Choosing the right components for your commercial property lighting program involves far more than just picking bulbs. From aligning with your sustainability goals to navigating brand reliability and managing long-term LED performance, the right solution requires a strategic approach.
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Whether you’re retrofitting a space or starting from scratch, be sure to consider these six key questions when building (or reconfiguring) your commercial lighting program.
1. Is your commercial lighting built for the future?
Because lighting accounts for around 17% of all electricity used by commercial buildings in the U.S., upgrading to LED (if you haven’t already) can drive cost savings (in both your buildings and parking lots) because they require 90% less energy. Plus, by upgrading, you may qualify for technical support and rebates; many states offer them, so check yours to find out what you qualify for.
2. Is your commercial lighting less bright than it used to be?
Switching to LED is a smart move, but it isn’t the end of the story when it comes to selecting commercial property lighting for your property. While they are longer-lasting and more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs decay over time. The rate of LED decay can vary based on a variety of factors, from the specific type of LED product to operating conditions such as temperature and current.
This variation means some bulbs may be brighter than others, which can lead to issues with brand standards (common for retail businesses) or not meeting candlepower operating requirements for manufacturing facilities.
Because decay happens gradually, it may not be noticeable, but it’s worth having your commercial maintenance partner inspect for it. Your partner can help change out decaying LEDs as needed, ensuring proper visual ergonomics for working environments and keeping retail businesses in the best possible light.
3. Is your exterior commercial lighting well-balanced?
Low-voltage LED lighting (lighting that operates at a voltage below standard 120-volt systems) can deliver significant cost savings over time. It’s ideal for landscape lighting as it can efficiently light trees and pathways and enhance safety by illuminating dark areas of a property.
But not all LEDs are created equal, especially when it comes to exterior lighting. Most LEDs emit white light, which attracts bugs, unlike warmer halogen bulbs. Purposefully choosing warmer (think amber) LED bulbs for outdoors can keep your business well-lit and limit pests. Your maintenance partner can also help you achieve balance in your exterior lighting by working with you to minimize light pollution and help you meet dark-sky requirements.
4. How can you make your commercial lighting smarter?
Having your maintenance partner install smart technologies like motion sensors and timers in low-traffic areas and restrooms can help cut your energy bills while maintaining the safety of your business. Light timers automatically turn off lights in areas where they aren’t needed (at night and on the weekends) to boost energy savings. They may need occasional adjustments, and your partner can help with that, too. Motion detectors can help ensure well-lit pathways for employees who work after dark and alert security staff to unknown after-hours visitors without having to leave the lights on 24/7.
5. Are you making the most of natural light?
Every business wants its spaces to be properly lit. But how do you really know if the light is right—bright enough or even enough—for a specific space? There is an actual science to it, and having a partner experienced in photometrics can help ensure you’re maintaining a uniform light level inside your business. They can also help you with light harvesting, which focuses on using natural light to offset energy consumption in workspaces. Your partner can help you map your space and install sensors on light fixtures that adjust lighting to keep it steady and uphold your safety requirements and/or brand intent as natural light changes throughout the day.
6. Is your commercial lighting on brand?
Your brand and how customers see you should be a factor when selecting commercial lighting. Is your current lighting program meeting your brand expectations? If not, it’s probably time for some upgrades. For example, swapping out fluorescent valance lighting for LEDs in a retail environment can dramatically improve its overall appearance and clarity.
Suppose your business is undergoing a refresh or a rebrand. That can also be the perfect time to address your lighting fixtures to determine whether they align with your updated aesthetics. Your maintenance partner can help with tasks like lens cleaning and replacement if they’ve yellowed (especially important for older fixtures) and ensure your lighting enhances your brand, rather than detracting from it.
Let Chain Store Maintenance Light the Way
Looking for a commercial maintenance partner to help upgrade your commercial lighting program? Chain Store Maintenance - an MCS Company, can take charge of your electrical and lighting needs. From remodels and new construction to emergency lighting systems, we’ll work with you to change out your lighting or create a customized plan that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more.
