Most schools in the UK are lit with traditional fluorescent tube bulbs. These types of bulbs are expensive to run and contain mercury, which can be a health hazard if the glass tubing shatters. A typical classroom can need sixteen fluorescent tubes to provide adequate lighting throughout the school day, meaning the average school will have to pay the energy costs for hundreds of these bulbs. 

LED lighting, which is mercury-free, is a much more energy-efficient and cost-effective way to illuminate your school. Able to convert 95% of energy into light instead of wasting it on heat, LEDs use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and around 80% less than standard fluorescent tubes. Replacing fluorescent bulbs with LEDs can deliver huge energy savings year on year. 

This is not the only way LED lighting can save schools money. LEDs last much longer than traditional fluorescent tubes, around 50,000 hours, reducing the costs of replacement and maintenance. Some modern LED systems also have smart functionality, with built-in sensors turning lights off in unused spaces and adjusting the brightness depending on how much natural daylight is available. 

At Quest Electrical, not only can we install your new LED lighting system; we can even redesign your lighting so that you need fewer bulbs overall while ensuring every space has optimal lighting conditions. 

Renewable and environmentally friendly, solar energy can completely remove your school’s need to pay for electricity. Indeed, it provides the opportunity to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the National Grid. Not only does this mean that you forgo the costs of lighting and running equipment; there is also the potential to replace gas or oil boilers with electric heating and remove the costs of keeping the school warm. This could save tens of thousands of pounds per year.

With extensive roof and outdoor space, most schools are ideally suited to have a solar energy system installed. At Quest Electrical, our modern solar solutions deliver consistent long-term energy performance, require little maintenance and come with a 25-year warranty.

Voltage optimisation can save energy by regulating the power supply from the National Grid. This smart technology can be used with the school’s electrical equipment and appliances, such as your IT, design and technology machines and air conditioning units. It works by installing a voltage optimiser that reduces the voltage to the optimal level the equipment requires, thus cutting energy use and carbon emissions. Installation is quick and easy, and the voltage optimiser will start to pay for itself through savings immediately.

QUEST Electrical Contracting is an NICEIC-approved electrical contractor. We have over 25 years’ experience in delivering successful projects for businesses and organisations, including clients in the education sector.

Our team of over fifty qualified electrical contractors has a wide range of expertise, enabling us to offer a broad spectrum of electrical services to meet our clients’ needs. We work professionally at all times and ensure all our work complies with regulations and standards.

We also understand the particular needs of schools and colleges, especially around issues such as safeguarding, health and safety and working in a way that does not cause disruption to the school day.

For more information about how Quest Electrical can help your school cut its energy costs, call us now on 01282 838 000 or email: [email protected]. Our advisors will be happy to answer your questions.