Installing commercial lighting in your business or office space can seem daunting, especially if you're trying to do it on a tight budget. However, with some planning and savvy shopping, you can upgrade your lighting without breaking the bank. Here's my guide on how to install commercial lighting on a budget.
Evaluate Your Needs
Before jumping into purchasing lighting, take stock of your needs. Walk through your space and note where you need task lighting, ambient lighting, or accent lighting. Also consider:
- What types of bulbs do you currently have installed? Incandescent, fluorescent, LED?
- What is the color temperature of your current bulbs? Cool, neutral, or warm color?
- What styles of lighting fixtures do you have now? Recessed, track, pendant, etc?
- What is the layout and height of your ceiling? Open or drop ceiling? Standard or high ceilings?
Knowing the specifics of your current lighting allows you to determine what new additions or replacements you need for a full commercial lighting makeover.
Choose Efficient LED Bulbs
When installing new commercial lighting, LED bulbs are the most cost effective and energy efficient option. While LED bulbs have a higher upfront cost than incandescent or CFL bulbs, they use a fraction of the energy and last much longer - up to 50,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. This long lifespan offsets the initial expense.
Some tips for choosing affordable LED bulbs:
- Shop online for LED bulbs in multi-packs for bulk pricing discounts.
- Compare prices between name brands like Philips, GE, and private label options.
- Choose ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs for energy efficiency.
- Pick a color temperature that matches your needs - soft white (2700K), bright white (3500K), or daylight (5000K+).
- Only buy as much wattage as you need. Overlighting wastes energy.
Use Hardwired Fixtures
While screw-in LED replacement bulbs are convenient, hardwired LED light fixtures provide brighter, more uniform lighting. Hardwired fixtures are also longer lasting than screw-in bulbs.
Some economical options for hardwired fixtures:
- Recessed cans - New slim LED recessed cans are affordable and easy to install. Home improvement stores carry 6" and 4" cans.
- Strip lighting - LED strip lights can be mounted under shelves, in coves, or inside display cabinets for task lighting.
- High bay fixtures - Basic metal halide or fluorescent high bay fixtures can be retrofitted with LED kits. Kits screw into existing sockets.
For a uniform look, match the style and finish of new fixtures to existing ones in your space.
Utilize Layers of Light
Commercial spaces need layers of light - ambient, task, and accent - for visual comfort.
Ambient lighting floods the entire space with general illumination. For budget-friendly ambient lighting:
- Space recessed cans 8-10 feet apart.
- Use LED tubes to retrofit fluorescent troffer fixtures.
- Leave existing fluorescent ambient lights and enhance with task and accent lighting.
Task lighting spotlights specific work areas. Economical options include:
- Clamp work lights with LED or CFL bulbs.
- LED desk lamps.
- Under-cabinet LED strip lighting in kitchens or workrooms.
Accent lighting adds visual interest and dimension. Install accent lighting on the cheap by:
- Adding track heads to highlight architectural details, artwork, or products. Use adjustable LED track heads.
- Using recessed LED wall wash fixtures to graze light vertically on walls.
- Mounting puck lights in display cases. Use LED pucks for low energy use.
By mixing different lighting types, you can meet both functional and aesthetic needs.
Shop Discount Stores and Online
Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's offer commercial lighting at affordable prices. Look for sales on name brand fixtures and generic options. Check for open box discounts too.
Buying lighting online can also yield significant savings:
- Websites like 1000bulbs.com, Bulbs.com, and SuperBrightLEDs.com offer discounted pricing on LED bulbs and fixtures.
- Find coupons for free shipping or percentages off to reduce costs further.
- Stagger orders to take advantage of multiple promos and sales.
Comparison shop online and in stores to discover the best deals on commercial lighting products. Patience and persistence pays off.
Install It Yourself
Hiring an electrician to install new commercial lighting gets expensive quickly. But with some handyman skills, you can handle a DIY installation and cut costs.
Some tips for a DIY lighting installation project:
- Shut off power at the breaker before wiring.
- Carefully review fixture installation instructions before starting.
- Use the existing junction boxes to connect new fixtures rather than adding boxes.
- Label all wires as you disconnect existing fixtures to simplify re-wiring new ones.
- Upgrade to thicker 12 or 14 gauge wire if extension needed between junction box and fixture.
- Have an electrician review your finished installation before powering on, if unsure.
With attention to safety and details, you can install commercial lighting fixtures and reap the savings.
Takeaway
Upgrading commercial lighting is a budget-friendly way to improve your workspace aesthetics and lighting performance. By shopping smart for LED bulbs and fixtures, taking advantage of online deals, and handling installation yourself, you can install stylish, energy efficient commercial lighting without overspending. Carefully evaluate your lighting needs, find bargains on quality products, and utilize layers of light for cost-effective but professional results.