Uncategorized – Titan Enersave

Important Considerations Before an LED Retrofit

January 23, 2020/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

For building and facility owners and property managers looking to increase the value of their commercial properties, it’s important to consider different options that will hold value over time, decrease costs associated with maintenance, and conserve energy. One way to accomplish these goals is with an LED retrofit. With the number of LED options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when making decisions about updating your building lighting. With the advancement of technology, the decision making process has become much more complicated. Here are the three most important things to keep in mind when considering an LED lighting retrofit.

• What matters most to your business?

Understandably, the primary factor in most decision making processes is money, and the same is true in the LED retrofits. Beyond just the desire to save money, however, are several specific factors to consider as you plan out your project. These factors are energy, maintenance, and performance. Which matters most to your business?

Energy

Don’t expect utility companies to cut the cost of energy any time soon. Considering that, and the fact that energy comprises about 80% of your total lighting costs, the financial benefits of an LED retrofit become very apparent. Switching from fluorescent to LED in your building’s high burn hour areas alone, for example, could take your energy spend down 60-90%.

Maintenance

It’s easy to look at the amount of time spent maintaining and fixing lights at your facility as a necessary evil, but it is important to understand the amount of money and time being lost with these tasks that could be avoided because of an LED lighting conversion. In a recent LED retrofit project, a commercial property company reduced their annual maintenance costs by $1,100 by replacing just 25 fixtures. Additionally, knowing what to expect from each lighting application and which is most important is critical. For instance, is it most practical to update your warehouse to LED high bay lighting first, or should we focus on exterior LED wall packs instead?

Performance

Beyond the financial benefits of LED lighting, there are the significant upgrades in light performance. The advancements in color quality and innovative features like progressive dimming are just a few of the great options that LED provides. Things like correlated color temperature, which measures the color of a light with a numerical value, are crucial if the atmosphere of your office, restaurant, or commercial space is important.

• What are your specific circumstances?

Whether your building is a new construction or a remodel, an outdoor space or indoor, each project will have its own set of variables and goals. Understanding what these are and how best to achieve them is a big step towards a successful LED retrofit.

For starters, it is important to know what rebates, offers, and financing options are available to you. These are rapidly changing and can be tedious to understand and utilize, but if done correctly, a rebate program can have significant advantages for your project. Use tools to help determine your projected ROI so you have a clear idea of the value of your investment from the get-go. This includes knowing your current lighting utility costs and energy usage, what lamp wattages you have, and other factors like installation, project timeline, and funding considerations. Additionally, knowing how much money is being spent on maintaining your existing lighting is pivotal in determining your budget and expected ROI. This includes everything from costs of new bulbs and materials to facility downtime because of an outage – all of these factor into your overall costs.

• Finding a company you can trust

Finding a company that understands the quick changing and nuanced industry, including the varying technology factors as well as the different quality in manufacturers is crucial to ensuring you have a successful retrofit.

Are LED or HID Lights the Right Choice for My Business?

December 23, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

HID lights are a type of high-density discharge lighting that is a tried-and-tested solution for many indoor and outdoor installations. The bright light offered by this type of lighting technology makes them an effective option for large spaces such as stadiums, parking lots, and warehouses. However, HID now faces strong competition from LED technology, which has experienced huge technological advancements over the last few years.

If you’re looking for a lighting solution to light a large space, which option should you choose: the traditional choice of HID lighting or the newer technology of LED? To help you understand what type of lighting will provide the best solution for your business, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.

LED vs. HID Lights – What’s the Difference?

HID and LED lighting work in very different ways. HID stands for “high-intensity discharge.” HID lamps work by passing a current through a small capsule of gas, which causes a reaction that creates a small amount of light. HID lights will take a few seconds to warm up before they reach their full light output. These types of lights require ballasts to regulate the current that passes through the gas.

Light-emitting diode lighting, which is commonly referred to as LED lighting, produces light through electroluminescence. When the diodes in a LED lamp are connected to a circuit, it causes photons to be produced, which are then focused into a light source by the lamp. LED lamps are controlled by a chip within the lamp and produce light instantly.

So, why is it important to understand the two types of technology? The technology plays a large role in determining the pros and cons of each solution. Read on to learn more.

