The cost of electricity can be a major strain on HOA budgets across the nation. In some cases it can account for 15% of it's yearly operating budget. There are several ways in which to reduce your overall consumption, and therefore driving down electricity expenses. Here are just a few of the many ways you can reduce your monthly electric bill.
Upgrade lights to LED
Install a Solar Array
Implement Photocell Sensors and Timeclocks
Switch Lights to LEDs
One of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly bill is to swap your lights over to LEDs. LEDs can use up to 75% less electricity to produce a similar amount of lumens over traditional metal halides or high pressure sodium bulbs. Not only do LEDs use less energy to produce an equivalent amount of light, but they can also last 70-80% longer than conventional bulbs.
By investing a little more money upfront and converting your fixtures over to LED specific fixtures, you could save even more money over the long term. LED fixtures are designed specifically for an LED bulb, which translate to a more efficient use of the energy being supplied. Traditional metal halides produce electricity in a 360 degree range, which means at least half of that light will need to be redirected or reflected to the desired area. This causes a reduction of output in lumens and could result in the need for a larger wattage bulb, which will draw more power. The LED fixture will have been designed to accommodate the LED bulb providing maximum efficiency in illuminating the desired area. Retrofitting an old metal halide fixture with LED bulbs can still save you money over the long haul, however updating the fixture completely is a better option for dollar-to-dollar savings. Many electricity providers also offer rebates for updating fixtures, giving you an extra incentive to make the switch.
We just completed an upgrade of one of our properties exterior lights to LED fixtures. This upgrade over the long-term will save the Association roughly $2,000 a year in electrical expenses. The new LED fixtures are all downlit fixtures, conforming to the local dark skies initiative, produce a cleaner 3500k light, and provide a more modern, updated look to the facility.
Install a Solar Array
Continuing with the investment strategy, installing a solar array is a great way to reduce your electricity consumption over the long run. This strategy takes a bigger upfront investment and potentially a several year pay back period, however it can reduce your electric bill significantly, if not entirely, allowing you to save and reinvest that money elsewhere.
Solar arrays are a great way to passively cut down on your electrical usage, and if your system is extremely efficient and sized properly, could even generate extra cash flow by selling the extra energy back to your electrical provider. An extra benefit of installing solar is the effect it could have on the lifespan of your roof structure. By installing panels over your existing roof, you are essentially protecting that surface from sun exposure and wear and tear from the elements. In some cases, solar panels could double the useful life of your roof, saving you time and money in replacement costs.
I won't get into all the details of the pros and cons of solar in this post, however it is worth digging into if you are considering this option, as not all locations make sense for a solar array.
Implement Photocell Sensors and Timeclocks
Another simple, yet effective cost saving technique is to install photocell sensors and timeclocks to more easily program your lights. A photocell sensor will ensure your exterior lights are not turning on too soon when it is still light out. This device also takes the hassle out of reprogramming your lights during day-light savings events, and can be configured to come on earlier or later in the evening.
A timeclock can be implemented to cut off power at a certain time. If you aren't wanting to run your exterior building lights or parking lot lights all night long you can adjust the time clock to switch off power at anytime during the night. This is a great way to cut your electric cost down significantly.
So in essence, the photocell sensor will control when the light comes on based on time of day and amount of day light, and the time clock will shut off the lights when programmed. Both of these devices are incredibly effective when used in tandem and shouldn't break the bank to implement into your current system.
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