Streamlining your property can do wonders for many commercial building owners and facility managers. Just as you create an efficient workflow, you must pay similar attention to your electrical products. 

Energy efficient electrical supplies reduce waste and are much better at their job. This equipment is also a great way to cut down your building’s carbon emissions and become more sustainable. 

If you’re unsure about adopting these supplies, here are all the benefits of using energy efficient electrical products in commercial buildings.  

What Is Energy Efficiency And Why Is It Important?

In general, energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same job or produce the same result. 

When we talk about energy efficient buildings, we’re talking about spaces that use less energy to cool, heat, and run electronics and appliances. In terms of manufacturing warehouses, these places should use less energy to produce to become energy efficient.

In any commercial space or warehouse facility, there’s a strong emphasis on increasing output. Apart from the actual work, one of the best ways to do this is by becoming energy efficient. 

Energy efficiency is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, fight climate change and improve how your employees work. Since commercial buildings often have a high carbon footprint, this is a great way to reduce it. 

One great way to conserve energy is by switching to efficient electrical supplies. Just by switching out a few appliances, you can enjoy multiple benefits. 

What Are The Benefits of Energy Efficiency In Commercial Buildings?

As mentioned before, energy efficiency can greatly benefit your commercial space. Here’s a look at some of them.

Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most significant benefits of energy efficiency is cost-effectiveness. Commercial properties and warehouses often rely heavily on electrical products, so investing in efficient models is crucial. 

Just by implementing these innovative electrical products, you can significantly cut down your building’s energy costs. 

Energy conscious buildings cost less to cool, heat and operate. In a warehouse, you can use energy efficiency to make products at a lower cost. 

Better Community And Space

Overall, energy efficiency has a positive impact on the working community. 

Your employees and team members will significantly benefit from cost-effective, sustainable technologies. With better infrastructure, people will improve their work efficiency and have better morale. 

Better Energy Use

Since commercial properties take in a lot of energy from power grids, making this use more efficient is important. 

Too much strain on the power grid can cause significant problems on a larger scale and lead to congestion. With reduced load, there will be fewer power disruptions overall.  

The two most energy intensive appliances in any building include light bulbs and heating systems. By investing in their energy efficient alternatives, you can make lasting changes in your building. 

Let’s take a look at energy efficient heating and lighting and how it helps your commercial space. 

What Is Energy Efficient Lighting?

Energy saving light bulbs reduce the energy usage of the fixture without affecting the final lumen output or brightness. These luminaries consume less energy to perform the same function as a standard light. 

Energy saving light bulbs were invented as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional light bulbs. Such light bulbs use 90% less electricity to produce a similar level of lighting as a conventional light bulb. 

These bulbs also have better structural integrity than other lighting. So you can forget about constantly replacing your lights. 

Why Are Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Important?

Since some energy saving light bulbs have high upfront costs, many people might need more time to make the switch. However, these lightings are highly beneficial to anyone who uses them. 

Lighting is a basic requirement of any building, whether it's residential or commercial. Lighting is a major part of our daily life and impacts our day-to-day activities. 

Since lighting is so important, it also consumes significant energy. Such high energy consumption levels are not sustainable, and you will experience higher energy costs in the future. 

To combat such issues, energy efficient lighting is crucial. Industries' energy consumption accounts for 26% of Europe’s total energy usage. A major part of this energy goes toward lighting. 

Traditional incandescent lightbulbs are responsible for high energy consumption due to lighting. These conventional light bulbs waste energy and produce a lot of heat, damaging the light bulb and requiring frequent replacements. This is why you must invest in energy efficient LEDs. 

Phasing Out Of Inefficient Lighting

It is crucial for people to switch to energy saving light bulbs are traditional lighting is quickly being phased out. Besides incandescent light bulbs, consumers can expect a slow phasing out of halogen bulbs. 

These bulbs are commonly used in industrial and office buildings due to their higher light output. However, despite their light intensity, these bulbs are not cost-effective and provide harmful emissions that deteriorate the environment. 

The UK government plans to phase out these luminaries along with fluorescent tube lighting in exchange for more energy efficient solutions. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using LED Lighting In Commercial Buildings?

As mentioned before, LED lighting is an excellent investment. These innovative luminaries have numerous benefits, making them the best light solution available today. Here’s a look at some of their amazing benefits. 