Lifespan

Lifespan is one area where the technology powering the lighting solution plays a large role. The tech behind LEDs gives them a significantly longer lifespan than many other types of lighting, including HID options. In fact, LEDs can easily last for 50,000 hours with some having a life expectancy of up to 100,000 hours. HIDs, on the other hand, are only expected to be functional for a maximum of 25,000 hours. In many situations, replacing a lamp is an easy task; however, in situations where HIDs are often used, this may not be so simple. Warehouses, street lighting, parking lots, and gas stations all have lights that are mounted at a height that makes replacing a bulb or entire lamp a time-consuming project, so choosing a lighting solution that only requires replacement every 100,000 hours, such as LEDs, instead of every 25,000 hours like HIDs offers significant time-saving advantages.

Verdict: LED wins hands-down over HID when it comes to lifespan!

Light Output

Both LED and HID offer the benefit of being able to produce large amounts of light, which is one of the reasons both of these options are popular solutions for lighting vast spaces like parking lots.

There is one other key thing to consider when it comes to light output, and that’s how long each type of lamp will provide the required amount of light for. Although this topic sounds like it should fall under the lifespan category, we feel that it’s important enough to warrant its own section. Although products are rated with an expected lifespan, you’ll also need to pay attention to the expected lumen output throughout the product’s lifespan. For example, HID lights generally lose 50% of their output ability during the first half of their expected lifespan. This means that the lamp will produce less than half of the initial output over the second half of its life. If your business needs strong lighting, the lamp will need to be replaced early. The LED lighting also suffers from a loss of output over time; however, it is significantly less than HID lamps. When you see the lifespan rating for an LED lamp, you will see the number of hours plus a number rating such as L70, meaning the bulb will maintain at least 70% of its output for the stated number of hours. This is only a thirty percent loss that will have a limited impact on your business.

Verdict: With LEDs having the ability to maintain output levels for longer, they beat HID options easily in this category.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider, especially when you’re looking to replace lighting that covers a large area, as the costs of operating powerful lights can quickly add up! Although HIDs do effectively turn energy into light, they have one major issue that affects their efficiency—they produce 360-degree light. When light is produced that isn’t directional, it needs to be reflected in the required direction. This process can result in the loss of a significant amount of light that isn’t correctly reflected.

Why does this matter? Simply put, it matters because you’re paying to produce more light than you actually need in order to compensate for the light that’s lost. On the other hand, LEDs are fully directional, and light-emitting diodes are currently one of the most energy-efficient types of lighting technology on the market. Switching to LEDs will offer significant savings in energy costs over the duration of their lifespan. The LED lighting provides high output per watt for the full duration of its use, which means that your lighting will only use low amounts of electricity to produce the necessary lighting.

As we mentioned above, HID lighting loses a significant amount of its lighting ability in the first 6 months of use; however, even though it’s producing less light, it will still be using the same amount of electricity, meaning the longer the lamp is in use, the less energy efficient it becomes.

Verdict: LEDs offer the best long-term energy efficiency.

Cost

To really understand the cost differences between these two types of products, we’ll need to split this category into two sections: initial cost and long-term cost.

Initial Cost

This is one area where HIDs come out on top of LEDs. As LED is a newer technology, the cost of LED products is still somewhat higher than the HID equivalent. So, the initial installation cost for installing HIDs to cover large spaces will be less than if you were to install LED alternatives. The cost difference will depend on the type and number of lighting products you need to adequately light the area. That being said, there are a number of rebates available for LED lighting—check with your local energy supplier to see if they offer rebates for switching to LED.

Long-Term Cost

Although HIDs win on initial cost outlay, they don’t fair as well in regards to long-term costs. HID lights have a much shorter lifespan than LED lights. This means they’ll need to be replaced up to four times more often than LED options, which leads to more long-term costs for part replacement and labor. They’ll also use significantly more energy over a long-term period than the LED equivalent, creating higher long-term energy costs.

Although his win on initial cost outlay, they don’t fair as well in regards to long-term costs. HID lights have a much shorter lifespan than LED lights. This means they’ll need to be replaced up to four times more often than LED options, which leads to more long-term costs for part replacement and labor. They’ll also use significantly more energy over a long-term period than the LED equivalent, creating higher long-term energy costs.rom lighting that maintains its output for longer, needs replacing less often and uses significantly less energy. The long-term benefits will reduce the amount you need to spend to keep your lighting bright and effective for many years to come. Whether you’re looking to revamp your warehouse lighting, replace energy-sucking stadium lights, keep your parking lot safe, or attract customers to your gas station, LED is a smart and cost-effective lighting choice.

