Upgrading your commercial lighting can significantly reduce your energy costs. However, lighting upgrades can also be expensive. Here's how to cut costs when upgrading your business's lighting.
Conduct an Audit of Your Existing Lighting
The first step is to audit your existing lighting to identify areas for improvement.
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Walk through your entire facility and take notes on the types of lighting fixtures currently in use. Pay attention to the age, condition, and efficiency of the fixtures.
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Document the total number and wattage of lamps in each area. This will help you calculate current energy usage.
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Note areas with inadequate lighting levels. These may need new fixtures or lamps.
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Look for lights turned on during daylight hours. Installing daylight sensors can save energy here.
Conducting a thorough audit provides the information needed to plan your lighting upgrades effectively.
Consider Your Lighting Needs
Your business likely has diverse lighting needs depending on the space. When planning upgrades, tailor the lighting to the specific uses.
Offices
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Overhead LED panels or LED tube lights work well in offices.
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Install occupancy sensors so lights turn off when spaces are vacant.
Warehouses
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High bay LED fixtures efficiently light large warehouse spaces.
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Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting sensors also save energy.
Retail Stores
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LED track lighting and spotlights effectively display merchandise.
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Timers or sensors help reduce operating hours for display lighting.
Matching lighting types to your needs avoids spending on excessive or unsuitable lighting.
Take Advantage of Utility Rebates
Many electric utilities offer rebates to incentivize efficient lighting upgrades. These can cover 25-75% of upgrade costs.
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Contact your utility to learn about available incentives.
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Submit rebate forms and required documentation before starting upgrades.
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Install fixtures that meet technical specifications to qualify for rebates.
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Work with contractors familiar with utility rebate procedures.
Rebates can make a big dent in your upgrade expenses. Be sure to take full advantage of them.
Buy LED Fixtures in Bulk
Purchasing LED fixtures in bulk can lead to significantly lower per-unit costs.
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Determine how many of each fixture type you need for the whole project.
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Negotiate pricing discounts from vendors for large bulk orders.
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Take advantage of manufacturer sales and seasonal promotions.
Buying in bulk allows you to maximize savings on the expensive LED fixtures.
Use Controls to Reduce Operating Hours
Installing lighting controls reduces operating hours, saving energy and money.
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Occupancy sensors turn lights on only when needed.
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Daylight harvesting sensors dim or turn off artificial light when sufficient daylight is available.
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Timers allow you to program lights to match business hours or cleaning schedules.
Controls add some cost but deliver excellent returns on investment through energy savings.
Consider Staged Upgrades
If budgets are tight, take a phased approach upgrading different areas over time.
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Focus first on spaces with the greatest lighting needs or inefficiency.
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Take advantage of rebates and bulk purchasing for each stage.
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Phase upgrades to match financial timelines like budgets or loan terms.
Staged upgrades allow you to reap savings benefits now while spreading out costs over time.
Leverage Contractors as Partners
Consulting lighting contractors can help identify and justify cost-effective upgrades.
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They can conduct audits and recommend solutions tailored to your facility.
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Their familiarity with products can ensure you get ideal fixtures at the best pricing.
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They can assist with rebates, incentives, and financing options.
The right contractor makes the process smooth and maximizes your long-term savings.
With smart planning and strategic partnerships, you can cut costs on commercial lighting upgrades. The reduced energy expenses will pay back your investment many times over.