We’ve all had to replace the light bulbs in our house from time to time. So, most of us are familiar with them. You may not be as familiar with ballasts, though. A ballast regulates the flow of electricity to a bulb, preventing it from burning out early or wasting too much electricity. A ballast also gives the bulb the initial jolt of electricity it needs in order to turn on. Not all types of bulbs require a ballast, but all gas discharge lamps do, such as fluorescent, halogen, and high-intensity discharge. Ballasts play a crucial role in how long your bulbs last and how much electricity they use, which is why it’s incredibly important to replace ballast lights when they become outdated.

It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to replace your ballasts. The electricians at Mr. Electric of Westchester are always happy to help you assess the condition of your current light fixtures and give you recommendations. Sometimes, you will need to replace your ballasts in order to return your light fixtures to proper working order. Other times, you may choose to upgrade your ballasts as part of energy-efficient upgrades to your property. Some of the signs that you should consider ballast replacement include:

• Your lights don’t turn on when they should
• Your lights flicker or are too dim
• Your light bulbs burn out more quickly than you would like
• Your lights are cracked or burnt out
• Your lights emit an unusual color
• You want a cooler, softer, or brighter light
• Your energy costs are too high