How Much Maintenance Does a Low-Voltage Lighting System Require?

Low-voltage landscape lighting systems are built for durability — but they’re not set-it-and-forget-it forever. Between Florida’s weather, yardwork, and natural wear, even the best systems need routine maintenance to stay performing and looking their best.

Here’s what’s involved, what it typically costs, and how to know if your system is due for a service.

What Kind of Maintenance Do Landscape Lighting Systems Need?

The type and frequency of maintenance depends on your system’s size, layout, and fixture types — but most systems need some level of upkeep at least once per year.

At Ecotek, we include the following in a standard lighting service:

  • Fixture cleaning – Dirt, mulch, and hard water can cloud lenses and reduce light output.

  • Fixture realignment – Over time, lights shift from wind, pets, foot traffic, or lawn equipment.

  • Transformer testing – We check voltage levels, timer settings, smart modules, and system load.

  • Wire burial and reset – Low-voltage cable can rise above ground due to erosion or animals.

  • Lamp inspection or replacement – On drop-in systems, we test and swap failing lamps.

  • RGBW system checks – If your system includes color-changing lights, we inspect control modules and software integrations.

What Does It Cost to Maintain Outdoor Lighting?

The cost depends on the complexity of your system — including:

  • Total number of fixtures

  • How many transformers/zones

  • Type of fixtures (basic vs integrated vs RGBW)

  • Accessibility (tight mulch beds vs wide open lawns)

  • If your system includes smart controls or automation

That said, a good rule of thumb is $15–$25 per fixture per year for standard residential systems.

Example: A 25-fixture system typically runs $375–$625 for annual service.

Systems with advanced controls (like full-color RGBW or multi-transformer setups) can cost more due to software syncing, diagnostics, and longer labor time.

Is Maintenance Really Necessary Every Year?

If you care about how your property looks at night — yes.

Sometimes, multiple times per year, depending on your home and needs.

Over time, even the best systems will:

  • Lose brightness from dirty or misaligned lenses

  • Develop flicker or dimming from voltage imbalance

  • Look sloppy due to exposed wires or crooked fixtures

  • Suffer early failures if transformers or fuses go unchecked

A quick tune-up keeps your investment protected and your property looking polished.

Our Recommendation

Most Ecotek clients schedule annual or twice-yearly maintenance. We also offer full system evaluations for homeowners who inherited a system or aren’t sure what condition theirs is in.

Whether your system was installed by us or someone else, we’ll inspect everything and give you a clear picture of what’s working, what’s not, and what can be improved.

Need Lighting Maintenance or a System Tune-Up?

Whether you’ve got five fixtures or fifty, regular maintenance keeps your system looking clean, working right, and lasting longer. Ecotek Outdoor Lighting services all brands and systems across Central Florida. Fill out the form below to schedule a system checkup or get an annual service quote.