LED lights reduce energy expenditures for companies while making the entire organization more energy efficient

Key takeaways

  • Upgrading to LED bulbs can save businesses significant money
  • These lights cost less to operate and require less maintenance
  • They also generate less heat and could make the company eligible for rebates
  • Installing new fixtures might be necessary for some buildings

Did you know that lighting is responsible for about 17% of the electricity consumed by commercial buildings in the United States annually? 

While interior and exterior lighting are essential for commercial properties, it accounts for a significant amount of energy businesses use to light their buildings. However, it’s possible to reduce that percentage by investing in LED lighting. 

LED lighting is more efficient than incandescent or fluorescent lights, reducing the energy expenses faced by companies of all sizes each month. Other advantages businesses that upgrade their lighting will encounter include rebates and further energy savings.

Here’s a look at how organizations around the country can benefit from installing commercial LED lighting bulbs and fixtures in their buildings.

Cost savings on electricity

The first and most prominent way businesses can benefit from upgrading to commercial LED lighting is the money they’ll save on electricity. 

Incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy by producing heat. LED lights run cooler, using 80–90% less energy than incandescent lights. They’re also more efficient than fluorescent and halogen bulbs. 

Widespread LED bulb usage could reduce the nation’s annual electricity usage by the equivalent of 44 large power plants, a move that could create cost savings of over $30 billion per year.

While LED lights cost a bit more upfront, the overall savings make it worth the initial investment – even if you have to finance new fixtures to make it happen.

Less maintenance

Another way commercial LED lighting can save a business money is by reducing maintenance costs. 

The average incandescent light bulb has a lifespan of about 1,000 hours. Even when factoring in weekends and nights when the lights are out, businesses will still need to replace their incandescent lights every few months. 

Florescent bulbs run for more extended periods, with the average light having a lifespan of about 10,000 hours. This is the equivalent of about 13 and a half months, so it stands to reason businesses would have to replace their fluorescent lights every couple of years, again when factoring in weekends and evenings.

LED bulbs have a lifespan of about 50,000 hours, the equivalent of about 5.7 years. Depending on usage and downtime, your LED lights could last the better part of a decade before requiring replacement.

Spending less on maintenance benefits the company’s bottom line. Not having to replace your light bulbs every few months or years is an excellent way to lower your operating expenses.

Produce less heat

A little-known way switching to commercial LED lighting can save a company money is by reducing its cooling costs. 

Incandescent bulbs run hot, and when there are a lot of them in one room, they can heat the space and increase your reliance on air conditioning or other cooling methods. 

Switching to LED lights eliminates that additional heat in the room, lowering your cooling costs and saving you money. When combining this benefit with the other energy-saving advantages of LED lights, it’s easy to see why so many companies are upgrading.

Grants and rebates

You could be eligible for some grants and rebates if you switch to LED lighting at your commercial property. 

For example, Florida Power & Light Company, the country’s largest electric utility, has a lighting program offering rebates to businesses that upgrade to an energy-efficient system. Pre-approval and professional installation are necessary, but the long-term cost savings more than make up for the effort and expense. 

Check out the available rebates and grants before investing in a new lighting system to ensure you’re eligible for these savings.

Tax deductions are also possible by developing a more efficient commercial energy strategy. While the exact numbers depend on various factors, it’s possible to save up to $0.60 per square foot on federal taxes by taking steps to improve your company’s lighting efficiency. There are also savings of up to $1.80 per square foot if you reduce your heating and cooling energy use by at least 50%, with LED lighting a contributing factor. 

LED lighting performance

Early in their development, LED lights received criticism because they didn’t produce the same warm hue as their incandescent counterparts. However, today’s LED lights come in a full range of light temperatures, as each bulb has a correlated color temperature, or CCT. 

The bulb’s CCT determines its warmth, as bulbs with fewer Kelvins produce a warmer, more yellow light. Alternatively, bulbs with a higher number of Kelvins create a cooler blue light.

The CCT you select depends on personal preference, but it’s nice to know there’s a choice when upgrading to commercial LED lighting.

Increase your commitment to energy efficiency

Finally, switching to LED bulbs makes it clear that your company is committed to creating a more energy-efficient environment. Your employees will immediately notice the difference in the lighting, and many will appreciate the switch to an energy-efficient alternative.

Customers will also appreciate your energy-efficient attitude, ensuring the switch is an excellent public relations move as well.

Making the switch to LED

You can often plug LED lights into your existing fluorescent tube fixtures, so a massive upgrade isn’t always necessary. However, not all tubes are compatible with your fluorescent tube fixtures’ ballasts, so the unit might require some alterations. LED lights also come in dozens of styles and shapes, creating the perfect opportunity to upgrade your fixtures and create an entirely new look inside your commercial building. 

Universal Electrical Services can assist as you move to commercial LED lighting. Our team can make recommendations, install new bulbs, and upgrade your fixtures, ensuring your business stays with the times and minimizes its energy consumption. Contact Universal Electrical today to request a quote.