Inside Self Storage is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC
Informa PLC|ABOUT US|INVESTOR RELATIONS|TALENT
This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.
ISS World ExpoStoreMagazine Community
An image of several fluorscent long bulbs

Picture this: It’s late evening, and you’ve stopped by your self-storage facility to pick up some work. Inside the building, you flip the timer, and the lights flicker on in the hallways—except some don’t, leaving one corner in shadow. Your office still buzzes with that familiar fluorescent hum. You make a mental note to replace a few tubes.

The next day, you place an order with your supplier, only to learn that replacement lamps are no longer available—not just back-ordered but completely discontinued. State bans are now in effect. Distributors have removed inventory, and your “trusted” lighting solution is no longer legal to sell.

This scenario is now a pressing reality for many self-storage operators. After decades as the commercial-lighting standard, fluorescents are being phased out. Environmental and efficiency goals are driving these changes, with significant impacts on business operations, maintenance costs and regulatory requirements.

Yet, there’s a positive side to this shift. Instead of being just another change to manage, it’s an opportunity. Savvy self-storage operators are using this moment to upgrade to modern LED lighting and controls, creating brighter, safer environments and reducing operating costs.

Read on to learn more about the reasons behind the fluorescent phaseout, its impact on your facilities, and how you can turn compliance into a competitive edge.

Why the Ban?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to mercury can affect critical parts of the human nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, memory loss and difficulty moving. Despite these risks, it’s estimated that about 75% of fluorescent lamps are improperly discarded. When that happens, mercury can eventually enter soil and water systems, including rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

 

WEB_-_fluorescent-LED-lamp-comparison.jpg

A comparison between a fluorescent light bulb (left) and LED


Beyond environmental concerns, fluorescent lighting is considerably less efficient than modern LED technology. Much of its energy is lost as heat, increasing electricity use and long-term operating costs. In contrast, LEDs convert a higher percentage of energy into light, contain no mercury, and provide measurable environmental and economic benefits.

In states where fluorescent-lighting bans are being implemented, the transition to LED is projected to save more than 5,675 gigawatt-hours of electricity by 2030 and reduce roughly 11.6 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050. This should help self-storage owners lower energy expenses while supporting broader sustainability goals.

Where and When Are Fluorescents Banned?

The accompanying table is an overview of the states that are phasing out fluorescent lamps and their deadlines for doing so. These bans, or “clean lighting” laws, have received support from labor organizations, environmental groups, advocacy coalitions and waste-management companies. As the benefits of mercury-free lighting become more apparent, it’s likely that more states will adopt similar regulations.

Terry_table.jpg

How Are Bans Affecting Self-Storage?

Many self-storage facilities, especially those built before the widespread adoption of first-generation LEDs, still rely on fluorescent lighting throughout key areas. Linear T8 and T12 lamps are often found in storage units, hallways, stairwells and retail offices, while compact fluorescent lamps may be used in restrooms and electrical rooms. Exterior areas such as parking areas and drive aisles may have fluorescent wall packs, and signage may still use fluorescent lamps.

As state-level bans take effect, self-storage operators using fluorescents will quickly face several challenges. First, replacement lamps and ballasts will become increasingly difficult to source, as vendors will no longer be able to legally sell them and will block shipments to states that prohibit their manufacture, sale and distribution. Reduced availability will likely drive up costs, and continued re-lamping will keep adding to maintenance and labor expenses. Fluorescent lamps can also create liability risks if broken or mishandled, since they require a special disposal.

From an operational standpoint, diminished lighting performance can also affect safety and the self-storage tenant experience. Inconsistent illumination in hallways and drive aisles can lead to poor visibility, security concerns and uninviting curb appeal. Facilities that fail to meet updated lighting standards may even face audit penalties and compliance issues that affect insurance renewals or future property sales, especially those with portfolios in multiple states where regulations vary.

WEB_-_fluorescent-replacement-comparison-stairwell.jpg

A stairwell using fluorescent lighting (left) and LED lighting

There are also financial implications beyond daily operations. Many utility programs with high-value lighting rebates are first-come, first-served and tied to fiscal budgets. Self-storage operators who wait to upgrade may miss out on incentives.

From a brand perspective, outdated or inconsistent lighting can give tenants the impression of facility neglect, impacting long-term trust and occupancy.

Why LED Lighting Is the Smart Strategy

Transitioning from fluorescent to LED lighting offers practical, measurable benefits that go well beyond regulatory compliance. For self-storage operators, these advantages directly affect operational efficiency, security and tenant satisfaction.

Improved energy efficiency. LEDs can consume up to 75% less energy than fluorescent lamps, delivering instant savings on electricity bills. For facilities with extended operating hours or widespread lighting, these reductions can have a substantial impact on annual utility expenses.

Lower maintenance requirements. High-quality LED lighting can operate for up to 200,000 hours and minimize the need for re-lamping or routine maintenance. These long lifetimes drastically reduce labor costs and prevent disruption to day-to-day operations.

Consistent light quality. LED lighting delivers flicker-free, uniform lighting that significantly enhances visibility in drive aisles, exterior spaces and hallways. This quality illumination significantly improves curb appeal and provides clearer footage for surveillance cameras.

Improved safety and security. Well-placed LED lighting minimizes shadows and dark spots, alleviating safety concerns and reducing security risks. Tenants will have greater peace of mind during their evening visits.

Greater environmental responsibility. Unlike fluorescents, LEDs contain no mercury or other harmful materials. This highly efficient technology contributes to reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability goals.

Long-term value. LED lighting reduces energy and maintenance costs while improving the tenant experience. As a byproduct, it increases occupancy rates and strengthens long-term property value.

