses a remote driver for optimal performance and compatibility with advanced controls.
7. Do T5 LED lights improve light quality?
Yes, most T5 LEDs have a higher colour rendering index (CRI) than fluorescents, producing clearer, more natural light. This is especially important in laboratories, manufacturing, and retail environments where accurate colour perception matters.
