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When you’re in the market to purchase a new car, the sticker price isn’t the only number to consider. A well-informed buying decision is aided by visibility into the cost of insurance, maintenance, gas, and any interest accrued on the purchase, if you’ll be depending on financing.
It’s also important to note that, unlike real estate purchases, cars almost always depreciate in value.
This kind of 360-degree buying approach is also useful in lighting buying decisions. Just like there’s more to consider than sticker price and horsepower when buying a car, price and wattage or lumens aren’t the only considerations when you’re in the market for new or replacement lighting.
Understanding all of the factors at play in the cost of your lighting is critical to making a good lighting decision for your business.
How much energy does a light bulb use? What goes into the cost of lighting?
We’ve dubbed our process for calculating the cost of lighting the “Total Cost of Lighting,” with a nod to the “total cost of ownership” philosophy that is often employed in business and home and automobile purchases.
How much does lighting cost?
There are five categories which contribute to the cost of your lighting when you’re using conventional lighting technologies:
Lighting energy
HVAC energy
Labor to maintain
Replacement materials
Recycling
The percentage that each of these categories contributes to the overall cost fluctuates based on your geographic location and the type of building you’re in, of course.
And if you’re using LED lighting at all, this breakdown will be skewed. As a rule of thumb, however, the below does well to show where your money is going.
It’s clear that the vast majority of your cost is stemming from electricity. As much as 85 percent of the cost to light your building is coming from either lighting or HVAC energy. That is to say, if you’re looking to save money on your lighting, inefficiency in energy use may be the first thing to point the finger at.
Learn more about how much energy your lighting is using here.
Further, inefficient lighting is costing you in labor. The more your bulbs are burning out, the more you’re having to allocate labor to replace burned-out bulbs. That, of course, goes for the cost of replacement materials too. Though conventional lighting technologies are going to be less expensive than the latest and greatest products on the market, you’ll have to spend money more frequently on those conventional replacement materials, since they’re burning out far more frequently.
As you can see, the sticker price doesn’t tell the whole story. People were upset when incandescent light bulbs were phased out years ago, all but ridding store shelves of the once standard 60 watt A19 bulb that cost 50 cents. What may not have occurred to them amid their frustration, though, was the fact that they were almost certain to save money in the long run if they gave their lighting regular use.
Three ways to save money on lighting
1. Retrofit to energy efficient lamps
Utility companies don’t seem to have any grand altruistic plans of slashing the cost of energy anytime soon. You can expect those rates to keep hiking.
That, coupled with the fact that energy comprises as much as 85 percent of the total cost of lighting, brings true financial incentive to retrofitting. A switch from fluorescent or HID to LED in your building's high-burn areas – or the areas where the lights are on the most – could slash your energy spend by 50 to 90 percent. On top of the raw energy savings, an LED retrofit also significantly reduces HVAC costs incurred by using conventional lighting technologies.
Read more: 'How to calculate return on investment (ROI) and payback for your lighting project'
2. Get strategic with your lighting maintenance
You can cut your lighting maintenance spend – both in time and materials – in a number of ways.
One way: group relamping. This is a “work smarter, not harder” approach to lighting maintenance – prioritizing efficiency over speed. Rather than playing whack-a-mole with your lamp replacement and climbing ladders multiple times a month to swap out burnt-out lamps, take care of certain areas of your building in one fell swoop, especially if you’re dealing with high, hard-to-reach fixtures or busy areas, like lobbies or stairwells.
Another way: get proactive and work with a lighting maintenance provider to schedule out your maintenance time. The idea here is to maintain your lighting like you would a vehicle – if you don’t maintain good air pressure in your tires or change your oil regularly, you will experience a blowout or a breakdown at an inconvenient time. And if you don’t schedule out your lighting maintenance, you may experience an outage on the busiest day of the week or just ahead of a visit from your out-of-town boss.
For more information, please visit LED Wall Light China supplier.
Read more: 'How a proactive approach can alleviate common lighting maintenance headaches'
3. Invest in long-life products from reputable manufacturers
Contrary to popular belief, there are inexpensive, energy-efficient lamps that may not carry the ultra long-life rating you're looking for. As a rule, energy efficient products tend to carry pretty long life ratings, but you will sometimes see very energy-lean products with significantly shorter lifespans than a product that uses just a watt or two more energy. Most of the time, the shorter life rating is a way to keep the up-front cost down. In some cases, these shorter-life products may still be a good choice, but if long life is a benefit you need, compare your options carefully.
It’s also important to carefully consider the manufacturer behind the product you're considering. How long have they been around? Can you trust the five-year warranty and seven-to-ten-year life rating if they’ve only been around for two years?
Oftentimes, it’s worth paying a little bit more to buy from trusted, reputable manufacturers to ensure that you’ll be able to claim warranties should the need arise.
Download our checklist of questions to ask a lighting manufacturer before you make a purchase.
Read more: "Show your work: The plain truth behind lighting retrofit savings"
Event lighting can make or break the ambiance of your event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or concert. However, with so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to estimate the cost of event lighting. In this section, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the cost of event lighting to help you plan and budget accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
- Event lighting rental cost depends on several factors, including equipment rental and professional services.
