10 Benefits of Upgrading to LED Lighting in Your Commercial Space

 

Written by Monte Hartranft, VP of Sales for Evolved Lighting & Energy

Monte is responsible for business development and sales. He preaches about his strong belief in cleaner, more efficient energy – for individuals, business, and the world.

 

When it comes to running a commercial space, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are top priorities. If you’re operating in an older building (not built in the past 10 years) there’s a good chance your lighting is outdated, costing you in dollars and energy usage.

One way to achieve better efficiency and cost-effectiveness is by upgrading your lighting system. Traditional lighting methods, such as fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, can be energy hogs, driving up utility bills and maintenance costs.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, on the other hand, offers a modern, efficient solution. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 benefits of upgrading to LED lighting in your commercial space and provide a detailed cost savings example to highlight the financial advantages.

 

1. Energy Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to LED lighting is its superior energy efficiency. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights.

Typically, LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and about 50% less than fluorescent lighting. This efficiency translates directly into lower energy bills, making a noticeable difference in your operating expenses.

 

2. Long Lifespan

LEDs are renowned for their longevity. While a typical incandescent bulb may last around 1,000 hours and a fluorescent bulb around 15,000 hours, an LED can last up to 50,000 hours or more. This extended lifespan means fewer replacements, reducing both the labor and material costs associated with maintaining your lighting system. For a commercial space, this can translate to substantial savings and less disruption due to maintenance activities.

 

3. Cost Savings

Although the initial investment in LED lighting can be higher, the long-term cost savings are significant. Reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance needs quickly offset the upfront costs.

For instance, in a 10,000 square foot commercial space with 100 fluorescent fixtures, switching to LED lighting can save approximately $2,764.80 annually on energy costs alone. Over time, these savings add up, making LEDs a financially smart choice. Check out the detailed cost breakdown at the end of this article.

 

4. Improved Light Quality

LEDs provide superior light quality compared to traditional lighting options. They offer better color rendering, meaning colors appear more true to life under LED lighting. Additionally, LEDs provide consistent light distribution, enhancing visibility and comfort in the workplace. This can lead to improved productivity and a better working environment for employees.

With controls and the right experts (yep – we can help!), lighting can be adjusted by color, intensity, and more to emit a specific lighting effect. Hospitals can use specific lighting settings to increase patient comfort and enhance the sleep cycle. Warehouses can set lighting for optimal visibility and employee well-being.

 

5. Environmental Impact

Switching to LED lighting is not just good for your wallet; it’s also good for the planet. LEDs consume less energy, which means reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. And LEDs contain no hazardous materials like mercury, which is found in fluorescent lights. This makes them easier to dispose of and less harmful to the environment.

 

6. Reduced Heat Emission

One of the lesser-known benefits of LED lighting is that it emits very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs. Traditional bulbs convert much of the energy they consume into heat, which can increase cooling costs, especially in large commercial spaces. LEDs, however, remain cool to the touch, reducing the load on air conditioning systems and contributing to overall energy efficiency.

 

7. Instant Lighting

LED lights turn on instantly at full brightness, unlike some fluorescent bulbs that require a warm-up time. This immediate illumination enhances safety and productivity, as employees are not left waiting for lights to reach full brightness. In settings where lighting is frequently turned on and off, such as storage areas or meeting rooms, this instant lighting is particularly beneficial.

 

8. Flexibility and Control

LED lighting systems offer unmatched flexibility and control. They can be easily integrated with smart controls, allowing for dimming, color tuning, and automation. This means you can optimize lighting based on occupancy, natural light availability, or specific needs of different areas within your commercial space. Advanced controls can lead to further energy savings and enhanced user comfort.

 

9. Enhanced Safety

LEDs operate at lower voltages and generate less heat, reducing the risk of electrical fires and burns. This makes them a safer option, especially in environments where safety is a critical concern, such as industrial facilities or healthcare settings. Additionally, the robust design of LEDs means they are less prone to breakage compared to traditional bulbs.

 

10. Government Incentives

Many governments and utility companies offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits for businesses that upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting. These incentives can significantly reduce the initial investment cost, making the transition to LED lighting even more attractive. It’s worth exploring the specific programs available in your area to take full advantage of these financial benefits.

At Evolved, we’ve helped our clients leverage the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) benefits to achieve huge rebates for their projects (think 30-50%!). We’re experts at the process and help our clients file for these benefits making the process as quick and painless as possible.

 

Take A Look At A Typical Project’s Cost Savings

To illustrate the financial advantages of upgrading to LED lighting, we’ll review a practical example for a commercial space:

Pre-Upgrade Scenario:
Commercial Space: 10,000 square feet
Current Lighting: 100 fluorescent fixtures, each using 32-watt T8 bulbs (4 bulbs per fixture)
Operating Hours: 12 hours per day, 300 days per year
Electricity Cost: $0.12 per kWh

Current Fluorescent Lighting:

 

1. Total Wattage:

– Each fluorescent fixture: 32 watts/bulb x 4 bulbs = 128 watts

– Total wattage for 100 fixtures: 128 watts x 100 = 12,800 watts (12.8 kW)

 

2. Annual Energy Consumption:

– Daily usage: 12.8 kW x 12 hours = 153.6 kWh/day

– Annual usage: 153.6 kWh/day x 300 days = 46,080 kWh/year

 

3. Annual Energy Cost:

– 46,080 kWh/year x $0.12/kWh = $5,529.60/year

 

After Upgrading to LED Lighting:

 

1. Equivalent LED Fixtures:

– Equivalent LED fixture (each using 32-watt LEDs) reduces power consumption by around 50%

– Each LED fixture: 64 watts (total for the fixture)

 

2. Total Wattage:

– Total wattage for 100 LED fixtures: 64 watts x 100 = 6,400 watts (6.4 kW)

 

3. Annual Energy Consumption:

– Daily usage: 6.4 kW x 12 hours = 76.8 kWh/day

– Annual usage: 76.8 kWh/day x 300 days = 23,040 kWh/year

 

4. Annual Energy Cost:

– 23,040 kWh/year x $0.12/kWh = $2,764.80/year

 

Cost Savings:

Annual Energy Savings: $5,529.60/year (fluorescent) – $2,764.80/year (LED) = $2,764.80/year

 

Additional Considerations:

 

1. Maintenance Savings:

– Fluorescent bulbs typically last 15,000 hours, while LEDs last 50,000 hours.

– Reduced labor and material costs for replacements.

Upgrading to LED lighting in your commercial space is a smart move that brings a host of benefits. From significant cost savings and improved light quality to enhanced safety and environmental impact, LEDs offer a compelling case for modernizing your lighting system.

The initial investment is quickly offset by the long-term savings and operational advantages, making it a wise decision for any business looking to improve efficiency and reduce expenses. And with current tax and rebate benefits available, there’s not been a better time to invest in this cost-savings option.

Whether you’re motivated by financial savings, environmental responsibility, or simply the desire for better lighting, LEDs are your clear choice.

To learn more about Evolved Lighting & Energy and how we can partner, visit our website: www.evolvedle.com.