Lighting for Your Home Office
If you have a home-based business, you probably spend a large chunk of your energy bill on lighting. Office lighting is a necessary cost, but it’s important to know that you’re doing it in a way that boosts your productivity and also saves you money.
What’s Wrong with Most Office Lighting?
Studies have found that lighting that’s too bright or too dim can have a negative effect on how workers feel about their workspace and on their productivity. That means more money lost to mistakes, absences, and low morale. Poor lighting, especially older lights that have a slight flicker, can lead to:
- Eye strain
- Headaches and migraines
- Inability to concentrate
- Overall dissatisfaction
What’s the Answer? Natural Light
Natural light is the easiest light to work in. It’s also a natural mood booster. Maybe you can’t have a desk that looks out a window, but there are ways to enhance the natural light you do get.
- Remove large items like books or plants that block windows.
- Angle desks so that they face toward a light source.
- Hang mirrors to reflect natural sunlight around the room.
Light Up with LEDs
Another good choice? Use lighting that mimics natural light. LED lights and compact fluorescents (CFL) do a much better job than traditional light bulbs at capturing the feel and color rendition of natural sunlight.
LEDs and CFLs are a good choice for another reason. Using them will save you money on energy costs, which is significant since most homes and businesses spend about 30 percent of their energy costs on lighting alone. Switching to an LED lighting system controlled by smart sensors will slash your energy bill and give you peace of mind.
Save Money with Sensors
Today’s smart lighting systems continue to evolve, offering innovations that make it easy to get the right lighting every time.
Motion sensors. These can be programmed to switch off when a room or building is empty. New sensors will also alert you if somebody enters the office after hours.
Connected dimmer light switches. Control lighting with a touch of your smartphone and program the lights to turn off when a room or building is empty.
Integrated lighting sensors. These detect how much natural daylight is in a room and adjust the electrical lighting accordingly.
Zoned lighting controls. Use sensors to control lighting brightness in specific work zones.
Upgrade and Save with SESCOS
If you’re looking for ways to save energy and money while providing an environment that allows you to do your best work every day, call SESCOS and ask about our electrical services. We can help with:
- An energy audit to determine where your business is wasting energy and losing money.
- Suggested upgrades to streamline and automate your lighting.
- Professional installation of new lighting systems.
SESCOS has been serving the electrical needs of Loudoun County residents, businesses and commercial enterprises for decades. Call today and let us be your partner in creating an energy-efficient workspace that makes sense for your home and your home-based business.