Why Upgrade from Track Lighting to Flush Mount Fixtures?
Replacing track lighting with flush mount fixtures is a straightforward electrical upgrade that modernizes your home’s look and improves overall lighting quality. Here’s what the process involves:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker and verify it’s off with a voltage tester
- Remove the old track lighting system by disconnecting wires and unscrewing mounting hardware
- Prepare the ceiling by patching screw holes, sanding, and painting to match
- Install the new flush mount by connecting wires (black to black, white to white, ground to ground) and securing the fixture
- Test the installation by turning power back on and checking for proper operation
Most homeowners complete this project in less than an hour, though ceiling preparation may add time.
If you’re tired of looking at that dated track lighting system from the 1980s, you’re not alone. Track lighting can make a room feel outdated, and the multiple adjustable heads often don’t provide the even, ambient light that modern flush mount fixtures deliver. Plus, older track systems consume significantly more energy than today’s LED options.
The good news? Swapping out track lighting for a sleek flush mount fixture is a manageable upgrade that transforms your space instantly. You’ll enjoy better light distribution, a cleaner ceiling line, and potential energy savings of up to 75% when using modern LED bulbs.
But here’s the catch: This project involves electrical work that requires knowledge of wiring, proper grounding, and local electrical codes. One wrong connection can create safety hazards or code violations.
I’m Dan Walsh, and I’ve overseen countless lighting upgrades throughout the Greater St. Louis area at AAA Home Services, including many projects replacing track lighting with flush mount fixtures for homeowners seeking a modern, professional result. Our licensed electricians ensure your upgrade is done safely, correctly, and to code every time.
Track vs. Flush Mount Lighting: A Quick Comparison
Track lighting systems, while offering directional flexibility, often contribute to a cluttered ceiling appearance. They typically feature several individual light heads mounted on a track, allowing you to aim light at specific points like artwork or task areas. However, this focused light can leave other parts of the room in shadow, creating uneven illumination.
Flush mount fixtures, on the other hand, sit directly against the ceiling, offering a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic. They excel at providing widespread, ambient light that evenly illuminates a room, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. This general illumination is often preferred for overall room lighting, especially in areas with lower ceilings (8 feet or less).
The benefits of replacing track lighting with flush mount fixtures extend beyond just looks. Modern LED flush mount lights are significantly more energy-efficient. Our research shows that old track systems often use outdated bulb technology that consumes 75% more energy than modern LED alternatives. By making the switch, you can enjoy potential energy savings of up to 75% and a much longer bulb lifespan – LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means less frequent bulb changes and lower electricity bills for our customers in St. Charles, O’Fallon, and throughout our service areas.
Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the differences:
| Feature | Track Lighting | Flush Mount Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Often dated, can appear bulky, exposed hardware | Sleek, modern, integrated into the ceiling |
| Light Type | Directional, accent, task lighting | Ambient, widespread, even illumination |
| Best Use Cases | Highlighting specific objects, task areas | General room lighting, low ceilings, hallways, bedrooms |
| Energy Efficiency | Typically lower (older systems) | High (especially with modern LED fixtures) |
Planning Your Upgrade: Choosing the Right Fixture
When planning to replace your track lighting, selecting the right flush mount fixture is key to achieving your desired aesthetic and functionality. Think about the style and finish that will best complement your room’s decor. Whether you prefer a modern matte black, a classic brushed nickel, or an neat aged brass, there’s a flush mount fixture to match your home’s unique personality. A new flush mount light can completely refresh your space, brightening hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms with a clean, timeless glow that improves both functionality and style.
A practical consideration for this upgrade is ensuring your new flush mount fixture is large enough to cover any existing holes, unpainted areas, or screw marks left behind by the old track lighting. This will save you extra patching and painting.
While flush mount lighting is an excellent choice for many applications, especially ceilings 8 feet or lower, you might also consider other modern alternatives depending on your space:
- Recessed Lighting: For a truly minimalist aesthetic, recessed lights are installed directly into the ceiling, offering unobtrusive, even illumination. The market for recessed lighting is growing annually, reflecting its popularity as a sleek option.
- Pendant Lights: These fixtures hang down from the ceiling, often serving as a focal point or providing task lighting over kitchen islands or dining tables. The market for pendant lighting is also projected to see significant growth in the coming years.
For more inspiration on changing your spaces, explore various living room ceiling lighting ideas. And remember, for any lighting project, our team at AAA Home Services can provide more info about our lighting services to help you make the best choice for your home.
The Professional Process for Replacing Track Lighting with Flush Mount Fixtures
Replacing track lighting with flush mount fixtures involves careful electrical work. While some homeowners consider it a DIY project, we always recommend consulting or hiring a licensed electrician. Our team ensures the process is handled safely, adheres to all local electrical codes in the Greater St. Louis area, and results in a flawless finish.
Step 1: Safe Removal and Ceiling Preparation
Safety is our top priority for any electrical project. Before we even touch a wire, we always locate your home’s electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that powers the light fixture you’re replacing. To double-check that the power is completely off, we use a specialized voltage tester to confirm there’s no live current running to the fixture. This crucial step prevents electrical shocks and ensures a safe working environment.