Which Lighting Solution Is Right for your Business: LED or HID?

Although his win on initial cost outlay, they don’t fair as well in regards to long-term costs. HID lights have a much shorter lifespan than LED lights. This means they’ll need to be replaced up to four times more often than LED options, which leads to more long-term costs for part replacement and labor. They’ll also use significantly more energy over a long-term period than the LED equivalent, creating higher long-term energy costs.rom lighting that maintains its output for longer, needs replacing less often, and uses significantly less energy. The long-term benefits will reduce the amount you need to spend to keep your lighting bright and effective for many years to come. Whether you’re looking to revamp your warehouse lighting, replace energy-sucking stadium lights, keep your parking lot safe, or attract customers to your gas station, LED is a smart and cost-effective lighting choice.

8 Questions to Ask Before Buying LEDs

November 21, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

On the surface, most LED products look like a wise investment. Their packaging may tout great lumens per watt, solid life ratings, good color and a reasonable cost, however these numbers don’t recount to the full story. LED fixtures can fail due to lumen degradation, driver failures, material issues, color shifts and more, and many undergo very constrained testing that doesn’t consider every one of these issues.

So how would you choose? Before making any decision, ask there questions first to see if you’re making the right investment. This will help protect you from the regrets down the road.

Whats wrong with the fluorescent or HID system that I have now?

In the event that you haven’t upgraded to LED fixtures, you’re squandering cash. Not only your energy cost is higher, yet you are investing time and cash on expanded maintenance and replacements also. And if you keep waiting, it will just get more costly: Certain components of your systems may be out of date.

Why should I look to LEDs?

Each light in your facility will eventually become an LED. As the most efficient and longe lasting light source, LEDs are outpacing all other lighting technologies. You have to upgrade now or later.

Is LED innovation developed and stable enough to justify an update?

While LEDs will keep on improving, they are completely adequate today to warrant an update. The advantages you would you would get from any minor improvements to LEDs later on are far outranked by the cash you’re squandering on energy now by continuing to use obsolete systems.

Whose LEDs should I buy?

You need a trustworthy company with a history filled with unwavering reliability testing, impressive performance and outstanding customer service. Newcomers to the LED scene may offer low costs, yet will they be around to homor warranties in the event that anything turns out badly? Have they completely tried their products?

5. How do I determine which new product is right to replace my existing fixtures?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for selecting replacement fixtures. A lighting expert is your best option for responding to this complex questions, as they can help guide you toward quality solutions that will diminish energy usage and help you build for the future. Some key questions to ask are: how many lumens was my previous fixture creating, and how many does the new fixture does create? And how long will it take to install the recommended solution?

How will saving energy affect light levels and light distribution?

Be careful with solutions that gloat about enormous energy savings but drop your light levels. In the event that your space gets darker and you can’t see appropriately in a space, any savings are pointless. Ensure you’re asking about the footcandles before and after a switch and the difference in light levels. If possible, request for a mock up area so you can see precisely what the space will look like after the upgrade.

How can I ensure that the fixture is going to perform as claimed?

You should approach the manufacturer for specifics about LED performance. Here are some technical inquiries that should come up in conversation:

Is this fixture listed on the Design Lights Consortium (DLC) website?
Do you have LM79 photometry report from a certified lab attesting to initial lumens, color point and wattage?
Do you have LM80 and TM21 calculations based on temperature measurements to justify life ratings?
At what ambient temperature are you warrantying the fixture?
What can you say about the expected life of your driver?

Don’t simply trust in their promise for it, however. Ask: who has used this fixtures in the past and if there are client testimonials. You should also reiterate the request for a mock-up area or ask to see a real site.

How can I believe life ratings?

How much actual life testing has been done?
Have you done stress tests or thermal cycling?
Has a certified lab tested the lumen output and color?
What reliability testing do you do on your driver components? Who makes the drivers?
What is the longest this fixture has been burning at a site?
Historically, what is the failure or return rate on these fixtures?
Who has used these fixtures before? Are there customer testimonials about them?

