HOW TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH LIGHTING CONTROLS
One of the best and often overlooked ways to increase a building’s energy efficiency is by using lighting controls. Lighting controls can automate your lighting systems, providing you with significant energy savings.
Lighting controls may seem like a large investment at first. However, there are many affordable options available, and you’ll save time, money, and energy in the long run.
TYPES OF LIGHTING CONTROLS
- On/off switching
- Occupancy/vacancy sensors
- Daylight sensors
- Dimmers
- Scheduling & time-tracking devices
BENEFITS OF LIGHTING CONTROLS
Increased energy efficiency and decreased energy costs
The less time your lights are on, the less energy you use. You can program, schedule, or use sensors to turn off your lighting when a room is empty. Dimmers allow you to maintain a reduced level of light output when maximum output is not required, further reducing your energy use.
Improved safety
Lighting controls help ensure that light coverage is where it should be at all times. For example, a sensor can trigger your lighting to turn on when someone enters your building at night. These controls can help prevent avoidable incidents like tripping and can also be used to alert security breaches.
Increased life of LEDs
When you use lighting controls, you can significantly increase the life of your LED lighting. Not only are you using less energy, but your LEDs will tend to run cooler, further increasing their useful life. The increased life of your lighting means less time and money spent on maintenance.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Coverage and sensitivity
When installing your lighting controls, it’s important to ensure they’re in an appropriate location so that your lights won’t accidentally shut off while the space is being used.
Compatibility
It’s also important to make sure your controls are compatible with electrical, mechanical, and environmental components. Not all lighting systems and control systems are compatible.
READY TO INSTALL LIGHTING CONTROLS AT YOUR BUSINESS?
We provide incentives to cover up to 100% of the material cost for eligible lighting controls.