As a business owner, you have to prioritize the security of your property and the safety o both customers and employees. Ultimately, your outdoor commercial lighting — particularly the kind around your parking area — will play a big role in achieving those goals. Whether you’re just launching your venture or you’ve been in business for years, it’s wise to analyze your exterior illumination and determine whether it’s time to contact a parking lot and area lighting service for help.
If you’ve made the decision that it’s time to install or upgrade your industrial electrical work around your parking area, you’ve taken the first crucial step to ensuring safety for all. But what should you keep in mind when hiring an industrial lighting service for these purposes? Here are just a few tips to discuss with your parking lot and area lighting service professional.
Determine Your Vulnerabilities
One of the most important aspects of improving your parking lot lighting is figuring out (and then fixing) the vulnerabilities. Tall trees and other obstructions can make it more difficult to evenly light your parking area, which can translate to certain security risks. Inadequate or poorly distributed lighting can increase the risk of injuries, car accidents, or even criminal activity. Be sure to talk to your parking lot and area lighting service about any steps they’d recommend to ensure your lot is evenly lit with no dark areas.
Evaluate Brightness Needs
Another component of parking lot or parking area lighting is to decide how much brightness you really need. This will largely depend on your location and the type of business you run. Generally speaking, you’ll want to provide sufficient lighting for great visibility without investing too much in the lighting design. However, high-risk businesses — like car dealerships or banks, for example — might require additional lighting that another business might not require. Keep in mind that if your business is open 24 hours a day, you’ll also need to invest in additional lighting considerations that traditional offices won’t.
Don’t Forget About Energy Efficiency
Did you know that the U.S. consumed roughly 38.3 quadrillion BTUs of electric power in 2018? That’s a whole lot of electricity — and it all comes with a cost. Most businesses do need to weigh their need for exterior lighting against the constraints of their budget, but focusing on energy efficiency can be a good way to keep costs low without sacrificing safety. Be sure to prioritize energy conservation services when addressing your parking lot lighting needs, as there are plenty of energy-efficient options that can keep your property well-lit while reducing environmental impact. The use of LED lights, for example, has become a popular choice for parking lot and area lighting services because of their longevity, cost-efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
Your parking lot is a crucial part of your property, so proper lighting is a necessity. When you work with an industrial lighting company, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your electrical installation.