With regards to warranties, make sure to ask business-related questions, including how long they have been in operation and what guarantee there is that they will still be operating when you ask for a warranty claim.

You will ask numerous questions on your way to buying LEDs. But if you start by using these eight basic questions to give a good framework for examining your options and assessing manufacturers, you’ll settle on a quality product that will work for your business.

The FACTS about LED lights

October 11, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Multipurpose, economical and durable, LED light bulbs are just as efficient outdoors as they are inside your home.

Energy Efficient

LED light bulbs are portrayed by their low energy consumption. They lessen power consumption by around 75-80% when compared with conventional lights. An LED light bulb will thus last around 25 times longer than an incandescent light bulb.

Picking the correct LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs can be used in each room of the house, just as outside (even in winter). Unlike compact fluorescent lighting, they light up instantly and endure being turned on and off over and over.

Before picking a particular light, consider the criteria underneath.

The correct shape

• Choose an LED light bulb that is the correct shape for your light or lamp. If possible, avoid having a light bulb that is excessively long and thus exceeds shade.

• LED reflector lights are accessible for outdoor light fixtures, sunken light fixtures or track lighting systems.

• If an LED light bulb is being bought to replace a current light bulb, consider picking one with an identical end.

Expert tip:

Ensure the LED light bulb is one that works with a dimmer.

The right lighting

• With LED light bulbs, luminosity is no longer calculated in watts, but in lumens.

• An 8-watt LED light will produce 400 lumens, which is a similar luminosity as that made by a 40-watt "standard" light bulb. A 20-watt LED light bulb will give 1,600 lumens, which is a similar luminosity as that made by a 100-watt incandescent light bulb.

The correct color

Warm white, soft white, cool white… While confusing, it helps to remember that warm white obtains the coziest environment and cool white is the lighting that is nearest to that of standard daylight.

• When looking to light a part of your home that is especially comfortable, (for example, a bedroom or the living room), it is normally best to go with warm white. For an open outdoor surface or the walls of a carport, cool white is commonly the preferred option.

• A color chart with the various shades will help you to pick the LED light bulb best suited for your needs.

Paying particular attention to the eyes

Abstain from installing spotlights or other track lighting equipped with reflector light bulbs in spaces where children spend time, as extremely direct light beams can be detrimental to their eyesight. Save these lighting systems for outdoor use or have the lights point towards a wall or ceiling.

Installation

Even if spotlight with LED light bulbs generate less heat thank those equipped with standard light bulbs, they should, in any case, be installed a specific distance from the ceiling and every flammable material. Check the manufacturer's recommendations carefully, as distances will differ depending upon the specific kind of lights you are using.

How Color is Revolutionizing the Lighting Experience

August 15, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Creating new possibilities for customized environments

Facility professionals continue to look for cost effective, easy-to-implement technology to increase the operational efficiency and sustainability of their buildings.

One of the most recent shifts in facility design and management has been a renewed focus on creating the best overall occupant experience. LED lighting has always provided solutions for energy and maintenance efficiency, but the latest innovations enable improved experiences beyond the potential of outdated fluorescent lighting.

At the forefront of this shift is color.
LED Can Create Productive Environments

Studies have shown that lighting can have a direct effect on an occupant’s mood, productivity and even their decision-making skills. Enhancing light quality with high-performance, high-CRI LED technology can translate into things like better patient care, productive working environments, and improvement in a retailer’s ability to sell product.

Leveraging Color Temperature

The invention of warm white LEDs was one of the lighting industry’s most significant breakthroughs in the last decade. However, not everyone prefers warm color temperatures. Cooler white lighting is preferred in many cultures and ideal for certain areas or specific tasks.

When installing traditional fixtures, only one color temperature is typically available for purchase (warm, cool, or in between), and occupants who are actually using the light don’t have a choice. Unlike traditional light technology, LED has the flexibility to be controlled from a source point. New system advancements enable multiple color temperature options through a single luminaire – creating new possibilities for customized environments.

Controlling Your Surroundings

Recent strides in intelligent lighting give users the ability to control occupants’ environment and mood. For example, some LED luminaires have the ability to choose between 3000K and 5000K color temperatures in 500K increments, enabling only one troffer type to be needed in any space regardless of lighting color preference. The result is simplified specification, ordering and installation with a lighting control system that reduces energy consumption by more than 70 percent. This allows building operators to easily realize the full promise of LED lighting controls at no additional cost.

