When to Repair Landscape Lighting Fixtures and When to Buy New Ones
Landscape lighting fixtures are a staple of any well-designed landscape. They provide mood and ambience to the space, making it more usable at night. But as time goes on, these fixtures need maintenance, or they’ll stop working altogether. In this article we’ll discuss when you should repair landscape lighting and when you should just buy new ones instead.
In general, if a landscape lighting fixture is still turning on and off and providing light, it’s worth repairing. However, there are some exceptions to this. If you find yourself changing bulbs more than once every six months, you should probably just buy new lights. The same goes for fixtures where the wiring has become exposed or even worse – frayed. These pose serious safety hazards that require immediate attention from an electrician.
Even if your lights are still working, that doesn’t mean they’re in good shape. Here are some signs you should consider replacing old landscape lighting fixtures:
- The light casts an uneven glow instead of a uniform one
- You need to replace bulbs more frequently than every six months
- There are dead spots where the light isn’t shining at all.
Before buying new lights, remember to clean up the existing fixtures. Remove any fallen leaves or other materials that may have become trapped between the bulb and the fixture. Wipe down the outside of each fixture to remove any dirt or grime, then give it a fresh coat of paint to improve its appearance and protect it from rusting over time.
If you do decide to purchase new lights, consider using LED bulbs instead of the older halogen or even incandescent bulbs. Not only are they more energy-efficient and last longer, they’re also brighter which will help improve your overall lighting design. While replacing landscape lighting fixtures may seem like a big expense, it’s nothing compared to completely re-doing a whole space!
If your landscaping lights don’t turn on at all or they flicker when they’re on, they’re not working properly, and long-term issues will arise if you don’t do anything about them soon. Often times problems like these can be solved with some simple troubleshooting: make sure no loose strands of wire are touching each other and that the wires don’t have any tears in them. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely time to call a professional.
If you do need to replace a fixture, check your landscape lighting manual or with the manufacturer of your system before you go shopping. These products are engineered for compatibility with one another and buying the wrong thing can lead to more problems instead of fewer. This is especially true if you’re looking for replacement fixtures.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, there are few investments as important as choosing fixtures that will last. You’ll want something durable that’s built to withstand harsh weather conditions (which means staying away from hardwired lamps) and high-quality wiring that won’t degrade over time.
It might cost a little more upfront to invest in good outdoor light fixtures but in the long term they’ll be cheaper than having to buy replacements every few years. If you have an existing landscape lighting system that’s no longer working, call a professional electrician to give it a thorough inspection and find out if repairs are possible. Otherwise, it might be time for a whole new system.
If you do find yourself needing to replace your landscape lighting fixtures, there are many different options available for purchase. From cost-effective solar lights to more high-end fixtures with color LED bulbs and long sensor ranges, there is something for everyone and every budget. Remember: when in doubt always consult an electrician!