.2102151557550.jpg)
Aside from changing the odd lightbulb, we do not tend to think about our lighting fixtures until they break or if changing the lightbulb does not solve an issue. This can be incredibly frustrating as most people are not trained electricians. Even if you can figure out where the fault is, you may not be comfortable working on electrical lighting fixtures. This is understandable. Electrical shock injuries can be very serious and electrical fires are all too common.
Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar can help! Our trained electricians can help you determine what is going on with your lighting fixture and whether it is worth repairing. Our goal is to help our clients resolve their problems quickly and effectively, whether that means repairing or replacing your fixture.
Keep reading to learn more about whether to replace or repair a broken lighting fixture.
When You Should Repair
When deciding whether to repair or replace a light fixture, a good rule of thumb is that if the repair provides a long-term solution and costs less than replacing the fixture, you should go ahead and make the repair. Many lighting fixture issues are quite easy to repair and do not require extensive work or rewiring.
For example, a socket may be dirty or flattened causing a poor connection and resulting in a light that will not turn on or a bulb that flickers. Similarly, connections at the light switch may become loose or contacts may go bad, interrupting electricity flow to the fixture. Small problems like this are relatively easy to fix and do not necessitate replacing the entire fixture.
If the broken lighting fixture is very expensive to replace, it is worth looking into repairing. Chandeliers and large lighting fixtures, such as high-end floor lamps, can cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the problem, a viable repair may cost significantly less than purchasing a replacement.
What If The Repair Costs More Than A New Fixture?
If you love your lighting fixture or it holds sentimental value, you may decide to proceed with a repair even if it ultimately costs more than installing a new fixture. For example, if you have a gorgeous antique chandelier and you just do not want to part with it, it is worth exploring any viable repair options, even if they are not the most economical choice.
The electricians at Valley will diagnose the problem and provide you with your options, including repair and replacement options. We also always prioritize your safety and if a lighting fixture cannot be safely repaired, we will tell you so that you may explore other options.
When You Should Replace
Unless you are attached to your lighting fixture or it holds special value, you should replace the fixture if the cost of repair exceeds the price of a new fixture installation. This is not just in your best economic interests. Old lighting fixtures are more prone to faults and even if a repair is possible, it may not provide a long-term solution.
You should also consider replacing the lighting fixture if you are generally dissatisfied with the lighting fixture or its performance. If the fixture is outdated, you may want a new design or look. Or, if the old fixture is not providing adequate light dispersion, you may want a new fixture that better meets your design and lighting needs.
Finally, if you are working to improve your home's energy efficiency, replacing old lighting fixtures as they start to break down is a good option. For example, many people replace old, poorly placed overhead lighting fixtures and supplementary floor or table lamps with more energy-efficient track lighting. This provides more effective lighting and saves on energy costs and frees up valuable floor and table space in your home.
If you need help deciding to repair or replace an electrical fixture, Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar is here to help! Call us at (408) 868-5500 today to set up your installation appointment.