How Many Maintenance Employees Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?

None, at least for the next several years, if the property manager has installed compact fluorescent light bulbs, (CFLs). Not only do CFLs reduce electric requirements, but their life expectancy far exceeds that of conventional incandescent bulbs, thereby reducing both electricity and labor costs.

A case study illustrates the potential benefits of CFLs: A condominium complex in coastal South Carolina has undertaken a project to reduce the cost of its exterior lighting. The project involved replacing conventional incandescent light bulbs with CFLs. The project has been extremely successful, saving residents over $4,000 per year in electric costs. There will be additional savings in labor costs, since CFLs require replacement far less often than conventional bulbs.

The complex uses exterior lighting for security and for accenting exterior features. The project involved replacing 60-watt incandescent bulbs with 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs. The condominium property manager originally planned to replace incandescent bulbs as they burned out. However, the savings from the CFLs were so significant that it became obvious that the residents were losing money every day the incandescent bulbs stayed in place.

Approximately 360 bulbs were replaced in 44 buildings, at a cost of about $1,800. Annual electric savings have been about $4,200, even at Santee Cooper’s very favorable electric rates. Labor costs will also be reduced, since the CFLs have an expected life of 10,000 hours versus about 2,000 for the incandescent bulbs.

Jane Price Hill, P. E., MBA