How to prepare, analyze, claim rebates, and maximize ROI from lighting investments. A lighting audit is not a box-checking exercise. Done right, it becomes a roadmap to lower energy costs, safer spaces, better performance, and predictable payback. Done poorly, it turns into a missed opportunity with half-measures and underwhelming savings. If you manage a commercial, industrial, or institutional facility, these 14 lighting audit questions will help you run a lighting audit, ask the right things from vendors, and make decisions that actually move the needle.
Asking the right lighting audit questions helps facility managers uncover hidden energy waste, improve occupant comfort, and extend the lifespan of lighting systems. A smart audit goes beyond fixture counts—it evaluates efficiency, maintenance costs, compliance, and real-world performance. By focusing on the right questions, facility managers can make data-driven decisions that reduce operating expenses, support sustainability goals, and ensure lighting systems meet both current needs and future demands.
Start with outcomes, not fixtures. Ask:
Clear problem definition keeps the audit focused on performance and ROI, not just wattage swaps.
You cannot measure improvement without a baseline. Before the audit:
This data becomes the foundation for savings calculations, rebate approvals, and payback timelines.
Not every area deserves the same level of attention. Prioritize:
A targeted audit prevents over-engineering and keeps budgets under control.
Visual impressions are unreliable. Light meters are not. A professional audit should include:
Photometric analysis ensures lighting meets task requirements, safety standards, and code compliance, not just “looks brighter.”
More light is not always better. Ask:
Right-sizing light levels reduces energy use without compromising productivity or safety.
Benchmarks matter. A strong audit references:
This avoids under-lighting risks and ensures upgrades hold up during inspections or insurance reviews.
Maintenance is a hidden energy expense. Identify:
High-quality LED upgrades often pay for themselves faster through maintenance reduction alone.
Lighting controls are often the biggest missed opportunity. Ask if the audit includes:
Controls can cut energy use by 20–60%, even before fixture upgrades.
Not every fixture needs to be replaced. A smart audit distinguishes between:
This hybrid approach often delivers the best cost-to-performance ratio.
Rebates can make or break ROI. Your audit should identify:
Missing rebate details early can delay projects or reduce total savings.
Payback math should be simple and defensible. Look for:
A trustworthy audit shows how the numbers were calculated, not just the final figure.
Savings are only real if they are delivered. Ask:
Verification protects your investment and ensures promised outcomes become reality.
Cheap fixtures cost more over time. Your audit should clarify:
Long-term reliability is just as important as upfront cost savings.
Think beyond the current project. Ask how lighting aligns with:
Lighting should be a strategic asset, not a one-off upgrade.
A strong lighting audit does three things:
When facility managers ask better questions, they get better outcomes: lower operating costs, safer environments, and lighting systems that work for years, not months. If your audit does not confidently answer these lighting audit questions, it is time to demand a deeper, more strategic approach.
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