Just as with any other electrical or mechanical system, your landscape lighting can benefit from regular care and maintenance. Since outdoor lighting fixtures are constantly exposed to elements like rain and sun, it’s always a good idea to do a regular maintenance check at the beginning and end of each season or after a big storm to see if any replacing.

When to Replace Landscape Lighting Fixtures

What are some signs to look for that signal it’s time to replace landscape lighting fixtures?

• Dim or inconsistent lighting – if you have noticed that some of your lights are burned out while others are still lit up, or that lights are fading or flashing, your fixtures or connections might be damaged, improperly wired, or failing due to age. Corrosion on sockets can sometimes cause lights to malfunction as well. 
• Rusted or broken fixtures – any fixtures that are noticeably broken or rusted should obviously be replaced since they detract from the beauty of your home but also might contribute to a less efficient lighting system.
• High energy costs – older lighting systems, especially ones that use halogen or incandescent lighting fixtures, use more energy than modern, energy-efficient LED lighting systems.
• Damaged, exposed, or cut wiring – animals digging in your yard or natural erosion of dirt from weather will sometimes result in exposed wiring. Exposed wiring might then be damaged by landscapers or animal activity. If you notice problems with the wiring of your landscape lighting fixtures, it’s best to call a professional for repair and maintenance.
• Mismatched or outdated fixture styles – maybe your outdoor lighting system was already in place when you moved in. Or maybe your personal style has changed. Perhaps you have some fixtures that need replacing but not others and now your landscape lighting looks unbalanced or mismatched. Whatever the reason, replacing old lighting fixtures with beautiful new fixtures in a consistent style can end up giving your home a whole new look. 
• Low end lighting products – Low end lighting products might save you money initially, but they will most likely end up costing you money in the long run. They often produce inconsistent light, break or corrode easily, and need to be replaced sooner and more often.

How to Replace Landscape Lighting Fixtures

Now that you know when to replace landscape lighting fixtures, let’s talk about how to go about it. There are a wealth of online tutorials about how to replace individual landscape lighting fixtures. The most important point to remember is safety first: always turn off the power supply to your lighting system at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards. 

Make sure you have the appropriate tools, including wire cutters, a voltage tester, and digging tools if you need to expose old wiring or bury new wiring. As you dismantle the old fixture and disconnect the wiring, it can be useful to take pictures with your phone of the wiring set up to use as a reference for later when you’re wiring the new fixture.

DIY vs Professional Landscape Lighting

While it is possible to do the work yourself, there are numerous benefits to working with a professional landscape lighting company, especially if you’re planning on replacing several lighting fixtures or want a whole new system. For instance, landscape lighting experts have access to high quality, weather resistant fixtures that will last longer and require less maintenance and repair. Plus, you won’t have to worry about safety and efficiency: they know exactly where to position lights, how to wire everything safely and to code, and what types of lights to use for the best results. Hiring professionals will save you time as well, since you won’t have to research how to replace the fixtures, go shopping for new fixtures, dismantle your old fixtures, and rewire your lighting system yourself. 

Your Dream Home is a Click Away with Dayloom

At Dayloom, we are not just landscape lighting experts. We are designers as well. Our experienced team provides completely unique and customized lighting designs that fit every imaginable style and property. We believe that everyone deserves to drive up to the most beautiful view in town and to feel proud every time they see their home. Call us today at 703-215-9089 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation to see how we can unlock your home’s potential.