The Ultimate Lighting Guide for Your Business

Thursday April 06, 2017

Your business’ lighting is critical to its success, and with commercial lighting rapidly changing, you could be light years behind the times. Don’t let your business be left in the dark. Take advantage of the perks of modern lighting!

A Blast From The Past

Buildings constructed just 20 years ago harbor energy-hogging lighting systems in dire need of replacement.  Consider computers built in the 80s and 90s versus today’s models, and that will give you an inkling of how far behind the times your lighting systems are - and you’re not alone. According to the DOE, more than 75 percent of buildings are over 20 years old, collectively wasting more than $50 billion annually by holding on to antiquated lighting systems.

What’s it Worth to You?

Depending on your business type, 20-50 percent of your electricity budget is sucked up by lighting demands. This means energy-saving improvements could really help manage costs. In fact, with continually improving bulbs, fixtures, and controls, lighting typically provides the highest return on investment among major upgrades. The right combination could pay for itself in three to five years, and save you 25-50 percent annually on lighting energy. How much could you save?

Lighting upgrades also offer:

• Better lighting quality.
• Improved performance and productivity - a mere one percent improvement could provide savings that exceed your entire energy bill!
• Increased health and safety.
• Boosted sales and profits.
• Reduced carbon footprint.
• Improved system performance and reduced maintenance needs.
• A drop in A/C and refrigeration demands (in some applications and geographic areas). 
• Peace and quiet, versus the hum of older lighting technology.

Replace your outdated lighting systems with newer, more efficient product and controls:

• LEDs
  Light emitting diodes use 75-80 percent less energy than incandescent lights and last up to 25 times longer.
• CFLs
  Compact fluorescent lights use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescents, coming in an array of colors.
• Commercial fluorescents
  These overhead lighting options use 1/5-1/3 as much energy as incandescents, last 10 times longer, and offer comparable lumen ratings (the amount of light a light source produces).
• HIDs
  High intensity discharge lights are extremely efficient and great for warehouse and commercial settings, producing large quantities of very bright light.
• Halogens
  Twice as efficient as incandescents, their bright white light is great for outdoor applications such as security and stadium lighting.
• Sensors
  Sensors such as occupancy and daylight sensors responding to signals such as light, movement, and temperature, offer convenience, energy savings, and safety.
• Dimmers
  Control light intensity and save energy.
• Bi-level switches
  Turn off half the lights in a room when full illumination is unnecessary.

• Federal and state tax incentives for qualified, energy efficient lighting systems.
• Local and state incentives supporting greener products in an effort to reduce energy use and fossil fuel consumption.
• Electric utility rebates or energy saving incentives.
• Vendor rebates.
• Possible grants.

Overwhelmed by options?

The experts at Chapple Electric can help you get things all figured out, from the best lighting options for your business to cost. Our experts have what it takes to assess your current lighting system and needs, damaged/outdated/mismatched systems, inefficiencies in energy use, necessary light levels and color, under-lit areas, and more, to find lighting solutions perfectly matched to your needs – and your budget!

Have a bright idea about your business’ lighting? Contact Chapple Electric today.