They Save Energy And Money

With rising energy prices, consumers seek products that deliver energy efficiency without compromising quality. LED light bulbs are one such solution. 

These lights perform far better than traditional light sources, making them an ideal choice for any kind of installation. 

Every unit of energy consumed by an LED goes towards producing illumination. Therefore you don’t have to worry about your energy costs going to waste.

In comparison, most traditional luminaries waste power through heat energy. This process is not only wasteful, but it also decreases the lifespan of your light bulb. Because of this, LED light bulbs are a fantastic option for energy conservation.  

They Have A Longer Lifespan

Another great quality of LED lighting is that they last a long time. In general, LED lights last about 14 years, providing over 50,000 hours of high-quality illumination. 

With some high-end brands, you can even enjoy 100,000 hours of illumination. This type of lifespan is hard to find in traditional lighting fixtures. 

Additionally, lights with a shorter lifespan also lead to more maintenance and replacement costs. Even after an LED reaches the end of its lifespan, the bulb does not burn out immediately; instead, it keeps operating at a lower illumination level. 

They Don’t Emit Heat

Since LEDs luminaries are so efficient, they don’t produce heat. One of the biggest problems with earlier light bulbs was that they would waste energy through heat emissions.

This heat rapidly deteriorates your light bulbs leading you to buy more frequently. Such replacements are a major hassle and can become expensive in the long run. 

With LEDs, you never have to worry about this problem. You can enjoy hassle-free illumination that lasts a long time with LEDs. 

They Don’t Contain Toxic Chemicals

As we’ve mentioned, many consumers opt for environmentally friendly electronics and appliances. 

LED lights are an excellent option for this purpose as they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. 

Some older bulbs contain mercury inside the bulb structure. When they break, the chemical escapes as a vapour. Mercury can also settle into carpets and textiles. 

Unlike these luminaries, no mercury compounds are used in producing LED light bulbs. This makes LEDs much safer for the environment and your health.

Apart from lighting, heating is another important area where you can make efficient changes. 

What Is Energy Efficient Radiant Heating?

Instead of a central gas heating system, go for radiant heating. 

Since commercial heating systems are more complex than residential ones, looking for effective and efficient heating is essential. Radiant heaters work well in a commercial setting because they heat large areas without using too much energy.

Radiant heating is often hidden from plain sight while still providing lasting heat. This system is typically found under your flooring to heat large surface areas quickly. 

Radiant underfloor heating is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways of saving heat energy. Energy saving radiant heating turns your floor into a radiator. This heating system warms up the room from the ground up. 

Standard above-ground heating systems only warm up the air in the general vicinity of the heater; however, underfloor radiant heating produces radiant heat that evenly spreads throughout the room. 

Standard heaters create warmth that rises upwards towards the ceiling. With radiant underfloor heating, you get direct contact with warm air, and this creates a comfortable environment. 

Underfloor heating provides even heat distribution compared to standard heating methods. This quality makes radiant heaters more efficient as you don’t risk overheating and energy wastage. 

Installing electric underfloor heating is the best way to create an efficient underfloor heating system. Electric underfloor heating is placed as an ultra-thin heating wire installed on the floor level of your commercial space. 

When the heating is turned on, the wire heats up, which provides radiant warmth from the floor. The heating cable is available in two different formats - mat and foil. 

Determining The Heating Format

To choose the format, you need to check the floor type.  These include membrane/loose wiring or water-based heating systems.     

Membrane and loose wire systems are ideal for buildings that don’t want to renovate the structure to accommodate underfloor heating. On the other hand, warm water underfloor heating uses heat and circulates it through the pipes installed underneath the floor. 

Consider taking into account the room height before installing water-based underfloor heating, as the pipes are usually laid in a structural sub-floor configuration. 

It’s important to note that water-based underfloor heating is unsuitable for newly developed properties and large renovation projects as it affects the floor levels. 

How Does Radiant Heating Work?

Radiant heating is highly effective due to its simple and natural warm-up process. 

Underfloor heaters require the installation of electric heating coils or heated water tubing under your building’s floor. The component type depends on the radiant heating system you use. 

In this system, the heat from the floor warms up everything it touches. This heat is then spread throughout the room from the ground up. 

