For many building owners and managers, effort is being made to prepare for the return to “normal”. Rules are loosening and there is the general feeling of optimism that people will soon return to their offices, stores, movie theaters, etc. While it is a separate debate about whether this will happen, many business owners are now gearing for occupancy again. And given the harsh truth that for most businesses it will take time for revenue to return to pre-pandemic levels, it will be crucial to reduce costs. One good way is to reduce energy waste, as energy rates are rising beyond inflation.
A great low hanging fruit to save energy costs is to convert your current lighting stock to light emitting diodes (LEDs). You’ve probably heard of them and, yes, they do produce the same or more light using much less energy, one-tenth the power of halogen lights, one-quarter the electricity of incandescents, less than half compared to fluorescents. LED lamps can be controlled (color temperature, dimness, etc.). Prices have dropped as their market has grown recently. Switching to LEDs is such a good deal that many utilities and agencies are cutting back or eliminating LED incentive programs. Paybacks are so good, why should they spend money on such programs and not other programs?
And there are other things to consider when considering lighting.
Are you lighting critical operations properly? Might you be under- or over-lighting certain areas? For example, I performed an energy audit and when I walked into the office, I was blinded for a couple of seconds, the office too bright. I recommended the company de-lamp; remove some critically-placed tubes. The area was still well lit, yet they saved energy costs (the best energy-saving light is the one not on if unneeded).
Once you decide to replace your current lights with LEDs, you need to take a close look at your ballasts, the equipment that holds your tubes. They use electricity. Do they do so efficiently? Are they compatible with the LED tubes you wish to procure? Many old ballasts damage new LED tubes and suppliers will insist they be replaced or their warranty will not be valid. It’s in your interest to upgrade, if it will lengthen their lifetimes.
Another area to consider is lighting controls. As mentioned above, the most energy efficient lights are those that are off when not needed. Timers turn on and off lights at times of non-occupancy, more than making up their cost. Occupancy sensors turn on and off lights depending on occupancy of the space, ensuring lights are used only when people are present. These are inexpensive alternatives for solid energy cost savings.
Back to LEDs, another significant advantage to switching is that LEDs last much longer than fluorescent or halogen lights. LEDs use less electricity and, therefore, generate less heat, causing less damage. Many LED lights have warranties for 7-10 years, while fluorescents often last only 2-3 years. This means more work for your O&M staff, taking them away from other, important projects, just to change a light bulb. Therefore, if you have lights in hard-to-reach places, LED lights would really be beneficial here. And by taking fewer trips up and down the ladder or cherry picker, health risk drops, too.
Finally, LEDs are “cool” in two regards. They use less electricity and thus, emit less heat, reducing a room’s heating load. In some cases, switching to LEDs reduces the fuel used for heating a building or space by 2 to 3%. And LEDs are particularly good for providing lights at low temperatures, even well below freezing.
Good luck in trying to reduce your energy usage and costs as you return to “normal”. Do a thorough analysis of your energy and lighting needs. Consider upgrading to LED lights and other tips, too. If you do decide to do so, do it soon – before incentives disappear.
CCES has the experts to help you assess your total energy needs and lighting needs and recommend beneficial changes to save you energy costs and still provide for your staff and customers. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.