How to Minimize Costs When Upgrading Commercial Lighting

Upgrading your business's lighting can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to break the bank. With some strategic planning and smart choices, you can minimize costs while maximizing the benefits of new, energy-efficient lighting.

Audit Your Current Lighting and Assess Your Needs

Before rushing to buy new fixtures, take stock of your existing lighting.

• Make a list of all light fixtures in your business, including their age, condition, bulb type, and energy use. This will help you identify priorities for replacement.

• Assess which areas are overlit or underlit. Overlighting wastes energy, while underlighting can create safety issues or hinder productivity.

• Consider how lighting needs may evolve. Will you be renovating spaces or adjusting layouts? New lighting should accommodate future needs.

• Consult with employees to understand lighting pain points. Where do they strain to see? Where do they get headaches from glare? Their input is invaluable.

With a thorough audit, you'll gain a clearer picture of your lighting needs. This informs smart upgrades.

Choose LEDs for the Majority of New Fixtures

LED lighting offers impressive longevity and energy savings over traditional options like incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen systems. The upfront cost is higher, but LEDs pay for themselves through energy savings and drastically reduced maintenance due to their long lifespans.

Here are some benefits of switching to LEDs:

• Energy savings of 50-90% over traditional lighting
• Lifespans of 50,000+ hours compared to 1,000-2,000 for fluorescents
• No mercury, unlike fluorescents
• Excellent light quality and brightness
• Dimmable and controllable for added convenience

For most general lighting needs, LED is the clear choice. Use it for your primary office and workspace illumination, not older technologies.

Take Advantage of Utility Rebates and Tax Incentives

Utilities often offer rebates for upgrading commercial lighting to efficient LED systems. Avail any such rebates offered in your area. Submitting paperwork and invoices is required, but the payoff for just a little effort can be substantial.

The federal government also offers tax incentives for energy efficiency upgrades like LED lighting. These can offset upgrade costs by thousands of dollars. Consult your accountant about claiming these benefits.

Financial incentives significantly reduce payback periods for new, expensive LED fixtures. Be sure to use these resources to minimize your own initial investment.

Install Lighting Controls

Beyond the fixtures themselves, smart lighting controls help minimize energy use:

• Occupancy sensors shut off lights when spaces are unoccupied, avoiding waste in unused rooms.
• Daylight sensors dim artificial light when ample natural light is available.
• Timers enable lights to turn on/off on set schedules tailored to business hours and cleaning times.
• Zoned lighting allows independent control of light levels in different areas.

Though controls add cost, the energy savings often provide a quick 1-3 year payback. And they automate energy-smart behaviors you won't have to enforce manually.

Work With an Experienced Contractor or Electrician

Unless you have electrical expertise, partner with a lighting contractor or electrician on upgrades rather than going DIY. A consultant can:

• Advise you on the most cost-effective options and ROI projections
• Handle technical aspects of installation and integration with controls
• Manage utility rebate and incentive paperwork
• Ensure adjustments and maintenance keep systems performing optimally

Paying for this expertise upfront will minimize costs in the long run through optimal product selection, proper installation, and reliability. Consider their services an investment.

With strategic planning, mindful product selection, and help from both utilities and lighting professionals, you can overhaul your business's lighting in a cost-effective way. Carefully managing the upgrade process will pay dividends through dramatically lower energy bills and improved lighting quality for years to come.