How to Save Money on Commercial Electrical System Maintenance

Introduction

Maintaining a commercial electrical system can be expensive, but it's crucial for safety and preventing costly repairs down the road. As a business owner, saving money on electrical maintenance without compromising safety is a top priority. In this article, I'll provide tips on how you can reduce electrical maintenance costs for your commercial building while still keeping your system in excellent working order.

Perform Preventative Maintenance

Performing regular preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid emergency electrical repairs and replacements. Here are some key maintenance tasks to do:

• Inspect the electrical panel and breakers. Check for signs of overheating, corrosion, loose connections, and tripped breakers. Tighten connections and replace breakers as needed.

• Test GFCIs. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) protect against shocks. Test them monthly by pressing the "test" button. Replace any that don't trip.

• Check cords and plugs. Fraying, exposed wires, and loose plugs can cause fires. Replace damaged cords and tighten loose plugs.

• Clean electrical equipment. Buildup of dust and grime can cause components to overheat. Clean equipment like panels, conduits, and light fixtures regularly.

• Check lighting. Replace bulbs as they burn out and upgrade old lighting with LEDs to save energy.

Regular maintenance prevents small issues from becoming big, dangerous, and expensive problems.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Equipment

Upgrading to energy efficient electrical equipment can significantly reduce your long-term costs.

• LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. The savings on your electricity bill will make up for the higher upfront cost.

• Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off based on detecting motion. They can reduce lighting costs by 30% or more.

• Premium efficiency motors reduce energy use by 15-25% compared to standard motors. Consider upgrading older motors.

• Smart power strips cut power off to equipment when it's not in use, eliminating idle energy consumption.

While energy efficient upgrades require more initial investment, the long-term savings are substantial. Take advantage of rebates and tax incentives to offset the upgrade costs.

Hire a Licensed, Insured Electrician

While you can perform basic maintenance yourself, hire a professional for major electrical work. A licensed, insured electrician has the expertise to:

• Troubleshoot complex wiring issues
• Make repairs correctly and safely
• Ensure work complies with electrical codes

Trying to cut corners by doing major electrical work yourself or hiring uncertified contractors can seriously backfire. Shoddy work can result in fires, electrocution, and citations if work doesn't meet code.

Paying a qualified electrician is worth avoiding potentially huge costs down the road from improper electrical work. Ask contractors for license and insurance proof, project quotes, and referrals to help find a reasonably priced, reputable electrician.

Bundle Multiple Upgrades

When planning electrical upgrades and repairs, bundle projects together to take advantage of bulk pricing discounts.

For example, if you need to upgrade light fixtures and panels, replace old wiring, and install new outlet circuits, schedule all the work at once. Electricians typically provide discounts of 10-20% for bundling multiple projects.

Scheduling one larger project is also more convenient than managing separate electricians over time. Just be sure to get a full quote upfront so there are no surprises down the road.

Take Advantage of Rebates and Tax Credits

There are often excellent rebates and tax credits available for upgrading commercial electrical equipment:

• Utility company rebates for installing LEDs, occupancy sensors, and other efficiency upgrades

• Federal tax credits covering 30% of the cost for energy efficient equipment

• State and local incentives for electrical system improvements

Check Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for incentives in your area. Submitting paperwork for available rebates and credits can chip away at upgrade costs.

Conclusion

Maintaining and improving your commercial electrical system doesn't have to devastate your business's bottom line. By focusing on preventative maintenance, making smart upgrades, hiring qualified electricians, bundling projects, and leveraging incentives, you can significantly reduce costs while keeping your electrical system safe and energy efficient. Taking advantage of these money-saving tactics will benefit your business for years to come.