Imagine an entire floor of an office building with each occupant able to fine-tune the color of their office to their own preference. Not only does this create more pleasant work environments, but also empowers employees who have flexibility and control of their workspace.

As building owners and operators increasingly look to LED as their first choice for lighting applications, the technology’s capabilities continue to expand beyond energy and maintenance savings and quick payback. The ability to control and improve the building environment is now also available at the push of a button.

Tips for Your Facility Applications

Once you’ve made the decision to upgrade to LED, here are some factors to consider.

– Choosing your lighting control system — Quality lighting control systems can easily integrate into existing building management systems. Consult your lighting control distributor to ensure feasibility before installation.

– Choosing color during installation — Color temperature preference differs by person. Work with your lighting manufacturer to test color temperatures for multiple locations and understand the simple ways to adjust color temperature utilizing your facility’s lighting controls.

– How to gauge occupant needs — Understanding the space and how occupants are interacting with it can help address concerns regarding color temperature. Surveying occupant feelings about the lighting in their workspaces can be helpful in determining if there are any needed adjustments. Empower occupants by giving them the ability to customize their own environment.

WHEN TO GET A LIGHTING RETROFIT FOR YOUR BUILDING

July 15, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Many of us don’t invest too much time thinking about their building lighting unless a light bulb goes out or a ballast dies. Your lighting plays a major role in different parts of your building from safety to productivity. Guaranteeing that your lighting works and will keep on working is an important step to take.

As a lighting system ages it becomes time to upgrade. At first, you might be thinking you need to replace your lighting system. That isn’t always needed though. Many lighting systems can be retrofitted instead of replaced.

How would you know if your building is candidate for retrofitting?

The Age Plays A Big Role

The age of your building plays a big role in whether or not it can be retrofitted. Any building that is older than 10 years may be using outdated bulbs. T12 type fluorescent bulbs, for example, are no longer allowed in the United States under most circumstances. You will probably need to replace your system if it utilizes parts that aren’t still available.

If your building was built within 10 years, you are most likely a candidate for a lighting retrofit. Many of the old buildings can still be retrofited but it is on a case by case basis.

Increase Energy Efficiency and Cut Cost

Even if your lighting system is currently working, you might still want to invest in a lighting retrofit. Many older lighting systems have bad energy efficiency. Retrofitting your system could be a good option if you are looking to save money on your electrical bill. You can also save money on light bulbs as they last for longer with more modern systems.

A few cities will offer financial incentives to buildings looking to upgrade their energy effeciency. Make sure to check with your local power company to see if you can further benefit from lighting retrofit.

An energy efficient lighting system looks good to customers. It also looks good to potential buyers if you are looking to sell your building any time soon. Some buyers may only want energy efficient buildings.

More Lighting Customization And Control

Modern lighting systems allow you to control your lighting a lot better. From programming timers to remotely controlling the lights, a retrofit can give you access to even more lighting features. Depending on your retrofit choices, dimming can also be added to your system. This gives workers a better choice over the lighting in rooms.

Sometimes blaring lights can be counterproductive to a workspace. Often times finding the right balance in brightness can help your workers to get more done. It also makes presentations easier to give.

Improve Your Lighting Without Replacing It

Does your current lighting system not adequately light your property? Completely replacing your lighting system can be quite costly. It also probably isn’t needed. A complete replacement takes more time, more money, and requires more work than you will need.

During a retrofit of your lighting system you can add new light fixtures, change positions of your current ones, and select better lighting overall. This can be especially helpful if you bought a building that wasn’t properly setup for your business’s lighting needs. Retrofits of systems do not just have to be about broken systems, you can use them to enhance your systems.

Do You Like The Appearance Of Your Lighting System?

Building owners often have a different opinions about their lighting systems. Particularly in the event that they bought the building instead of built it. If you like the lighting system of your building, or more specifically, the cosmetics parts of the system, at that point your a good candidate for a retrofit.

Do You Have A Custom Lighting System

Custom lighting systems tend to be purpose built for a building. When this is so, you will have issues with standard parts fitting the system. A lighting expert or electrician will help you to get a better idea of whether or not your system can be retrofitted.