Planning a Seamless Light Upgrade

Whether you operate a single self-storage location or a larger portfolio, now’s the time to bring your facilities into compliance and future-proof your business. A structured, step-by-step approach helps ensure LED-lighting upgrades are efficient, cost-effective and consistent across all sites. Here’s the five-step process you should follow.

1. Conduct a professional lighting audit. Start with an onsite assessment that can identify energy-saving opportunities. A lighting professional will collect critical information about your existing fixtures and electrical systems including placement, light levels and energy-use data to identify where upgrades will have the greatest effect. The analysis can reveal immediate savings, the project's payback period, the cost of waiting and the environmental impact.

2. Prioritize lighting retrofits strategically. Use the audit results to determine which facilities should be upgraded first. Focus on properties in states with active or upcoming fluorescent bans. After, prioritize locations with higher utility rates and excessive maintenance demands. This targeted approach maximizes return on investment while maintaining compliance. 

3. Leverage rebates and tax deductions. Research available utility-rebate programs and tax deductions that support energy-efficient lighting projects. Many utilities offer meaningful rebates that can offset a significant portion of the project cost, which helps shorten the payback period. Your lighting provider should be able to assist, prioritizing locations based on available rebates and filing the appropriate documentation. Likewise, consult with your accounting professional to take advantage of federal tax deductions for qualifying energy-efficient systems.

4. Standardize and streamline across sites. Standardizing lighting across an entire portfolio is an important but often overlooked part of the process for multi-facility self-storage operators. Working with a provider that delivers the same LED solutions across all properties ensures a consistent look and reliable performance, and simplifies warranty support. 

Once sites have been prioritized, plan rollouts in phases by region or facility type. Bundling projects within the same geographic area reduces mobilization costs, improves scheduling efficiency and helps maintain consistent lighting standards company-wide.

5. Work with an experienced lighting partner. Partnering with an LED lighting provider that specializes in self-storage can save time, reduce risk and deliver better results across the board. One with true industry experience understands how lighting affects every part of a facility, from hallway visibility and motion control to exterior safety and curb appeal. They manage the entire process including design, product selection, rebate coordination and installation, so you have a single point of contact and a consistent outcome. This turnkey approach ensures your lighting system performs as expected, keeps operations running smoothly and gives you confidence that every site meets the same high standard of quality.

Future-Proof Your Lighting Now

The fluorescent-lighting phaseout marks a defining moment in the self-storage industry, as it impacts several critical aspects of operation. Acting now allows you to avoid costly delays, stay compliant and create brighter, safer environments that tenants notice immediately. Modern LEDs enhance every aspect of that experience, from security and efficiency to long-term value.

Take action now to control the process and stay ahead of changing regulations. Partner with a lighting expert who understands self-storage and can deliver a seamless, turnkey transition that leaves a lasting impact on your business and the people who trust you with their possessions.

Greg Terry has more than 20 years of experience in the lighting industry. He’s the director of strategic national accounts for US LED, a full-service provider of ultra-long-life LED lighting solutions for self-storage properties since 2001. The company offers onsite audits, project management, turnkey installation, rebate management, multi-site programs and financing to help operators maximize return on investment. For more information, call 209.483.4998, email [email protected].

About the Author

Greg Terry

Greg Terry

Director of Strategic National Accounts, US LED

With 20-plus years of experience in the lighting industry, Greg Terry is director of strategic national accounts with US LED, a full-service provider of LED lighting for self-storage properties. The company offers services nationwide including lighting audits, project management, turnkey installation, rebate management and financing. To reach him, call 209.483.4998 or email [email protected].

See more from Greg Terry
Late-Breaking Articles
  • Tenant Insurance/Protection

    Tenant-Protection Plans for Self-Storage: What They Are, Features and Benefits, and the Keys to Program Success

    Feb 22, 2026
    |
    4 Min Read
  • Marketing

    Control the Narrative: DIY Marketing to Help You Tell Your Self-Storage Facility Story and Connect With Customers

    Feb 21, 2026
    |
    7 Min Read
  • Revenue Management

    ISS BLOG – Self-Storage Pricing Practices Under Scrutiny: Are the ECRI Chickens Coming Home to Roost?

    Feb 20, 2026
    |
    5 Min Read
  • Charity and Fundraising

    NationWide Self Storage of Canada Raises More Than $11K for Covenant House Vancouver

    Feb 20, 2026
    |
    1 Min Read

Self-Storage TV

A man standing in front of a self-storage unit talking
Trending Articles
  • Tenant Insurance/Protection

    Tenant-Protection Plans for Self-Storage: What They Are, Features and Benefits, and the Keys to Program Success

    Feb 22, 2026
    |
    4 Min Read
  • Marketing

    Control the Narrative: DIY Marketing to Help You Tell Your Self-Storage Facility Story and Connect With Customers

    Feb 21, 2026
    |
    7 Min Read
  • Revenue Management

    ISS BLOG – Self-Storage Pricing Practices Under Scrutiny: Are the ECRI Chickens Coming Home to Roost?

    Feb 20, 2026
    |
    5 Min Read
  • Charity and Fundraising

    NationWide Self Storage of Canada Raises More Than $11K for Covenant House Vancouver

    Feb 20, 2026
    |
    1 Min Read
ISS logo
Resources
Online CommunityISS MagazineNewsletter Sign-Up
Explore
All Things ISSISS StoreISS World Expo
Connect
About Us/ContactAdvertiseFeatured Authors
Join Us
Follow Us
Informa Markets

Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC.

Accessibility|Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy|Terms of Use|Visitor Terms and Conditions