Getting Your Lighting Repaired Vs. Having It Replaced

Lighting is a big investment. When something goes wrong, you will need to decide between repairs or replacement. This is true for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Because every property is different, there is no one way to say whether you need either service. There are some factors that will affect your choice, though.

Consider your lighting fixtures

Take a look at the fixtures throughout your home or business. If they are made from higher-quality materials, like metal, it would likely be best to have them repaired. But, if they are made from plastic, you will usually need to get them replaced. This is because lower-quality materials, although more affordable, do not have a long lifespan. Be sure to check for damage on all components while looking at the fixtures.

Look at the connections

If your lights go out frequently or flicker, you likely have bad connections somewhere. Also, think about how your fixtures are connected to the electrical system. Residential and commercial lighting are usually set up differently, so you will need to consider this. If you aren’t familiar with this part of your property, it is best to ask a professional electrician.

You should also check the transformer (or ask the electrician to) if you are having issues with your lighting. Sometimes connections can become loose, which is easily fixed. However, more serious issues can be the cause. These will damage your electrical system and could even result in a fire.

Think about your budget

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, your budget should be a consideration when making this choice. The cost of repair can be vastly different than the cost of replacing your lighting. For example, you may have vintage or antique light fixtures in your home that you want to keep. Repairing these could be more costly than having them replaced. For commercial properties, it could be better for the budget to have small repairs done as needed rather than buy a completely new lighting system.

Repair considerations

When making the choice to repair or replace your lighting, there are other things besides the above you will need to keep in mind. Not everyone has the same needs, so be sure to consider the following.

• Repair can be cost-effective for both homeowners and business owners. This is especially true for extremely large fixtures like stadium lighting or parking lot lights.
• As part of a maintenance plan, repairs can be done without you even having to worry about them first.
• Lighting repair can be more environmentally friendly. This is because they use less materials and result in less waste.
• Repairs usually can’t give you a different look, so they may not be the best choice for people looking to make a visual change in their lighting.

Replacement considerations

Just like with repairs, not everyone will have the same needs when it comes to replacing lighting systems or fixtures. For example, some homes may have lighting so old that it cannot be repaired at all. Businesses may prefer to replace things as part of regular maintenance to keep fixtures looking nice at a storefront. Medical practices must have lighting available at all times to accept patients. Because of all of the different considerations, replacement is often a better choice when something is too far beyond repair.

Working with a professional electrical company

The best way to choose between repairing and replacing your lighting is to work with a reputable electrician. At Bolton Electric, a division of Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, we understand that every property is different. That’s why we offer services to meet your unique residential, commercial, or industrial electrical needs.

Our electricians can provide a variety of Services including repairs, replacement, maintenance, and more. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 to learn more or set up an appointment with a member of our team!