Garage Lighting

Interior Lighting | Exterior Lighting | Garage Lighting

A garage lighting retrofit is a great way for a multi-residential facility to achieve a quick payback. Most underground garages that were built more than 5 years ago contain high-output T-12 fixtures in either 4-foot or 8-foot strips. These fixtures can consume between 146 and 252 watts each which results in excessive utility consumption.

T-12 Fluorescent Retrofits

A T-12 to T-8 retrofit in an underground garage can result in savings of up to 60% of the existing garage electrical costs. Depending on the existing system, Provident will make suggestions as to which retrofit application would benefit the customer most.

A T-12 to T-8 conversion is the most economical retrofit with the quickest payback. Generally paybacks can range in the 1-3 year range. It is very easy to figure out the existing cost of your fluorescent system, use the following method to see how much your Facility pays annually:

The features of installing T-8 lamps and electronic ballast are as follows: ?

• Energy savings (up to 40% less energy than standard T-12 lamps)
• Better color rendering
• Cooler operation
• Quieter operation
• Lightweight design
• No flicker during start-up or operation
• Improved light distribution and quality
• Environmental asset –– Longer life prevents the build up of discarded lamps

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Retrofits

Another option for Garage Lighting Retrofits is through the use of Metal Halide or High Pressure Sodium lighting. Metal Halide produces a whiter light, but is more expensive than High Pressure Sodium which produces a bright golden-white light. While both options are more expensive than a T-8 Retrofit, the advantages are fewer light fixtures required, longer lamp life, and greater savings on an annualized basis. If you are after long term savings and are prepared to invest a little more up front, the savings will be greater in the long run. Paybacks are in the 2 to 7 year range depending on existing conditions.