Once the power is off, our electricians carefully remove the old track lighting system. This involves disconnecting the individual light heads, unscrewing the track from the ceiling, and then safely detaching the wiring from the electrical box. If the old fixture is heavy, we take extra care to support it while disconnecting wires.
After the track lighting is removed, we prepare the ceiling for the new flush mount. It’s common to find hidden surprises once the old fixture is down – unpainted areas, screw holes, or minor damage. We take the time to patch these imperfections using a drywall patch kit or spackle, ensuring the ceiling is smooth and ready. For detailed guidance on how to patch holes with spackle, you can refer to external resources. We’ll then sand the patched areas smooth and apply primer and paint to match your existing ceiling, creating a seamless look for your new fixture.
Step 2: The Installation Process for Your New Flush Mount
With the ceiling prepped, we move on to installing your new flush mount fixture. This begins with securely attaching the new mounting bracket to the existing electrical box in the ceiling. It’s vital that this box is solid, properly secured to the framing (not just drywall), and rated to support the weight of the new fixture. If the electrical box isn’t up to par, our electricians can address that to ensure a safe installation.
Next comes the professional wiring. We connect the wires from your new fixture to your home’s electrical system, always matching color to color:
- Black wire from the ceiling (hot) to the black wire on the fixture.
- White wire from the ceiling (neutral) to the white wire on the fixture.
- The green or bare copper ground wire from the ceiling to the fixture’s grounding screw or ground wire.
We use wire nuts to secure these connections, and for an extra layer of protection, we may wrap them with electrical tape. Proper grounding is crucial, as it protects against electrical faults and ensures that the metal parts of your fixture remain safe to touch. Our licensed electricians are experts in safe and compliant wiring, ensuring every connection is secure and meets all safety standards.
For more insights into maintaining a safe electrical system in your home, check out our home electrical safety FAQ.
Step 3: Final Touches and Testing
After the wiring is complete, we carefully tuck the wires into the electrical box and securely attach the new flush mount fixture to the mounting bracket. Then, we install the appropriate LED bulbs, adhering to any wattage limits specified by the manufacturer. Finally, we attach the shade or globe, often wiping down glass components to ensure they are spotless and ready to shine.
With everything in place, we turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test the new light. We ensure it functions perfectly, providing the beautiful, even illumination you desired. Modern LED bulbs are an excellent choice for flush mount lights, offering bright, efficient illumination with minimal heat. If your fixture supports dimmable LEDs, we can even pair them with a compatible dimmer switch for greater control over ambiance and brightness, allowing you to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
We consistently hear positive feedback from our customers about the quality of our work. As Lynn H. from Maryland Heights, MO, shared: “We have used AAA for a number of projects this year including ceiling fan replacement, plumbing problems, electrical work, and most recently a toilet replacement. Every technician has provided excellent quality work at a good price when they say they will be here.” We strive to deliver that same level of excellence for every homeowner in our service area.
Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting with Confidence
Replacing track lighting with flush mount fixtures is a fantastic way to update your home. You gain a modern aesthetic, improved ambient lighting that evenly illuminates your space, and significant energy savings with efficient LED technology. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, having your lighting installed by licensed professionals ensures safety and compliance with all electrical codes.
Common Issues When Replacing Track Lighting with Flush Mount Fixtures
While the idea of a DIY lighting upgrade is appealing, several common issues can arise, underscoring the importance of professional expertise:
- Old or Brittle Wiring: Many older homes in the St. Louis area have wiring that can be brittle and prone to cracking, especially when handled. This requires careful attention and sometimes replacement, which is best left to an expert.
- Incompatible Electrical Box: The existing electrical box might be loose, not centered, or not adequately secured to support a new fixture. In some cases, it might not contain a dedicated ground wire, necessitating professional modification.
- Fixture Doesn’t Work After Installation: If the new light doesn’t turn on, it could be a simple wiring error or a more complex issue with the circuit. Troubleshooting electrical problems requires specialized knowledge.
- Ceiling Damage: As mentioned, removing old track lighting often reveals unpainted areas or numerous screw holes. If not properly patched and painted, this can detract from the new fixture’s appearance.
These potential challenges highlight why hiring a professional electrician is often the smartest move. If you’re uncomfortable with electrical work, encounter old or damaged wiring, need to move electrical boxes, or if the project becomes more complex than anticipated, it’s time to call in the pros.
We’re proud of our electricians’ ability to handle these situations efficiently. Mike M. from Webster Groves, MO, recently commented, “Jack was fantastic, he repaired the issues very quickly, he talked me through his repair and he called and was able to show up before the time I was told which I really appreciated. I use AAA for most all my home issues and he made my decision the right one! When/if I need anything else I would like him to be the service individual to respond.” Our team consistently delivers this level of skilled, communicative service. If you’re facing any electrical issues or planning an upgrade, you can always find electrical repairs near me with AAA Home Services.
Trust AAA Home Services for Your Electrical Needs
At AAA Home Services, we bring over 50 years of experience to every job, serving homeowners across the Greater St. Louis, St. Charles, and Warren County areas. Our licensed electricians are experts in residential lighting installations and all aspects of home electrical systems. We believe in fair, honest pricing and delivering award-winning service that earns us thousands of positive reviews.
For a safe and seamless lighting upgrade, trust the experts. Schedule your Home Interior and Exterior Lighting Repair and Installation today.
