Thinking about upgrading to LED lighting to lower your energy bills? As a trusted electric company in Cleveland, Ohio, AC Electric believes in giving you the unvarnished truth, not just a sales pitch.
We realize there are many companies selling LED fixtures as a “magic bullet” for energy efficiency. However, for many exterior lighting and retrofit projects, a full LED overhaul may not be the most cost-effective solution compared to routine maintenance.
Our Philosophy: For new construction or a desire for better aesthetics—LEDs are a fantastic choice! They are worth the investment. However, when replacing specific HID fixtures, the cost difference can be significant. We have rarely seen an ROI of less than 8 years on certain LED fixtures when compared to a routine maintenance schedule.
Data-Driven Consulting Services
Don’t take our word for it; let the numbers do the talking. Before you commit to an expensive upgrade, our Cleveland commercial electrical team provides a comprehensive analysis to ensure you are making a profitable decision.
We provide the following documentation to help you compare options:
- Cost & kWh Comparison: A direct comparison between a comprehensive LED retrofit vs. routine facility maintenance (or LED vs. Fluorescent for indoor upgrades).
- Compliance Assurance: Documentation demonstrating that the installation meets IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requirements, as well as state-specific codes.
- IESNA Standards: Lighting fixture quantity requirements to conform with minimum standards prescribed by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
- Power Density Layout: A layout for the total area of the proposed installation.
- ROI Calculation: A transparent Return on Investment projection for the proposed application.
- Rebate Identification: We identify available rebates through funded programs (we are a First Energy Trade Ally).
- Photometric Layout: Overview drawings of your current and future lighting outlook.
- Before & After Imaging: Current pictures and foot-candle spot readings (specifying camera ISO, aperture, and speed) so an “apples-to-apples” comparison can be made post-installation.
With our consulting service, we will provide you with our lighting selection recommendation(s), design constraints and/or advice, clear understanding of lighting concepts and misconceptions, and of course a detailed proposal including materials and installation along with warranty details and fixture specifications. If you were to hire AC Electric to facilitate your organization with either the maintenance and/or installation of your product, you get the following as well:
- Post-installation pictures with the same specifications as outlined above outlined
- Warranty registration of your product(s)
- Rebate assistance and documentation to expedite your request; we are a First Energy Trade Ally
- Post-installation foot-candle read outs
- Consulting fees to be applied 100% towards our final invoice for an accepted commercial lighting and retrofit/renovation proposal
- Use Ohio residents to perform work
- Use the highest quality materials when available and make the best attempt to buy American
Installation & Maintenance: The AC Electric Difference
What most facilities require is a well documented routine maintenance to maximize your existing lighting fixtures’ potential. We have been in many warehouses and office buildings where a retrofit was requested due to poor lighting; when all they actually needed were re-lamping. Although a metal halide lamp has a 20,000 hour lamp life, it loses 30% of its lighting output after 10,000 hours if left on continuously (even less hours when switched on and off). By allowing AC Electric to provide you with facilities maintenance, we can take control of your lighting monitoring and schedule key times to minimize your down time for when maintenance is required.
As an alternative to HID lighting, newer technologies have developed an LED retrofit lamp that can put out just as much light as an HID lamp. So far, it has been the best solution for cost efficiency when retrofitting is existing fixtures. For example, a 250W Metal Halide can be replaced with a 54W LEd lamp. That is a 78% reduction in lighting costs—just imagine the savings on 25-50 fixtures in a parking lot or service station!
Don’t believe the hype under-informed contractors and immoral salespeople are feeding you when it comes to LED’s. We would be providing a disservice by selling something without our customers being well informed first. A well maintained electrical system sometimes may be your best investment. Let us lift the smoke screen that’s being thrown in front of you by providing you with the proper documentation so you can make a calculated and well informed decision before you sign on the dotted line—you’ll be glad you did!
Unsure if you need a retrofit or just maintenance? Contact AC Electric today for an honest, data-backed assessment of your exterior lighting.