When your system operates, the radiant heat is transmitted through electromagnetic waves. These waves are absorbed by anything that comes into contact with it. Once this happens, the heat is transferred into the room. 

Think of radiant systems as getting heat energy from the sun. 

On a sunny day, if you step into a sun-heated room, you will be warmer even though the temperature remains the same. Any object you place in this room will absorb heat energy from the sun; therefore, radiant heaters mimic the heating properties of natural sunlight. 

Like the sun, radiant heating systems can create heat energy without direct contact with the heat source. This type of heating can benefit various properties, including residential and industrial areas. 

Radiant heaters provide a more gradual warming effect instead of harsh heat. With this quality, you can enjoy excellent heating that is energy efficient. 

What Are The Benefits Of Radiant Heating?

Not sure about switching to radiant heating? Here are some essential benefits to help you make up your mind. 

Better Energy Efficiency

For any consumer, having an energy efficient heating system is crucial, and radiant heaters are no different. These heating systems are highly efficient as they use their heat energy well. 

Radiant heating also helps you save on energy costs in the long run. Other heaters, such as forced air systems, must constantly operate to keep the room warm. 

However, radiant heaters dissipate warmth slowly and use a convection method to keep the warm air circulating in your room. 

With insulation and high-quality flooring material, you can increase the heat retention of your radiant system. In addition, the way a radiant heater warms up a room also helps retain thermal energy. 

Smart Thermostat Compatibility

Consider adding a smart thermostat if you want even better functionality with your radiant heater. 

With a smart thermostat, you can set schedules, create timers or build heating zones for specific rooms. Smart thermostats also provide a much more accurate temperature reading, increasing the efficiency of your heater. 

Low Maintenance Option

Once you have installed your radiant heating system, you never have to worry about constant repairs or maintenance. 

In an electrical system, the wiring is embedded into your floor, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them in good condition. 

For hydronic radiant heating, all the piping is made from leak-free material to ensure smooth operation. With these qualities, you can enjoy peace of mind with high-quality heating.

Additional Ways Conserving Energy In Commercial Buildings

Here are some additional ways to make your commercial building more energy efficient. 

Audit Your Building’s Energy Use

One of the most important ways of saving heat energy is by auditing your building’s energy use. 

A commercial building energy audit is a great way to improve the efficiency and comfort of your space. This audit provides extensive data on how much energy you use and shows you exactly where you can improve your energy usage. 

Some auditing processes take about an hour. Thorough and extensive audits take over four hours to complete, depending on the size of your commercial space. 

These audits require specialised equipment, and they tend to be costly. Despite the price, thorough audits provide detailed information about your energy use. The professional auditor will give you an energy score in some energy audits. 

The energy score describes your property’s energy performance against an average national consumption rate. It also provides ways to make your space’s heat energy more efficient in a cost-effective manner.  

Consider Weatherisation

Weatherisation is one of the most cost-effective ways of conserving heat energy in a commercial building. 

Weatherisation keeps your space warm and comfortable even during severe winters. To start this process, add insulation and seal any air leaks in your building’s infrastructure. 

This method can cut heating costs; in some situations, you can avail of an even bigger energy cut. Generally, air infiltration creates drafts and lets in chilly air near windows and doors.

During your energy assessment, the auditor will locate any air leaks in your commercial building. These air leaks might come from the window area, doors, wiring, and light fixture locations.   

Once you find out the location of the air leaks, you must seal these areas to achieve proper insulation. In your energy audit, the auditor will give you proper guidelines on correctly and efficiently insulating to prevent cold air from seeping in. 

Some ways of sealing air leaks include:

• Weatherstrip windows and doors
• Seal and caulk air leaks in plumbing and ducting areas. Also, seal areas where electrical cabling is coming out through floors, walls, ceilings, and areas over cabinets. 
• Install a foam gasket behind switch plates and outlets on walls.  
• Use a foam sealant on large gaps around baseboards, window trims, and other areas where air may leak out.
• Properly seal and insulate open fireplaces to avoid air leakage. 

Create An Efficient Commercial Space With Meteor

If you’re looking for high-quality electrical products with efficient capabilities, visit Meteor Electrical. 

At Meteor, we carry cost-effective electronics that help you save on energy costs without compromising on their performance. 

Whether you want energy-efficient lighting or innovative heating, you can find all these and more at Meteor.