5 Types of Commercial Lighting Options for Your Business

It's easy to take commercial lighting for granted. Business owners are much more focused on making their products look good and their buildings accessible to customers. However, the way you light your property can make a huge impact on how your business is perceived and how well it can operate. 

In addition, there are legal requirements regarding lighting. Employees and customers need to see where they're going, and it should reduce overall eye strain. You also need to illuminate emergency exit routes. 

Here are five different types of commercial lighting fixtures you should consider for your business. 

1. Incandescent Lighting 

The incandescent lightbulb is the original lightbulb. It's the very first one ever made and has been in use for over 140 years. You might wonder why it's still used across the world and why you should consider it for your lighting needs. 

First of all, you should know that there are three categories of incandescents these days. 

Standard A-19 bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they use the original screw base designed by Edison. Halogen bulbs contain a halogen gas composition that increases luminance. Reflector bulbs include parabolic aluminized reflector lamps which work well outdoors. 

When most people think of incandescent lighting, they think of the negatives. They're less energy-efficient and tend to run hot after extended use.

However, incandescents are the most affordable option for your commercial lights. They offer reliable lighting without flickering, and they're non-toxic. You also won't have any problems whatsoever trying to make them fit into your light fixtures, as long as they take standard lightbulbs. 

Keep in mind that the Department of Energy recently announced new rules to phase out incandescent light bulbs in the near future. Despite that, they're still a good option for the short term before they make the change to more energy-efficient options. 

2. Halogen Lighting

Halogen lighting is the next step up when it comes to commercial light sources. It's slightly more efficient than incandescent lighting and more sustainable. 

Some areas are able to recycle halogen bulbs, so you don't have to worry about waste. They use a quarter as much energy as traditional light bulbs while still giving off a similar amount of light. Like incandescent bulbs, you also shouldn't have a problem fitting them into your light fixtures. 

The main problem with halogen lighting is that they tend to run extremely hot. In fact, the heat is so prominent that it could light flammable materials and heat up a smaller workspace. 

Although halogen lightbulbs are more expensive than incandescent ones, they're more energy-efficient. They aren't the best option for small office spaces, but the generated heat shouldn't matter as commercial outdoor lighting. Just remember to keep them contained in a heavy glass design to prevent thermal shock from exposure to rainwater. 

3. Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting is one of the most common options you'll see in businesses around the world. It's much more energy-efficient and lasts longer than some of the more affordable options. 

When compared with a 60-watt incandescent bulb, a halogen lightbulb would need about 42 watts to produce the same amount of light. A compact fluorescent lamp would only require 15 watts to match both of those other light sources. What that means is fluorescent bulbs are up to three times as efficient. 

In addition, fluorescent lights are rated to last up to ten years with normal usage, which is almost ten times as long as an incandescent bulb should last. 

The drawback of using fluorescent lighting is that the light produced is tinted. It does not render colors appropriately, which can negatively affect your business if color tone matters. Additionally, fluorescent lighting takes time to warm up and may dim over time. 

4. Commercial LED Lighting

LED lights are one of the newest forms of lighting available. They work by passing an electric current through a diode that emits light. 

There are a number of reasons to use them in addition to their energy efficiency. 

First of all, they don't burn out like your other standard lightbulbs. While they do lose power over time, this comes in the form of dimming. You don't have to worry about flipping a switch and having one break. 

LEDs also last a lot longer than lightbulbs. In the best conditions, an LED can provide over 50,000 hours of light. 

In addition, LED lights don't run hot. You can use them for hours without them affecting the temperature in a room. They also work well in the cold, unlike other lightbulbs. 

Finally, commercial LED lights provide better light quality and options. You can find them in all kinds of colors and styles, including true-to-life tones. 

5. Commercial Outdoor Lighting

The type of lighting you use outdoors will differ greatly from the ones used inside. You need to be able to light up much larger areas in a way that's visually appealing and allows your employees to work comfortably. 

LED flood lights are a good option for much larger properties or if you want to illuminate an entire walkway. They can be bought in small and compact sizes and are inconspicuous. 

If you need something less illuminating, LED bollards can help light up walkways around a property. They come in many different styles and can help guide guests where you need them to go. 

Wall packs are a good option if you want the entire side of your building lit up. They provide light on the walls and immediate surroundings, which makes them good for theft prevention. 

Help Your Property Light Up

Commercial lighting is one of the most important parts of designing your property. No one wants to buy from a place with flickering lights and dim corners. You want your space to shine as bright as your business's future. 

Birddog Lighting has all the lighting options your business needs. Purchase anything ranging from LED strip lights to twinkly lights and holiday lights. Visit our website to check out our products and contact us if you have any questions.