These days most businesses and homeowners are looking for ways to save money and reduce energy use. Gone are the days where remembering to shut off the light switch when you left the room or turning the heat down at night were the best efforts that you could make for energy efficiency. Today there are many different options for residential and commercial locations for saving energy and ultimately saving money.
One extremely effective product is an occupancy sensor. An occupancy sensor is a device that detects occupancy of a space by people and turns the lights (and in some cases even a HVAC system) on or off automatically. In many cases occupancy sensors are typically used to save energy, provide automatic control, and comply with building codes. Simply put, an occupancy sensor can turn the lights on when a person enters a room and keeps them on while the room is occupied. When the room is vacated, the sensor will shut the lights off. There are two types of occupancy sensors: ultrasonic sensors detect sound, while infrared sensors detect heat and motion.
An occupancy sensor is used widely in commercial locations and it is a proven way to reduce energy consumption. Restrooms of restaurants, offices and retail locations often have occupancy sensors. The lighting in conference rooms, offices and closets in commercial spaces is often activated by an occupancy sensor as well.
In addition to commercial use, occupancy sensors are ideal for energy efficiency and cost savings in the home. Occupancy sensors are ideal for rooms where lights are frequently left on (bathrooms, playrooms, bedrooms, walk-in closets) and rooms you may often enter with your hands full such as a laundry room, foyer, or garage. In addition to convenience, occupancy sensors can help to save homeowners up to 50 percent on lighting energy costs.
For several years, occupancy sensors have been highlighted as a way to reduce energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy, lighting can account for up to 35 to 45 percent of energy use in a commercial building. Occupancy sensors can potentially reduce lighting use from 13 percent up to as much as 75 percent! In large office buildings, for example, occupancy sensors can be an excellent way of reducing energy costs for both building operators and tenants.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Organization recommends occupancy sensors as an effective tool to reduce energy consumption in both commercial and residential settings. In many states throughout the country, when building or renovating a commercial building, contractors must follow specific state and federal standards and codes which call for energy efficiency throughout a facility.
If you are interested in installing occupancy sensors throughout your commercial location or in your home, contact RFG Electrical Contracting. Our professional electricians have years of experience in the industry and can expertly install these energy saving devices throughout your location. RFG Electrical Contracting has been providing exceptional electrician services to the Long Island community for almost 20 years. Call us to schedule an appointment today at 631-750-1550
