According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings consume 35 percent of all electricity consumed in the country and 16 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. That’s a lot of energy. Here’s a sobering statistic, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that on average, 30% of all that energy used in commercial spaces is wasted. Not only is that bad for the environment, but if you’re a business owner, it’s terrible for your bottom line.
Luckily, you can cut down on waste by upgrading your wiring, lighting, outlets, or panel. And with incentive programs from New York State and local utility companies, you may be seeing savings sooner than you think.
A City of Senior Buildings
If New York City’s buildings were part of the workforce, most of them would be at retirement age. Here are some more statistics on the average office building in Manhattan reported in 2019 from leading New York City commercial and industrial real estate firm Kalmon Dolgin Affiliates.
- Average age: 68 years old.
- Approximately 46% was built prior to World War II (aka “pre-war”)
- 30% were built after World War II but before 1980 (aka “post-war”)
- 14% of the inventory was built between 1980-1999 (aka “post-1980”)
- One in 10 office buildings in Manhattan were built after 2000 (aka “post-2000”).
If your business is housed in a building that fall into this average and you haven’t had an electrical wiring upgrade in the past decade or so, you’re probably using way more electricity than your electrical system was designed to handle. This is because offices have much more technological hardware, and retail spaces have much more sophisticated lighting and sound systems than ever before. Naturally, the strain placed on your electrical panel has been increased.
A Quick Self-Diagnosis for Spaces of All Ages
Even if your retail or office space is younger than the average baby boomer, strain from the exponential expansion of technology over the past few decades may have made your electrical system age before its time. Do a quick sweep of your space. Do you have any of the following:
- Discoloration around your outlets
- Extension cords used to power office equipment or appliances
- Outlets or switch plates that feel warm to the touch
- Sparks when pulling a plug from an outlet
Do you see any other tell-tale signs like:
- Lights that dim or flicker
- Breakers that trip on a regular basis
- Getting a tingling or shocking sensation when placing your hand on plugged-in equipment
If you said yes to any of the above, you are probably in need of an electrical upgrade.
We’re Here to Help
Is your retail or commercial space experiencing electrical issues or outdated wiring? It’s time to consider an electrical upgrade. As a business owner, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. By investing in professional commercial electrician services in NYC, you can address these concerns effectively. PK Electric NYC offers comprehensive electrical solutions for retail and commercial properties. Our experienced team of commercial electrical contractors specializes in upgrades, ensuring compliance with local codes and regulations. Trust us to deliver reliable and efficient electrical services that enhance the functionality and safety of your business.
To learn more about our commercial and retail electrician services, visit our Commercial and Retail Electrician page. For a complete overview of our services, please visit our website. In case of emergency electrical issues, our 24/7 Emergency Services are available to provide immediate assistance. Contact us today to schedule an assessment
Contact us today for any of your commercial and retail electrical needs.
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