- By understanding the breakdown of pricing, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your event budget and lighting needs.
- Whether you choose to rent lighting equipment or hire professionals, knowing the average costs will help you plan and execute a successful event with stunning lighting effects.
Lighting Equipment Rental
When it comes to event lighting, renting the necessary equipment is a popular and cost-effective option. The cost of lighting equipment rental varies depending on several factors, including:
- The type of event
- The size of the venue
- The quantity and type of lights needed
- The duration of the event
- Any additional accessories or services required
Generally, lighting equipment rental rates are lower for smaller events, such as weddings or private parties, and higher for larger events, such as concerts or corporate events.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with event lighting equipment rental:
Type of LightAverage Rental CostLED Uplights$25-$50 per light, per dayIntelligent Lighting$100-$300 per light, per daySpotlights$50-$100 per light, per day
Note that these rates do not include any additional accessories or services, such as trussing, rigging, or delivery fees. You should also consider the cost of renting a lighting controller or operator if you plan to control the lights yourself.
When renting lighting equipment, it’s essential to ensure that the rental company provides adequate technical support and assistance with setup and operation. This ensures that the lighting effects are set up correctly and operate smoothly throughout the event.
Overall, renting lighting equipment is a cost-effective option for those on a budget and looking to achieve basic lighting effects. However, if you have a larger budget or require more advanced lighting effects, you may want to consider hiring professional event lighting services.
Professional Event Lighting Services
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable lighting experience at your event, a professional event lighting service is the way to go. While it may come with a higher price tag, the benefits are well worth the investment. Here are some key factors to consider when looking at the cost of hiring event lighting professionals:
- Size and Complexity: The size and complexity of your event will play a significant role in determining the cost of professional event lighting. Larger events will require more lights and more complex setups, which will increase the overall cost.
- Expertise and Experience: The expertise and experience of the lighting team is another important consideration. A more experienced team may come with a higher price tag, but they can help you achieve a more customized and sophisticated lighting design.
- Add-On Services: Finally, many event lighting professionals offer additional services beyond basic lighting design and setup. This may include design consultations, installation assistance, and even post-event teardown and cleanup. These services can add to the overall cost, but they can also provide valuable support and peace of mind throughout the event planning process.
When considering the cost of professional event lighting services, it’s important to keep in mind the value they can bring to your event. With their expertise and experience, they can help you achieve a stunning lighting design that perfectly complements your event’s theme and atmosphere. While pricing may vary depending on the factors listed above, investing in professional event lighting can take your event to the next level, making it a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Conclusion
Event lighting is an essential element that can transform your event into something truly magical. It can set the mood, highlight important features, and create an atmosphere that your guests will remember for a long time. However, the cost of event lighting can vary widely depending on various factors.
Consider Your Options
As we’ve seen, renting lighting equipment can be a cost-effective solution if you’re on a tight budget. However, if you want a more professional and customized lighting experience, you may want to consider hiring an event lighting service.
Weigh the Costs
Remember to factor in the costs of additional services, such as design consultations and installation, when hiring professionals. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re paying for and how it aligns with your budget and lighting needs.
Plan Ahead
Whatever option you choose, planning ahead is crucial. By understanding the various cost considerations involved in event lighting, you can make informed decisions and ensure you stay within your budget. With a little research and careful planning, you can create a stunning lighting display that elevates your event to new heights.
FAQ
How much does event lighting cost?
The cost of event lighting can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of event, the size of the venue, and the specific lighting requirements. It is best to consult with a professional lighting service or equipment rental company to get an accurate quote based on your event’s needs.
Should I rent or buy lighting equipment for my event?
The decision to rent or buy lighting equipment depends on your specific event needs and budget. Renting lighting equipment is a cost-effective option for one-time or occasional events, as it allows you access to a wide range of high-quality lights without the long-term commitment or maintenance costs. If you frequently host events or require customized lighting setups, purchasing equipment may be a better long-term investment.
What factors affect the cost of event lighting equipment rental?
Several factors can influence the cost of event lighting equipment rental. These include the type and quantity of lights needed, any additional accessories or services required (such as trusses or control systems), the duration of the rental period, and any delivery or setup fees. It is advisable to consult with a lighting equipment rental company to get an accurate quote based on your specific requirements.
What should I consider when hiring professional event lighting services?
When hiring professional event lighting services, there are several factors to consider. These include the size and complexity of your event, the expertise and experience of the lighting team, any additional services offered (such as design consultations or installation), and your budget. It is recommended to discuss your event requirements and budget with multiple lighting service providers to compare quotes and find the best fit for your needs.
Can I negotiate the cost of event lighting services?
Negotiating the cost of event lighting services may be possible in some cases. However, it is important to keep in mind that professional lighting services involve skilled technicians, high-quality equipment, and expertise in creating the desired lighting effects. Attempting to negotiate too much on price may result in compromising the quality or reliability of the services provided. It is best to have open and transparent communication with lighting service providers to understand their pricing structure and negotiate within reasonable limits.
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