A lighting upgrade can save money and improve your work environment, but only if it's done right. Let's take a look at some do's and don'ts for a successful lighting upgrade.

DO switch to LEDs. LEDs offer superior light quality, last longer than conventional lights and are up to 75% more efficient.

DO add controls. Automated controls, like timers and occupancy sensors, can turn lights off when no one is using a space.

DO match the light output with the needs of the space. The quantity of light needed depends largely on the application or task being performed. The Illuminating Engineering Society provides recommended lighting levels for a variety of applications and tasks.

DON'T operate in the dark. Perform a lighting audit of your current system and compare it to your proposed new plan. Be sure that the upgrade makes sense and that your contractor provides a detailed plan for the work to be done.

DON'T ignore color temperature. The color temperature output of light fixtures, measured in Kelvins (K), can affect employee productivity. Studies show that employees prefer warm light (about 3000 K) in break rooms, colors in the mid-range (about 4000 K) in meeting rooms and cool light (around 5000 K) in offices or work areas to improve alertness and mood.

DON'T neglect your lights after the upgrade. Although LEDs are durable and have a long rated life, proper maintenance is critical to optimizing performance over time. Implement a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule that includes group relamping, which saves on labor costs and ensures more uniform lighting.

When it comes to upgrading your lighting, be sure to do it right and don't ignore any of these guidelines.