New and Affordable LED Lighting That Integrates Lighting Controls for Self Storage Facilities
Self-storage operators saw record growth over the past couple of years as lifestyles adapted to the pandemic. As new facilities reach the planning stage, operators and their architects and engineers can look to companies like Energywise Solutions to help them navigate opportunities for long-term energy savings utilizing energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls.
The owners and operators of these spaces want to make them as safe, convenient, and satisfactory for use as possible, hence the use of storage facility lighting, controlled access, video surveillance systems, and quality locks for each unit. Affordable lighting for storage facilities helps to control the cost of these units and afford the owners/managers higher saving potential concerning energy costs. For example, saving energy with LED lighting in storage facilities results in a power consumption reduction of about 40-50% or more depending on the fixtures used and the system implemented.
Benefits of LED Lighting in Self Storage Facility Management
In an increasingly eco-friendly world, more businesses are being required to cut down energy consumption and look for sustainable and efficient alternatives across their supply chain. This is beneficial concerning costs and brand image/perception. Hence, we are beginning to witness the increased adoption of affordable LED lighting in storage facilities. These lighting systems consume lower energy being made with energy-saving alternatives (11, 48-watt models, and the like) compared to the energy-efficient metal halide and mercury-vapor security lights (175, 150, and 100-watt models). Since lighting accounts for some 30% of global electricity use, these changes reduce energy bills by minimizing payback periods and providing solid ROIs.
LED Lighting is essential for visibility and safety which are necessary for storage facilities. A well-lit facility discourages loitering and criminal activity. It is necessary to note that most self storage facilities only provide outdoor and hallway lighting. However, this does not negatively impact the benefits of affordable storage lighting. The energy-efficient alternatives used are more durable, lasting about 100,000 hours and coming with as high a warranty as 10 years. They outperform other lighting types and provide the added advantage of generating way less heat. This will reduce cooling costs when temperatures are very high. Finally, they are not high maintenance like the other alternatives.
Necessary Functions Required for Integrated Lighting Controls
Managers of building self storage facilities can maximize the energy-saving potential of LED lighting with the incorporation of lighting controls. Affordable LED lighting controls for storage will help to ensure that the lights are used only when they are needed, prolonging their lifecycles. Storage facility lighting controls should include motion sensors (vacancy sensors and occupancy sensors), automatic switches, a time clock for scheduling on/off during daylight hours, and security alarms. The alarms come in handy when there is a break-in and it is accompanied by lighting which could be colored and/or blinking.
Potential Savings of Using LED Lights with Control Systems
Experts say that LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than energy-consuming metal halide and mercury vapor options. Their efficiency has been seen to reduce overall running costs by cutting down energy bills. Depending on the size of the project, managers can begin seeing reduced energy expenses within a few months. LED lights are durable and they require little to no maintenance for 10 years or more. This will surely shave off a few bucks from operational costs for managing a storage facility.
The positioning of LED lights for storage facility lighting is as important as the number and types of fixtures being used. Since most storage facilities only have outdoor and hallway lighting, you want to ensure that the LED lights are positioned high enough or equipped with a reflector that casts enough lights at relevant places. Some of this light should also seep into the storage units. People should be able to find their way safely around the facility even at night.
Affordable LED lighting in storage facilities can also be used for aesthetic purposes. They can be used to highlight certain important features of the structure. Using LED light strips to mark the perimeter will beautify the surroundings and provide even more lighting to improve visibility and safety. More lighting also means that the quality of CCTV footage is improved. Opting for LED lights for these purposes will allow you to cut down on costs and direct money to other central activities.
Reducing Storage Facility Energy Costs
Storage facility rent is a culmination of the pertinent costs for making these facilities available and managing them. Going for affordable storage facility lighting will cause a reduction in energy bills and ultimately reduce running costs. This allows managers to offer lower rent rates to customers. For enterprise-owned warehouses, more money is saved while providing security and reducing the potential for accidents. The expenses shaved off provide funds that can be plowed into core business operations. LED lighting coupled with lighting controls can help cut down on energy wastage by up to 10%, boosting your facility’s carbon footprint and finances.
Components of an LED Lighting Control System
LED lights are excellent affordable alternatives for storage facilities. However, their efficiency can be further improved with lighting control elements. Storage facility lighting controls are used to vary the intensity and duration of use of the LED lights. These conserve energy, reduce cost, and help the durability of the component hardware. Some elements for affordable lighting controls for storage facilities may include:
- Motion Sensors
These detect movement in the storage space, for example when one is moving from a larger room into a smaller space. These sensors will be linked to the light switches to turn them on and off based on the motion signals. Hence, the lights will not be left on for unnecessarily long periods.
- Occupancy Sensors
These elements detect when there is a person in a designated room. They are suited for places like the restroom and stores or certain offices that have low traffic. They signal the light switches for the lights to come on.
- Automatic Switches
These are important for saving energy with LED lighting in storage facilities as they regulate the on and off states of the lights. They make it appear like somebody is in the storage space which wards off dubious persons. These also come in handy during the day when some places do not require artificial lighting.
- Light Schedulers
These provide an alternative to outrightly switching off the lights. They can be used to schedule changes in the intensity of the light. So, we could see the lights go dim automatically at closing, in specific places.
Scott Van Kerkhove is the CEO of Energywise and writes on topics and issues surrounding the lighting and controls industry, energy management, profitability and sustainability. Find us on Google+ – Author: Scott Van Kerkhove