When picking to have a retrofit of your building’s lighting system, you have a lot of options. Picking the right lighting company to work with can make a big difference. You want to find a well rated lighting company and one that has experience working with your type of building.

What is an energy-efficient home?

June 25, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Any home can be more energy-efficient
Any home, no matter when it was built, can be energy-efficient. Modern construction standards demand greater energy efficiency in new homes, but older homes can be upgraded to improve their energy performance. And the people living in these homes can be energy-efficient in their habits, too.

An energy-efficient home is…

Cost-effective

It’s got a great EnerGuide rating. That means it’s well insulated and airtight, with high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment that helps keep utility bills low. It’s outfitted with low-flow accessories to lower water consumption and water-heating costs. The people living in this home keep inside temperatures reasonable, use electricity wisely and buy ENERGY STAR® certified products and appliances.

Comfortable and healthy

It’s warm in winter, cool in summer and free of drafts. The home has great ventilation and excellent air quality; it’s never too humid or dry. The people living there use a programmable thermostat to manage heating and cooling at night and when they’re away.

Always adding value

This home’s fixtures and upgrades show a commitment to energy efficiency that adds resale value. Newer windows and doors, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances not only save money and energy, they also look great to buyers. And investments in renewable energy like solar panels can pay off for years to come.

Kind to the environment

All the efficient features and elements work together to lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink the home’s carbon footprint.

How much can you save with LED lighting?

May 22, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

LED lighting offers clear advantages over conventional incandescent, metal halide, and High Pressure Sodium or HPS bulbs. They’re more efficient, last longer, and generate much less heat. How does this translate into saving you money?

According to Natural Resources Canada, LED bulbs use about 70% less energy than conventional bulbs. The exceptionally long lifespan of LED bulbs — at least 25 times as long as incandescent bulbs — makes your savings even greater. Thus, even if they may cost a little more to purchase, that cost is more than offset by their longer lifespan.

These savings multiply rapidly in a large commercial or industrial setting that uses hundreds or even thousands of bulbs. In these environments, lights are often left on for most of the day, even around the clock, so the potential for saving on electricity charges is obvious. And since they generate much less heat than the alternatives, customers also save on air conditioning costs.

The longer lifespan of LED bulbs leads to additional savings for larger customers in terms of a marked decrease in maintenance expenses. Rather than having facilities staff spending much of their time climbing up and down ladders to change burned out bulbs, they can focus on other tasks.

Even residential consumers can save by switching to LED bulbs. The average Canadian household spends about 11% of its electricity on lighting. Switching to LED bulbs can reduce the lighting portion of your electricity bill to about 3%. The difference can be $100 to $150 a year for a typical household.

How much you’ll save by switching to LED lighting will depend on your circumstances; the number and type of bulbs you have, the number of hours a day you need them, and how much you currently spend on maintenance.

Which Green Tech Will Save Money in Your Building?

March 29, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Whether you are a landlord or a homeowner, it is important to understand how your building loses money by wasting energy. As recurring expenses, energy bills can add up heavily especially in a big building like an office block or warehouse. It means less rental income for you as a landlord. Homeowners can realize savings as well by plugging energy waste. There are several ways in which buildings waste energy which can also be looked at as loss of money:

Air leakage

Heating costs take up the biggest percentage of the energy bill. A building with leakage allows heated air to escape and cold air to get in, which necessitates constant heating hence higher energy bills.

Leakages will be found in gaps around the edges of doors and windows. This is especially in older buildings where strict building codes and precision measurement of building materials was absent. Gaps in the ceiling fixtures also allow infiltration of cold air which can have a “stacking effect.” This is where colder air which is denser pushes warmer air down and out of the building through gaps and cracks in the foundation.

Lighting energy wastage

Lighting wastage occurs in three ways. The first is the usage of lighting bulbs that waste energy. These are the older bulbs that relied on heating filaments to produce light. Lighting energy can also be wasted by using bulbs of the wrong wattage rating, where there is more light than needed. Energy is also wasted when lighting is left on unnecessary, for example, security lights during the day.

Appliance energy wastage

Devices that rely on electricity in a home or office will waste energy when they are left powered up when not in use. They will also draw a residual charge when they are in standby mode.

