When Should You Consider Updating Your Landscape Lighting Fixtures?

05/29/15

Uplighting Fixtures

Technology has changed a lot in the past twenty years. Did you know that the first outdoor fixtures were developed from mayonnaise jars, painted coffee and fruit juice cans, automobile lamps and 12-volt batteries?

Now landscape lighting fixtures are more compact, sleek, and available in a variety of materials. The materials used can have an impact on how well the fixtures hold up in its environment. For example, we have discovered that copper fixtures tend to hold up best in Nebraska's snowy weather conditions. That being said, as with similar investments there comes a point where you should consider upgrading your fixtures. Here are some common reasons why it might be time to consider an update.

Landscape Lighting Repairs are Needed More Often:

Moisture and Elements can Cause Havoc on Your Fixtures.
As with any mechanical equipment that you invest your money into, there comes a point where you may find yourself needing to make repairs more often. When this happens, you must decide if it is better to replace the item or continue having it repaired.  

Landscape lighting fixtures contain a socket the bulb plugs or screws into. Just like anything left outside in the elements, some very old lighting fixtures can begin to let moisture in. This can lead to corrosion, and the lamps not working. Bad sockets will show signs of rust and corrosion. The bulbs may flicker or only work intermittently. These are the signs of a bad socket, and possibly a bad fixture.

There is no point replacing a socket in an old fixture that is going to continue to let in moisture. New technology has allowed lighting fixtures to become much more moisture resistant than in the past. Plus, most of them come with lifetime warranties.

You Want to Conserve Energy:

New Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Provide More Energy Saving Benefits.
New fixtures allow the use of LED lamps instead of energy-wasting incandescent bulbs. LED’s use a fraction of the energy of incandescent because they do not waste energy making heat. Around 90% of the energy used to power an incandescent bulb is transformed into heat. Also, LED bulbs have the added benefit of a much longer life than incandescent. Upgraded fixtures utilize this beneficial technology. Read our post, "Ask McKay: Is It Possible to Convert my Halogen System to LED" for more details on making the switch or schedule a free LED Conversion Assessment to have a designer assess your system. 

Pathlight FixturesYou Want to Update the Look of Your Home:

To Reflect Your Personal Style.
New fixtures are designed for attractiveness and durability. As mentioned above, the low voltage landscape lighting fixture industry has grown exponentially in the past decade. Now, fixtures are much more durable and aesthetically pleasing. At McKay Lighting, we have a selection of custom lighting fixtures. Our designers can help you select ones to match the look of your home and fit your personal style. Perhaps you like a more contemporary look over traditional, or vice versa; your fixtures can help you achieve the look you want.

Overall new fixtures allow for a better performance of your system. If you think that your outdoor lighting fixtures may be showing signs of degradation, please feel free to contact us. One of our service technicians or designers can evaluate your system and advise you on a solution that suits your needs best.

 

Looking to Enhance Your Property?

Our dedicated team at McKay Landscape Lighting works with you to create a custom landscape lighting design that's unique to your property. From design to installation to service, you can count on our team of experts to make sure you are happy with your lighting system for years to come. 

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