An innovative LED lighting solution allows a busy office to modernize the look of the business without disrupting the client – oriented operation!
The Climate Technologies company had nagging concerns about their lighting that were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The existing fluorescent bulbs, embedded in the traditional drop ceiling gridwork, had become obsolete and expensive to maintain. The acrylic lenses had yellowed and cracked with age. Even though installing new lenses was an option, the existing bulbs were being phased out of production and soon they would no longer be economical or available to purchase.
Because of the facility’s ceiling height, replacing bulbs required the use of a ladder. With the number of fixtures in use there always seemed to be burnt out bulbs needing attention and maintenance was becoming costly.
Concerns cause delay of needed upgrades
One chief concern delaying the needed upgrade was the upfront cost of a renovation project. Changing out all the fixtures would come with a significant price tag in both labor and materials.
Another concern was the amount of time and associated disruption of business with what was feared to be a time – consuming renovation.
The final concern was the resultant mess when the suspended ceiling gridwork was opened and fixtures removed and replaced. All the computers and desks would need to be covered or moved, causing unnecessary work and distractions for the busy staff!
It was at this point that The Energy Alliance Group of Michigan (EAG) was approached to become involved as the project developer. The task was to arrive at an ideal solution for overcoming these concerns that left the upgrade on an unfulfilled wish list.
The list of primary goals for the upgrade were to:
- Modernize the appearance of the office
- Improve the light quality for those working within the space
- Identify funding sources to make the project affordable
- Minimize out of pocket expense
- Reduce monthly energy costs
After an onsite evaluation, it was decided that a unique LED lighting technology provided by OptimalLED would effectively meet all goals. The technology would ultimately reduce the energy use for lighting by 70 – 80%.
LED Replacement requires only minutes instead of hours!
The LED technology consists of an innovative system that simply snaps into the existing fixture after the present bulbs and acrylic panel have been removed. The installer only has to disconnect the wiring from the old system and reconnect it to a new LED panel. Once the reconnect is finished, the LED replacement snaps into the now empty fixture and the upgrade is completed.
The result is a modern look with a dramatic improvement in the quality of light requiring only a couple minutes for installation per fixture. The normal activities of the business are able to go on as normal – the nightmare mess associated with opening the suspended ceiling has been eliminated!
The LED light panels come with a 10 year warranty and an expected operating life of 100,000 hours. This compares to the 1 year warranty and 30,000 hours of a typical fluorescent bulb. The ladder can now be put away for a very long time. The LEDs also use 70 – 80% less energy than the fluorescent bulbs being replaced, resulting in a significant reduction in energy expense.
To minimize out of pocket expense and to make the project more affordable, EAG utilized the DTE utility rebate program and energy – specific financing from Michigan Saves.
Address concerns that delay upgrades
A long list of business owner concerns tend to make upgrade projects overwhelming and easy to delay. When all the concerns are taken into consideration, and appropriate solutions are applied, cost saving upgrades can then launch with relative ease. This is an exciting new project for EAG to be participating in!
See Also:
Report: Ten Questions to Ask Before an Energy Efficiency Upgrade
Article: How the Domino Effect Hinders Commercial and Industrial Upgrades
Webcast: Increasing the Profitability and Value of Commercial Real Estate
About EAG – The Energy Alliance Group of Michigan (EAG) is an energy solutions and cost recovery company providing energy-saving products, technologies and services for commercial, industrial, multi-family, non-profit buildings, and agricultural applications.
It’s great when good looks and affordablity come together.