Reducing Energy Costs In A Warehouse Setting

When lighting a warehouse, it may seem like a high utility cost is just part of the equation. While most warehouses tend to be large buildings with high illumination output needs, there are still a few reliable ways to go about reducing energy costs in a warehouse setting. Here are a few tips to help you cut down on warehouse lighting costs without sacrificing on the lighting this location needs.

1. Get rid of old metal halide fixtures.

While metal halide solutions were once the staple for warehouse lighting, they have since become a less efficient option compared to other options available on the market. Metal halide solutions offer less lumen output to wattages consumed as well as being more high maintenance than other options.

2. Switch to fluorescent over metal halide.

Fluorescent will use 50% less energy than traditional metal halide solutions while lasting longer for a better return on your investment. In fact, some metal halide units can be retrofitted for fluorescent so you may not even need to buy all new fixtures, but rather a retrofit kit and new bulbs.

3. Don’t rule out LED.

Many people think LED technology is only for residential or commercial spaces, but it can be utilized in nearly any application. There are high bay LED lighting fixtures that are suitable for warehouse settings. These units can go a long way in reducing energy costs in a warehouse setting, even more so than fluorescents. LED fixtures are generally the best solution for energy saving since they offer impressive lumen output for very little wattage consumed. The bulbs are also long lasting and the fixture operates on an internal driver that is unlikely to need replacement within the life of the fixture due to the low to no heat of an LED.

4. Install light sensors and timers.

A great way to save on energy costs is obviously to only use what you need, when you need it. If you are running lights when closed, or running lights in areas that are unoccupied most of the time, you are essentially spending money on energy you don’t need. A better solution is to install occupancy sensors, as well as timers to shut off at the end of the business day, to ensure energy is being used only when needed. You can also install sensors which will adjust the artificial lighting system based on the natural light the space receives throughout the day which can help create a better balance while saving on energy consumed.