Precision Service Electric performs lighting upgrades for Fort Collins homeowners — LED retrofits that cut consumption, recessed lighting that modernizes a room, dimmers and smart controls, under-cabinet task lighting, and exterior fixtures. Our licensed electricians handle the whole scope: load check, installation, and code-compliant connections. Call 970-593-3190 for a lighting upgrade quote.
Why Fort Collins Homes Upgrade Their Lighting
Lighting is the easiest efficiency upgrade in a home that also visibly improves it. Older Fort Collins homes run incandescent or halogen fixtures on original boxes and switches; swapping to LED can cut lighting consumption by a large share on its own (LEDs use substantially less energy than incandescent bulbs, per the US Department of Energy), and adding controls and better fixture placement changes how rooms are actually used.
There’s a local angle too: Fort Collins Utilities runs Efficiency Works and Epic Homes programs that may offer lighting-related incentives to participating Fort Collins Utilities customers — check with the utility for current incentive levels before scheduling an upgrade.
LED Retrofits: Cut Watts Without Losing Light
An LED retrofit is more than screwing in different bulbs. We evaluate the fixture, the circuit, and the control type: modern LED lamps and trim can usually drop into existing ceiling and wall fixtures, but older dimmer switches often need replacing to avoid flicker, and some older boxes need attention before a heavier integrated fixture goes up. The goal of a retrofit is simple — same or better light, a fraction of the energy, and fixtures that stop needing constant bulb changes.
Recessed Lighting: Layout, Housings, and Insulation Contact
Recessed lighting is where layout decisions matter most: spacing determines whether a room gets even, washable light or a scatter of bright spots. We plan layout around the room’s real use — task zones in kitchens, even spacing in living areas, washing for art and shelving.
Housings matter as much as placement. Fixtures installed against insulated ceilings should be insulation-contact (IC) rated, and homes with attics above the room need that attention. In two-story Fort Collins homes, many recessed installs are remodel cuts from below: we open the hole, check what’s actually above it, and install the correct housing for what we find — not what the room plan assumed.
Under-Cabinet, Pendant, and Fixture Swaps
The most-asked-for scope after recessed lighting:
- Under-cabinet lighting — hardwired strips on their own switch or dimmer, removing the shadow line kitchen counters live with
- Pendant and chandelier swaps — heavier fixtures over islands, stairwells, and entries: a junction and support check comes before cosmetic choices
- Flush and semi-flush replacements — the fastest visible upgrade in a whole room, especially when going from dated glass globes to modern low-profile LED fixtures
- Switch and device refresh — worn receptacles and switches replaced while circuits are open
Exterior & Security Lighting
Exterior fixtures do three jobs: safety on paths and stairs, security at entries and dark corners (motion and photocell fixtures handle that automatically), and curb appeal. Exterior installs use weatherproof fixtures and boxes, GFCI protection where required by code, and mounting that seals against moisture. One Fort Collins-specific note: the city applies light-trespass and glare standards to new commercial and multifamily construction (check the city’s current standards for your project), and even residential exterior upgrades benefit from being designed with the same thinking — positioned to light the ground you need lit without shining into windows or up at the sky.
Dimmers, Smart Controls, and Switch Upgrades
Controls are where an upgrade starts feeling new every evening. Dimmers (with LED-compatible load types matched to what they’re driving), scene-capable smart switches, occupancy sensors for baths and closets, and exterior photocells — all small changes with outsized daily impact. Older Fort Collins homes often need a bit of box work before modern smart-switch devices fit, and we handle that as part of the install rather than quoting around it.
What a Lighting Upgrade Costs in Fort Collins
Published regional pricing gives useful reference points: recessed lighting installs vary with fixture type and ceiling conditions, and whole lighting projects vary with scope and fixtures chosen. Actual pricing depends on your fixtures, ceiling conditions, and what the electrician finds in the boxes. Rather than quote from an average, we price your actual list: fixtures, locations, box conditions, and controls.
Our Process: Assessment, Load Check, Installation
- Assessment. We walk the rooms, note box conditions, plan fixture placement with you, and pick the right control scheme.
- Load check. The circuits behind the new fixtures get evaluated — lighting loads are small individually, but older panels in mid-century homes deserve a real check before new circuits appear — when the equipment itself is the question, that becomes a panel evaluation and upgrade conversation.
- Installation. Fixtures, housings, controls, and any box repairs go in; circuits are tested under load before button-up.
- Walkthrough. Dimmer levels set where you use them, timers and sensors configured, and everything demonstrated before we leave.
Service Area: Fort Collins and Northern Colorado
We perform lighting upgrades throughout Fort Collins and the greater Loveland region — including Berthoud, Windsor, Johnstown, Greeley, Longmont, and the surrounding communities listed on our service area page. Our shop is in Loveland, minutes from Fort Collins.
Request a Lighting Upgrade Quote in Fort Collins
Ready to modernize the lighting? Call 970-593-3190 or send us a message and we’ll walk the rooms with you and put a written price on the list.
Precision Service Electric — 1320 8th St SE, Loveland, CO 80537. Licensed and insured — Colorado electrical license #3918. Rated 4.8 stars from 47 Google reviews. Family-owned and in business for 30 years. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
“Precision Electric is outstanding! Every single person I've interacted with there has been friendly, kind, and genuinely committed to doing great work. They’re efficient, thoughtful, and consistently go the extra mile to solve problems quickly and professionally. It’s clear they care about both the quality of their work and the people they serve. Excellent team—highly recommend!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician to change out light fixtures?
For a simple like-for-like fixture swap, many homeowners handle the work themselves — check what your local requirements allow for the specific change. An electrician becomes the right call when circuits or boxes are involved: heavier fixtures that need support, boxes that need repair or re-routing, new dimmers on old wiring, or anything in older homes where the wiring itself is the question. Fort Collins also treats certain lighting electrical work as permitted work — new wiring and junction boxes need a permit to inspect.
How much do LED lighting upgrades save?
LEDs use substantially less energy than the incandescent bulbs they replace, per the US Department of Energy, and they last far longer — which is where most of the savings actually shows up (fewer bulbs bought and changed). The exact payback depends on how many hours a day the lights run. Fort Collins Utilities customers can also check the Efficiency Works and Epic Homes programs for current incentives on efficient lighting.
Does Fort Collins offer rebates for LED upgrades?
Fort Collins Utilities’ Efficiency Works and Epic Homes programs offer rebates and discounted efficient lighting to participating customers — the utility also partners with local retailers on discounted efficient lighting. Program levels change, so check current terms with the utility; we’re happy to plan the upgrade after you know what’s available.
How many recessed lights can run on one circuit?
It depends on the fixture wattage and the circuit’s capacity — modern LED recessed fixtures draw far less than older halogen cans, so how many fixtures a circuit can carry depends on their wattage, existing loads, and the circuit’s capacity. A load calculation answers it for your specific plan rather than a rule of thumb; it’s part of every recessed lighting quote we do.
Can you add dimmers and smart switches to older homes?
Yes — it’s one of our most common upgrade requests in Fort Collins’ older neighborhoods. The usual work is box depth and neutral-wire checks before modern smart devices go in; some boxes need a small upgrade first. Once that’s settled, dimmers and smart controls install like any switch and transform how the rooms feel.
Do you install lighting during a remodel or basement finish?
Yes — lighting is a core part of remodel and basement-finish electrical scope, and it’s sequenced with the build: rough-in before drywall, fixtures and trim at the end. See our basement electrical finishes page for how the full finish-integration process works, coordinated with your general contractor.