Commercial properties serve as:
- Auto manufacturing/repair/sales dealerships
- Churches
- Distribution centers
- Factories
- Medical facilities
- Offices
- Parking lots/garages
- Retail businesses
- Warehouses
…and more. Commercial lighting needs to work harder and last longer than traditional, residential lighting. Residential lighting is more about appearance and aesthetics. Commercial lighting is task-oriented. Commercial properties are often converted to employ light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting. This saves energy and reduces operating expenses.
LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than traditional commercial lighting.
There are many advantages to converting to commercial LED lighting. Businesses save money with greater energy efficiency, but commercial LED lighting is also low maintenance. That saves time, and time is money. Commercial LED lighting has been shown to improve productivity. What are other considerations property managers and owners should know about?
What To Know Before Converting to Commercial LED Lighting
We’re familiar with watts. Without completely understanding the magic, we know more watts means more light. But LED lighting that is 10 watts provides about the same amount of light as a 60-watt lightbulb.
We measure brightness with lumens. There are no hard-and-fast rules but there are “rules of thumb” about commercial LED lighting:
- LEDs burn brighter and longer but don’t burn as hot as traditional lighting. It’s safer to leave them on for longer periods of time.
- LED colors are measured in kelvins:
- 2700K – Soft, warm white often used in home living/dining rooms
- 2700K-3200K – Warm, brighter white light for a comfortable appeal in offices
- 5000K – Industrial/work lights – Adds a bluish tint to white lights; best for intense/extended work settings
- 6500K – The brightest end of the spectrum; cool, bright white works well in office settings
- Most often, 5000K is recommended for commercial LED lighting.
- The amount of light you receive vs. the amount of energy you use is cost-effective because your LED light will burn brighter and longer than a traditional lightbulb or even incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) light fixtures.
- The type of fitting required is important information.
- Yes, the upfront cost is a lot, but they are more economical over time.
- You may qualify for a 17D federal tax credit/deduction. Ask your tax professional.
- You need 1,000+ lumens for rooms with a ceiling height of 12´-14´.
6 Advantages of Commercial LED Lighting
Operating expenses, including utilities, are a critical factor in ensuring your business’ profitability. The advantages of LED technology…are significant. Not only is it more efficient, but LED lights last longer, emit better quality light and are critical in saving the environment. –Future Energy Solutions
Most business managers care about protecting our environment. Truth be told, we care more about company profits. That’s why converting to commercial LED lighting is the most feel-good business decision you can make. You’ll have all the advantages:
- Carbon emissions were reduced by almost 600 million tons in one year by using LED lighting.
- Directional lighting solutions with commercial LEDs eliminate dark areas in workrooms and parking lots. This improves the work environment but also makes it much safer.
- Health and wellness improve because LEDs are lead- and mercury-free. When traditional bulbs break, they release toxic vapors. LEDs are a healthier choice.
- LED lights are estimated to save about $30 billion by 2030. Individual businesses can save an average of $10,000+/year.
- The proven 2% productivity increase translates to about $1,000 additional value, per employee/per year.
- Today’s workforce talent is making employment choices that are often based on company sensitivity to social challenges and environmental sustainability. You’re more likely to hire and retain the employees you want when saving energy is part of your brand.
For a free consultation and an assessment of your organization’s lighting and electrical systems, contact the best Phoenix-area commercial electrician. Turn It On Electric can structure your project to meet turnaround time and budget. Let’s talk: Contact TIO Electric today!