How to fix energy wastage

Proper insulation – Insulation plugs the gaps that allow air leakage. Proper attic, wall and basement insulation can significantly reduce heating costs.
High-tech thermostats – Programmable thermostats ensure that heating is done only when necessary. Modern systems will have sensors to heat rooms only when there are people in them.
Better lighting bulbs – Sodium bulbs are being phased away in favor of the more energy efficient LED bulbs that are dimmable.
Automated lighting – Automation lighting systems are programmable to light areas at specific times or when they sense a presence.
Energy rated appliances – Energy rating shows how efficiently a device uses energy. Many appliances use the ENERGY STAR rating. Pick only appliances that have been rated favorably.
Intelligent power adapters – These adapters control appliance energy use and switch off when they sense a standby mode or powering off.

Remember that making a home green involves more than conserving energy. Save much more by also conserving water and implementing the 3R’s; reduce, reuse, recycle.

Lighting design that illuminates condo security

February 27, 2019/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by anil

Bring buildings out of the shadows to make multi-res properties safer

Lighting design can make a big difference in the safety and security of a condominium. Traditionally, designing lighting specifically for security was more of an afterthought, as it was perceived as an added cost. The minimum Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards have always been the benchmark for many condominium developers, and properties located in urban areas tend to rely on city lighting to provide a good amount of the area lighting around buildings.

City lighting tends to focus on illuminating sidewalks and roadways, not on adding safety or security to the properties around it. City lighting requirements are also very low in areas such as alleys behind condo buildings (which may be accessed by residents if they need to get into the parking structure in their building). Because of this, much of the onus on adding lighting for security has been on condominium developers and managers.

More thought needs to be put into designing lighting for the security of condo buildings, and there are a number of factors that should influence decisions made in the design phase.

First, consider the location of the building. For example, people sometimes live, work, and play in the same downtown areas, so they may be coming and going from urban condominiums at all times. Extra foot traffic is to be expected in these areas, which can present security risks. It may be hard to tell who “belongs” in the building and who does not belong there. There may be more of a temptation for people to try to get into the building, especially in areas like side doors or parking garages.

Lighting is the most immediate deterrent for sinister activity around condo buildings — more than security cameras. However, simply adding floodlights can cause light pollution and might even make the building look less appealing. If too much light shines into residents’ units, it may disrupt their sleep and home life. The idea in designing security lighting is to provide a halo for the condo building.

Security lighting should be elegant, highlighting architectural features of the building or giving it an interesting visual aesthetic at night. It should also illuminate the area enough for security cameras to clearly view and record activity in higher detail.

Low light levels can lead to less security: if there is not enough light by a doorway, for example, security personnel may not realize that there is someone there trying to get in. From a distance, they might not be visible at all.

If light levels are stronger and fixtures are organized and intentionally spaced out, that person might not want to try to get into the building by that door because there is too much light for them. Another person from a distance may see them hanging around the doorway too long and realize that they are not supposed to be there, and that they may be trying to break into the building. A person who belongs in that building most likely has a key and can get into the building quickly.

The longer it takes someone to get into the building, the more likely it is that they are not supposed to be there, especially in the middle of the night. This gives security, and even residents or witnesses, time to make the distinction. Having good lighting at a doorway in particular could make would-be thieves conscious of how exposed and visible they are to the environment and deter them from trying to gain access into the building.

LEDs are great options for updating the security lighting of a condominium. They come with five or 10-year warranties at a one-time upfront cost, which cuts back on maintenance costs; more fixtures can be installed without increasing the overall power consumption of the building; and adding automated light fixtures with timers, or fixtures that come with sensors, makes for efficient lighting. Plus, the white colour light offers an aesthetically pleasing finish and there are easy-to-install LED fixtures that can add to the exterior design of the building.

Indeed, security lighting does not have to solely be for security purposes — it can be used to enhance the architectural features and design elements of the space. It can improve curb appeal and the finish of the building, making it look cleaner, fresher, and newer, which may give residents increased pride of ownership. Ancillary benefits can be gained from adding affordable but well-positioned lighting.

Whether developing a new building or updating an older building, it’s important to spend time with architects and building engineers discussing security lighting during the design stage. Consider, too, how residents will feel about certain lighting designs. It’s possible to achieve multiple goals by installing well-designed, well-thought-out lighting in a condominium.