LED Lighting for Property Managers: Apartments, HOA & Commercial Buildings
Property manager guide to LED lighting upgrades. Covers common areas, parking garages, exterior lighting, tenant satisfaction, energy rebates, and ROI for multifamily properties.
Property managers oversee lighting for common areas, parking, exterior, and sometimes tenant spaces. LED upgrades offer immediate energy savings and reduced maintenance calls — two of the biggest line items in property management budgets.
Priority Areas for LED Upgrade (by ROI)
1. Parking Garage/Lot (Highest ROI)
- Current: 175W-400W HPS/MH fixtures running 12-24 hrs/day
- Replace with: Auvolar LED fixtures with photocell or occupancy sensor
- Energy savings: 50-70%
- Maintenance savings: Eliminates bi-annual re-lamping
- Tenant benefit: White LED light dramatically improves safety perception
| Area | Old Fixture | LED Replacement | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking garage | 175W MH | Vapor Tight 40W ($45) | 77% energy |
| Parking lot | 250W HPS | OT Area Light 100W ($119) | 60% energy |
| Carport | 100W HPS | Canopy Light 40W ($42) | 60% energy |
2. Common Area Hallways & Stairwells
- Current: CFL or fluorescent fixtures running 24/7
- Replace with: LED downlights ($15-25) or slim panels
- Add: Occupancy sensors for stairwells (30-50% additional savings)
- Tenant benefit: Brighter, more inviting common spaces
3. Exterior Building & Walkways
- Current: HPS wall packs, outdated flood lights
- Replace with: Auvolar Wall Packs ($38-99) with photocell
- Tenant benefit: Better security, curb appeal
4. Laundry Rooms & Utility Areas
- Replace: Old T12/T8 fluorescent strips
- With: Auvolar Vapor Tight 4ft ($45) or Strip Light ($29)
- Benefit: IP65 rated for moisture, instant-on, no flickering
Financial Analysis: 200-Unit Apartment Complex
| Category | Annual Cost (Before) | Annual Cost (After LED) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking (40 fixtures) | $8,400 | $2,800 | $5,600 |
| Hallways (120 fixtures) | $5,760 | $1,920 | $3,840 |
| Exterior (30 fixtures) | $3,600 | $1,200 | $2,400 |
| Stairwells (24 fixtures) | $2,880 | $960 | $1,920 |
| Maintenance labor | $12,000 | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Total annual | $32,640 | $8,880 | $23,760 |
Utility Rebate Programs for Multifamily
Many utility companies offer enhanced rebates for multifamily properties:
- California (SCE, PG&E, SDGE): $50-150/fixture for DLC-listed LED
- New York (ConEd): Up to $100/fixture
- Texas (Oncor): $30-75/fixture
- Florida (FPL): $25-50/fixture
Auvolar helps with all rebate applications at no charge.
Getting Buy-In from HOA Boards
Key talking points for your HOA board presentation:
Contact Auvolar for a Property Lighting Audit
We work with property management companies nationwide. Services include:
- Free on-site or remote lighting audit
- Photometric design for parking and common areas
- Rebate application assistance
- Volume pricing for multi-property portfolios
Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
Auvolar provides free lighting design, photometric layouts, and rebate assistance for commercial projects.