Lighting is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of self-storage facility operations.
While it may seem like a minor detail, the costs and challenges associated with frequent lighting maintenance can quickly add up, impacting your bottom line, safety, and customer satisfaction.
“The lighting at your self-storage facility impacts safety, curb appeal, customer satisfaction, and operational costs,” explains Greg Terry, Director of Strategic National Accounts, US LED, to Inside Self-Storage. “Failing to prioritize this critical component may lead to negative consequences.”
Fortunately, ultra-long-life LED lighting solutions, such as those assembled in the USA by US LED, offer a hassle-free path to brighter, safer, and more cost-effective storage facilities.
The Hidden Costs of Frequent Lighting Maintenance
Traditional lighting systems, such as fluorescent or high-intensity discharge lighting (HID) fixtures, may appear inexpensive upfront but bring hidden costs over time.
Burnt-out bulbs, flickering fixtures, and ballast failures are nuisances that require constant attention from your maintenance staff or service contractors.
“One of the most prevalent challenges in self-storage lighting maintenance is bulb burnout. As time passes, fluorescent and HID bulbs will fail,” says Terry. “These failures not only diminish visibility, but they also create safety hazards. Furthermore, ballast failures, commonly experienced with older systems, can lead to flickering and humming, which can be disruptive and costly.”
Each replacement or repair means:
- Labor hours are spent on routine tasks instead of higher-value projects.
- Disruptions to facility operations and tenant access.
- Increased risk of accidents or security issues due to poor visibility.
Moreover, as lighting components age, their performance declines, leading to dimmer spaces and a less inviting environment for customers.
How Long-Life Lighting Solutions Simplify Operations
Upgrading to US LED’s long-life lighting can dramatically reduce these headaches.
LED lighting solutions are engineered for durability and longevity, requiring far fewer replacements and less ongoing maintenance.
This streamlines facility operations and frees up your team to focus on more pressing needs, ultimately enhancing overall efficiency and safety.
“When evaluating LED lights for storage facilities, the cost associated with ongoing maintenance is one of the most underappreciated benefits often overlooked,” says Terry. “With new long-life LED lighting in storage facilities, staff no longer focus on replacing parts, and the labor associated with servicing lights is virtually eliminated.”
The Labor Burden of Legacy Lighting
Legacy lighting systems create a significant, ongoing labor burden for self-storage operators:
- Time and Resource Waste: Each fluorescent tube or HID bulb may last anywhere from 7,000 hours to 20,000 hours, requiring frequent replacements. The cumulative labor cost of changing bulbs—up to 15 minutes per fixture at the prevailing wage rate—adds up quickly, especially across large properties.
- Service Calls: Ballast failures, lens deterioration, and electrical issues lead to recurring service calls, further driving up maintenance expenses and causing operational interruptions.
- Safety Concerns: Dim or non-functioning lights can create hazardous conditions for staff and tenants, increasing the risk of accidents and making the property less secure.
LED Lighting = Virtually No Maintenance
Switching to LED lighting is the single most effective way to eliminate the maintenance headaches of traditional fixtures. Here’s why:
- Exceptional Lifespan: Quality LEDs,such as those from US LED, often last 50,000 to 100,000 hours, with some products approaching or exceeding 200,000 hours before reaching 70 percent of their original light output (the “L70” standard).
- Durability:LEDs are solid-state devices, making them resistant to shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. They perform reliably in a wide range of indoor and outdoor temperatures.
- Consistent Performance:Unlike fluorescents, LEDs don’t flicker, hum, or degrade rapidly. They provide instant, full illumination every time you flip the switch.
EnergyStar.gov explains the lifetime of LED lighting products: “The useful life of LED lighting products is defined differently than that of other light sources, such as incandescent or compact fluorescent lighting (CFL). LEDs typically do not “burn out” or fail. Instead, they experience ‘lumen depreciation,’ wherein the brightness of the LED dims slowly over time. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LED “lifetime” is established on a prediction of when the light output decreases by 30 percent.”
With LED lighting, tasks typically associated with annual maintenance may now only be needed once a decade, significantly improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
Proven Results – Labor and Cost Savings
Real-world case studies highlight the dramatic impact of upgrading to LED lighting.
Storage Sense, managed by Storage Asset Management (SAM), manages more than 200 self-storage properties nationwide, including the massive 80,000+ sq. ft. property in Irvine, Texas.
“In recent years, Storage Sense has faced increased operational costs due to issues with inefficient fluorescent lighting, HVAC usage patterns, and associated maintenance,” says Terry. “Additionally, deteriorating lighting has raised safety concerns, affecting overall visibility around the building. Recognizing the importance of efficiency and security, the company realized that better lighting and HVAC systems could make a significant difference.”
After partnering with US LED, they installed ultra-long-life LED lamps throughout their facility.
The result? A significant reduction in both energy and maintenance costs, improved visibility, and a safer environment for tenants and staff:
- The property’s energy consumption was reduced by 64 percent, or 462,511 kWH. This change resulted in annual savings of $64,751.54.
- The project’s return on investment (ROI) is expected to be 1.83 years, accounting for energy, maintenance, and tax savings combined. And with a 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction that ROI can be reduced to under a year.
- The project eliminated 323 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (the same as greenhouse gas emissions from 36,357 gallons of gasoline consumed).
The new system is backed by a ten-year warranty, providing peace of mind and virtually eliminating lighting-related service calls.
Smart Upgrades Made Simple
Transitioning to low-maintenance lighting doesn’t have to mean a costly or disruptive overhaul. US LED offers retrofit kits and modern luminaires designed for quick, straightforward installation:
- Retrofit Kits: LED retrofit kits allow you to upgrade existing fixtures without major rewiring or construction. These kits are engineered for durability, featuring corrosion-resistant components and customizable configurations to fit your facility’s needs.
- Versatile New Fixtures:The LLT1 LED Linear Linkable Strip, for example, delivers high-quality illumination with selectable color temperature and wattage, motion-sensing options, and easy installation. It’s ideal for new builds and upgrades, ensuring your lighting is optimized for every application.
- Warranty and Support:US LED stands behind its products with an industry-leading Ten-Year Warranty and comprehensive support services, including on-site audits, lighting layouts, and turnkey installation, making your upgrade truly hassle-free.
“To effectively implement a new LED installation or retrofit project at your self-storage property, you’ll want to partner with a reputable, experienced lighting expert such as US LED,” concludes Terry. “The first step is to conduct a professional audit. This comprehensive visual walkthrough will give you a holistic view of your current lighting system.”
Upgrading to low-maintenance LED lighting is one of the smartest investments you can make for your self-storage facility.
Discover the hassle-free lighting upgrade with US LED. Visit US LED’s self-storage solutions page to learn more about products and services designed to make your facility shine.
FAQs About Low-Maintenance Lighting for Self-Storage
What lighting requires the least maintenance for self-storage units?
LED lighting requires the least maintenance for self-storage units. High-quality LED fixtures last far longer than traditional bulbs, resist environmental wear, and eliminate the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
How long do LED lights last in self-storage facilities?
LED lights in self-storage facilities typically last 50,000 to 100,000 hours, as opposed to US LED products which often approach or exceed 200,000 hours before significant lumen depreciation. This translates to many years—often a decade or more—of reliable, maintenance-free operation.
How can self-storage facilities benefit from LED lighting?
LED lighting for self-storage immediately makes an impact after installation:
- Increased energy savings.
- Virtually eliminates maintenance.
- Greater safety and security.
- Enhanced visibility.
- Improves property value.
