Light fixtures are a vital component of every commercial and industrial facility regardless of the work performed within them. While it may be easy to assume that any industrial-rated light fixture will work for your facility, you will need to consider many different factors to determine the best option for your needs and budget. As a leading provider of complete commercial electrical services, the team at Blue Crest Electric knows how difficult it can be to determine the ideal lighting solution for a facility. That is why we have put together some information on 4 important considerations to help you determine how to choose the right commercial light fixtures.
4 Elements to Consider for Commercial Light Fixtures
When choosing light fixtures and creating a lighting design for your commercial facility, you will need to consider the following elements before making a final decision:
1. Energy Efficiency
Keeping your facility illuminated can account for a large portion of your monthly and annual energy costs, especially if you are open for extended hours each day. These costs are one of the main reasons why businesses of all sizes are investing in modern LED fixtures instead of conventional fluorescent options. While LED fixtures will typically cost more to purchase, they offer far greater energy efficiency than other options on the market, allowing you to quickly recover these costs through energy savings.
2. Light Production and Visibility
Visibility is a vital safety element for every facility regardless of the equipment used, the number of people working, or the tasks being performed. While it is important to choose a cost-effective lighting option, these savings should never come at the expense of visibility. Consider the amount of light coverage and output you need for each area of your facility in addition to energy efficiency to determine which option is best for your needs.
3. Maintenance/Care Requirements
When examining your commercial lighting options, it is worth considering the cost of a fixture in combination with their usable life and typical maintenance requirements. While you may be tempted to choose low-cost light fixtures for your facility, these units may have a shorter usable life than other fixtures or require more maintenance over time, increasing your cost of ownership. In most cases, it is best to choose durable, low-maintenance light fixtures with a longer usable life even if they cost more.
4. Heat Production
A commonly overlooked element of light fixtures is the amount of heat they produce. Certain types of bulbs produce more heat than others, influencing the temperature of your commercial facility throughout the day. If you are working with products that are sensitive to heat, it is best to avoid CFL lighting systems and opt for LED products instead as they do not produce heat.
To learn more about our commercial lighting solutions or to inquire about our other electrical services, get in touch with the team at Blue Crest Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or your project.