It always feels great when, as a business owner, you can find ways to save money. And when it comes to lighting, upgrading fixtures, bulbs and controls can have multiple benefits. So, let’s look at some of the perks of upgrading the lighting in and around your building.
Cash Savings
As mentioned, saving money is one of the most appealing benefits of lighting upgrades. As technology improves and efficiency is increased, newer lighting models require less energy to function. This translates into savings on energy bills. In fact, with the amount of money saved, the upgrades will eventually pay for themselves. The older your current lighting system is, the bigger improvements you will see.
In addition, newer bulbs last up to ten times longer than old ones. This means you will have to replace them less often and will have lower maintenance costs. Finally, there may be government rebates you can apply for when doing energy efficient updates. That’s a lot of savings!
Health Benefits
At one point or another, most of us have had to be in the uncomfortable situation of sitting under old, flickering florescent bulbs that buzz all day long. We may have even finished the day with a headache, or have found ourselves irritable or easily distracted.
Upgrading old lighting systems can have a positive effect on employee productivity. Newer bulbs don’t hum or flicker, and there are more options for a spectrum of light. You can also install dimmers so that the lighting can be adjusted throughout the day.
More and more employers are coming around to the idea that more pleasant working conditions are better for employee satisfaction, and this translates into better business all around.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Aged lighting from 20 years ago or more, is by today’s standards considered inefficient. Old bulbs and fixtures use a lot of energy compared to the highly efficient models found today. Another option is to install sensors in the bathrooms, parking lots and hallways so that unless there are people around, the lights will automatically turn off. This way, lights won’t wastefully stay on when no one is around.
Environmental awareness is becoming a common business practice. We should all be doing what we can to limit our use of the earth’s resources.
Since there is a good chance that you might not be a lighting expert, let’s take a quick look at what kinds of lights are on the market today, and how you will benefit from upgrading to them.
LEDs
LED stands for: Light Emitting Diodes. These lights use 75-80 percent less energy than the former standard incandescent bulbs, and last up to 25 times longer. LED lighting likely offers the best value here, considering longevity and operating costs.
CFLs
Otherwise known as Compact Fluorescent Lights. These bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. They also come in an array of colours, but they are more on the expensive side.
Commercial fluorescents
These overhead lighting options use merely 20-30 percent as much energy as incandescents do. They also last around 10 times longer, while offering a comparable amount of light.
HIDs
If you are looking to light a warehouse or large commercial setting, or event a construction and renovation site, High Intensity Discharge lights are extremely efficient in producing large quantities of very bright light.
Halogens
The halogen bulbs are twice as efficient as incandescent bulbs and their bright white light is an excellent option for outdoor uses like parking lots and stadiums.
We often take lighting for granted, and we might not notice how much someone’s decisions about lighting affect us. As a business owner, upgrading a lighting system can have far reaching benefits that will not only save money, but will make for happier employees, while reducing the impact on the planet. It’s a win win win!
To learn more about quality electrical materials or need help in installing and upgrading your home lightening, contact or call our certified electricians in Chilliwack or nearby areas, we are more than happy to help you out
