Lighting audits can help in saving both energy and money, by understanding how lighting is being used in each area of any facility and correcting any under-lighting or over-lighting. About 40 percent of power usage comes from lighting and this can be reduced in your Texas establishment with a lighting audit.
The first step in a lighting audit Texas is to walk through the establishment being audited and observing the quality and quantity of lighting. Observe whether some lights are being left on unnecessarily or where lighting levels are those that affect productivity or safety. It can always help if illumination levels of each area are measured and noted.
It is then necessary to understand the standards for lighting that are needed for each area, depending on its function and the work being carried out. During the audit observe also standards of housekeeping and cleanliness that can affect the efficiency of any lighting. Periodic cleaning can improve illumination levels by a third. Retrofit options can be then examined to help improve lighting without any additional expenditure.
Overall lighting is also affected by reflective surfaces of walls and ceiling, and making changes here can help to increase illumination, without any need for additional fixtures. Lowering fixtures so that they are closer to work areas can greatly improve lighting levels that are more focused on the operational needs of workers. Introducing more of natural light by putting in skylights, light pipes, or additional windows can also help in improving lighting.
When conducting the audit also make a list of the various fixtures being used for providing the needed light and their energy efficiency. Suggesting the use of more energy-efficient lighting fixtures can improve lighting levels while reducing the energy costs for lighting.
Lighting control devices can also help in reducing the cost of energy. Introducing sensors can help in controlling the switching on and off of lights only when the areas they serve are occupied. This can help especially in passages and staircases that are not always in use. Time switches that ensure that power to an area are switched off after some time of it being operated can also serve the same purpose.
A detailed lighting audit Texas must be accompanied by suggestions that can help in improving lighting and its effectiveness, and help to reduce the need for energy. Power consumption both before and after an audit must be noted after any suggestions resulting from the audit are implemented. Regularly conducting such audits can go a long way in improving working conditions while also saving energy.
