Complex Lighting Retrofits: Don't Forget about Maintenance!

Maintenance costs can significantly influence the economic feasibility of lighting retrofits in certain types of facilities. If a lighting system is too complex, (or expensive to repair) it will not be maintained and will fail. Energy will not be saved, and the company could be reluctant to engage in future lighting retrofits. With the increasing number of complex lighting systems on the market today, a “reality check” is appropriate. What may seem simple to a lighting designer might be complicated for a maintenance person, who may not have time to focus solely on learning about lighting systems. This article will identify which types of facilities are prone to longterm maintenance problems and discuss some of the maintenance cost factors that can “make or break” the feasibility of lighting retrofits. Factors affecting costs can be divided into three groups: (1) Installation Costs, (2) Operating Maintenance Costs and (3) Disposal Costs. Armed with the information presented in this article, the energy manager can specify energy saving lighting products that won't increase the burden on the maintenance department.