Is It Time for a Commercial Lighting Upgrade?
Whether you own a data center, warehouse, restaurant, retail shop, investment property, or healthcare facility, efficient lighting is important to daily operations. When commercial lighting isn’t up to par, you may notice higher utility bills that slowly eat up your revenue.
How do you know it’s time to upgrade your commercial lighting system? There are a handful of warning signs to watch for as a property owner. We’re going to share why commercial lighting upgrades matter, the signs you should call an electrician, and the benefits of modern lighting systems.
The Drawbacks of Outdated Lighting
First, let’s discuss why commercial lighting upgrades matter and the disadvantages of outdated lighting. Here are several reasons to avoid outdated commercial lighting.
- Increased energy costs: Outdated lighting drives up your energy costs by wasting energy as heat. For example, traditional incandescent bulbs lose about 90% of their energy as heat. Inefficient lighting can significantly drive up utility costs for your business.
- Costly maintenance needs: Outdated lighting systems also require increased maintenance and labor. Traditional bulbs require constant spot replacements.
- Occupant complaints: If you own a commercial property with tenants, you may receive frequent complaints about outdated lighting. Tenants may complain about flickering, buzzing, or mismatched lighting and send in maintenance requests.
- Lower property value: Did you know that the condition of your electrical system actually affects commercial property value? Upgrading your lighting systems to modern LED will increase property value and decrease energy costs.
Signs You Need a Commercial Lighting Upgrade
Sometimes, you may not realize it’s time to upgrade your commercial lighting. Here are some of the top indicators that you should call a commercial electrician about lighting upgrades.
High Utility Bills
If your utility bills are sky-high, you’re wasting money month after month. Upgrading to modern LED lighting for your property can cut energy consumption by up to 75%. The investment in commercial lighting upgrades is worth the upfront cost because it quickly reduces your business’s utility bills.
Flickering Lights
Many facilities run 24/7, so it can be tricky to find time for fixture replacement. When lights are flickering, it may mean the bulbs need replacement or that there is a deeper issue, such as a loose connection, an outdated ballast, or failing wiring. A commercial electrician can pinpoint whether a full fixture upgrade is recommended.
Diminishing Output
Lights can naturally dim with age, but if you notice that your commercial spaces are dark with all the fixtures on, your lighting may need an upgrade. Older light bulbs can lose lumen output even before they fully burn out. This means you could be paying for light that you’re not actually getting. If your employees are using extra lamps or lighting fixtures, it’s worth checking with a commercial electrician about lighting upgrade options.
Non-Compliance
Another sign you need to upgrade your commercial lighting is that your system doesn’t meet current energy efficiency requirements, safety codes, or industry-specific regulations. Non-compliance can lead to fines, failed inspections, and issues with insurance claims.
Benefits of a Commercial Lighting Retrofit
Modern lighting solutions offer a whole suite of benefits for commercial property owners, including:
- Lower your commercial electricity bills: Modern LED systems significantly reduce electricity bills. LEDs are 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
- Smart controls: With smart lighting systems, you can control lighting remotely to optimize your usage and lower total energy costs.
- Less maintenance: LED lighting has a significantly longer lifespan than traditional incandescent lights. LED light bulbs typically last 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
Commercial Lighting Upgrade FAQs
How can a commercial lighting upgrade reduce my energy bill?
Commercial lighting upgrades reduce your energy bill by replacing aging, inefficient fixtures with modern LED technology. LEDs use significantly less electricity and can cut your energy bill in half. Also, lighting upgrades often include smart controls, dimmers, and sensors, which can further reduce your energy costs.
What’s the difference between commercial LED lighting vs. Fluorescent?
LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) are semiconductor devices that convert electrical energy into light. They produce light more efficiently and last significantly longer (often 25,000+ hours). LEDs contain no mercury and don’t require warm-up time to reach full brightness. Fluorescent bulbs use gas and phosphor coating and are much less efficient than LEDs.
What is included in commercial lighting maintenance?
Commercial lighting maintenance includes inspecting, testing, cleaning, repairing, and replacing lighting components to keep a business’s lighting system safe, efficient, and reliable. Services may include replacing burned-out bulbs, upgrading outdated fixtures, checking wiring and connections, repairing lighting controls, and identifying issues that can increase energy costs or create safety concerns. Regular commercial lighting maintenance helps businesses reduce downtime, improve visibility, extend the life of lighting equipment, and maintain a comfortable environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
Connect with a Commercial Electrician
If your commercial property in Oregon or Southwest Washington could use a lighting upgrade, reach out to Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW). PPNW connects you to licensed, bonded, and insured commercial electrical contractors in the area. Our pros are experienced in safely upgrading outdated commercial lighting systems.
Find a contractor today.
