Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Lighting Upgrades | Electrical | Decatur
From downtown lofts to historic bungalows, Decatur buildings shine brighter and cost less to power when HEP steps in. Our team evaluates your current fixtures, maps out wasted kilowatts, and replaces outdated bulbs, ballasts, and controls with high-efficiency LEDs and smart sensors tailored to each space. The result is an immediate drop in monthly utility bills—often 60 % or more—plus a cleaner, crisper quality of light that makes homes and businesses feel brand-new.
Beyond the instant savings, our lighting upgrades unlock long-term benefits: lower maintenance, reduced HVAC strain, and eligibility for local rebates that offset project costs. HEP manages everything from design and installation to post-project verification, so you can keep your focus on living, working, or creating in the city you love while your lights quietly pay for themselves.
FAQs
How much can I expect to save on my electric bill by upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting in Decatur?
Most Decatur property owners see lighting-related electricity costs drop 50–70 % after switching from older technologies (incandescent, halogen, or T12/T8 fluorescents) to high-efficiency LEDs. The exact savings depend on hours of use, existing wattage, and available daylight, but typical commercial clients recover $0.30–$0.60 per square foot in annual utility savings.
What incentives or rebates are available in Decatur for lighting upgrades?
Georgia Power’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Program and City of Decatur’s Sustainability Initiative both offer cash rebates—from $0.05 to $0.20 per kWh saved—for qualifying LED fixtures, lamps, and advanced lighting controls. Additional federal tax incentives, including the 179D commercial buildings deduction, can provide up to $5.00 per square foot in tax savings when projects meet energy-reduction thresholds. Our team will complete the rebate paperwork and coordinate pre-approval inspections at no extra cost.
How long is the payback period for a typical lighting retrofit?
Because of the high energy savings and current rebate levels, most Decatur retrofits reach simple payback in 1–3 years. Facilities that operate 24/7, such as healthcare or industrial sites, often pay back in as little as 12 months, while office buildings on standard schedules trend closer to 30–36 months. LEDs also last 50,000–100,000 hours, so maintenance savings continue long after payback.
Do I need to replace entire fixtures, or can I just swap the lamps?
It depends on your existing infrastructure. For many troffers and downlights, DLC-listed LED retrofit kits or plug-and-play lamps offer fast lamp-for-lamp replacements with minimal disruption. However, if fixtures are obsolete, damaged, or incompatible with modern dimming and control protocols, a full fixture replacement provides better performance, longer warranties, and higher rebate values. Our free audit will outline both options and their ROI.
What role do lighting controls play in reducing energy costs?
Integrating occupancy sensors, daylight-harvesting photocells, time-of-day scheduling, and networked Bluetooth or DALI controls can add another 20–40 % savings on top of LED efficiency. Controls automatically dim or switch off fixtures when spaces are unoccupied or when natural light is sufficient, ensuring you only pay for light you truly need.
Can you help with financing the upgrade if upfront capital is an issue?
Yes. We partner with local lenders and Georgia Power’s on-bill financing program to offer $0-down, interest-free or low-interest options. Monthly payments are structured so that your energy savings generally exceed the finance cost, creating immediate positive cash flow with no impact on your credit line.