Light Switches & Fixtures
Light Switches & Fixtures Services in Marin, Sonoma & Napa County
Great lighting is a key component of every home. A great lighting setup pairs convenience and energy savings with aesthetics that complement your living area. Residential LED lightbulbs use up to 90 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescents. Make the upgrade and start saving.
Ongaro & Sons is proud to offer an assortment of high-quality lighting products for your home. Our skilled electricians are ready to assist in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. You'll never go wrong when you call Ongaro & Sons. We can help you make an informed and cost-effective decision about your home's lighting.
Our expert electricians are here to improve your home's electrical systems. Ready to start planning? Call us for a consultation today.
How a Light Switch Works
A light switch controls electricity to a light by making or breaking an electrical connection. When you turn a single-pole switch on, a movable contact inside connects with a stationary one, completing the circuit and allowing power to flow.
Turning the switch off separates these contacts, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. A spring mechanism provides a crisp “snap” action for reliable connection and disconnection.
Signs You Should Update Your Light Fixtures or Switches
Electrical issues can be minor, affecting just a bulb, light switch, or light fixture, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't rely on a skilled electrician to help resolve the issue. While the problem may seem small, a greater underlying concern could be causing it. Here are signs that you should contact Ongaro & Sons for an electrical inspection.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights constantly flicker or dim without reason, it could be a sign of outdated wiring, a faulty switch, or an overloaded circuit. Upgrading your fixtures and switches can restore stable lighting, prevent electrical hazards, and ensure your home is operating safely and efficiently.
Outdated Appearance
Brass fixtures, bulky covers, or discolored switches can make your home look dated. Modern light fixtures and sleek switches instantly refresh your interior while offering better performance, energy savings, and improved resale value. It's a small change that makes a big visual impact.
Limited Functionality
Still stuck with basic on/off switches? If your switches don't offer dimming, smart control, or motion sensing, you're missing out on convenience and energy savings. New technology allows for personalized lighting schedules, remote access, and automated control, giving you full command over your home's lighting.
Buzzing Sounds
A faint buzzing noise from your switch or fixture could indicate loose wiring, a failing dimmer, or incompatible bulbs. Left unresolved, it could become a fire hazard. Replacing noisy components with modern, well-matched options keeps your system quiet, safe, and long-lasting.
Frequent Bulb Burnouts
If bulbs in a particular fixture seem to burn out faster than usual, the problem may lie with the fixture or switch, not the bulb. Older components can deliver inconsistent voltage, reducing bulb lifespan. Upgrading to energy-efficient fixtures ensures stable performance and fewer replacements.
What Types of Light Switches Can You Install?
Choosing the right light switch can enhance your home's functionality, convenience, and energy efficiency. Whether planning a remodel or just updating a few fixtures, explore these popular switch types to find the perfect fit, and let Ongaro & Sons handle the expert installation.
Single & Multi-Pole Switches
When you think of a light switch, this probably comes to mind. It is a small plastic pole that sticks out of the wall, and it has two options: on and off. A single-pole switch allows you to turn the lights on or off from one outlet/location. Double, three-way, and four-way switches, on the other hand, give you two, three, and four outlets/locations to control the lights from, respectively.
Dimmer Switches
Are you looking to set the mood? Dimmer switches can help with that, they allow you to adjust the lighting to your desired brightness level. There are a few different models. Rotary dimmer switches are circular knobs, rotate them to adjust the brightness and push them in to turn the light off. Sliding dimmers have a more rectangular appearance and have a slider for toggling the brightness.
Occupancy Sensors
You've seen them in public restrooms, but occupancy sensors are also an excellent option for your home. They detect motion, which causes the light in a room to turn on. After they detect that the room is empty, they turn the light back off for you. The result is long-term savings from reducing your utility bills.
Smart Switches
Want to control your lights conveniently using your smartphone? Smart switches connect to your Wi-Fi. You can adjust them using your smartphone or through voice commands. They can also be programmed to power off automatically, helping you save money on your monthly electric bill.
What Types of Light Fixtures Can You Install?
Light fixtures help light bulbs illuminate a room. They come in endless shapes, sizes, and looks. Rustic, modern, simple, or fancy, we're sure you can find a design that enhances your living space.
Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures
A timeless choice, ceiling-mounted fixtures attach directly to the ceiling and feature a protective shade, usually made of glass or plastic, to diffuse the light. They're ideal for general lighting in bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms.
Recessed Fixtures
Recessed light fixtures are low-profile lights that sit flush with the ceiling, making them great for modern, clean designs. The light bulb is housed in a small opening and covered with a lens that diffuses light evenly across the room, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers add elegance and drama to any space, particularly dining rooms, entryways, and living rooms. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, they provide both decorative appeal and ambient lighting.
Track Lighting
Versatile and directional, track lighting features adjustable heads mounted along a rail. You can reposition each light to highlight artwork, brighten workspaces, or spotlight architectural features, perfect for kitchens, home offices, and studios.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting includes wall sconces, cove lighting, and soffit lighting. These fixtures add warmth and visual interest by emphasizing design elements, creating layers of light, and enhancing your home's mood and style.
Outdoor Lighting
From porch lights to landscape illumination, outdoor lighting enhances safety and curb appeal. Choose motion-activated or smart lighting options to boost security and reduce energy usage while keeping your pathways and entry points well-lit.
Schedule Your Light Switches & Fixtures Service
Don't leave lighting issues unresolved. Turn to our reliable electricians to upgrade, replace, or install modern, energy-efficient light fixtures and convenient light switches and controls. We proudly serve Corte Madera, Strawberry, Marin City, Valley Ford, Napa, and surrounding cities in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Call us now at 415-741-2820 or book your appointment online.
Your Comfort, Our Priority
Ongaro & Sons is your trusted heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and solar expert, specializing in reliable maintenance and repair services that keep your home running efficiently year-round.
Our certified technicians deliver unmatched expertise with fast, friendly service across Marin, Sonoma and Napa County. From HVAC tune-ups to plumbing repairs and electrical upgrades or solar solutions, we focus on energy-efficient performance and long-term comfort. Count on us to maintain the systems that power your home and keep your environment just the way you like it.
Licensed, Insured, Background-Checked
Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and trained to service all makes and models.
Locally Owned and Operated
Serving the Napa, Marin, and Sonoma communities with personalized, hometown service.
Reliable Repairs
We respond quickly and get the job done right the first time, with no surprises.
Since 1932
Why Ongaro & Sons for Light Switches and Fixtures
Small jobs, but they are where older wiring problems tend to surface first.
Schedule Service →What is behind the plate gets checked
Backstabbed connections, missing grounds and no neutral are all common in this housing stock. A switch swap is the moment those are found and corrected.
Fixture weight and box rating matched
A heavy fixture on a box not rated to carry it is a common and avoidable failure. Ceiling fans in particular need a fan-rated box.
Smart switch compatibility confirmed first
Many smart switches need a neutral at the box. We check before you buy rather than after.
Dimmer and lamp combinations verified
Flicker and hum are almost always a compatibility issue rather than a faulty part.
Licensed electrical work, not a handyman fix
Ongaro & Sons holds C-10 and has been in the North Bay since 1932.
Discount
Membership
Ongaro Maintenance Plans
Annual maintenance on your home systems provides safeguards and comfort to you and your family. Members get priority scheduling, discounts, and proactive checkups that catch problems early.
Member Discounts
5% off every repair and replacement, all year long.
Peace of Mind
Proactive checkups catch issues before they become big problems.
Courtesy Reminders
We call you to schedule: never miss a seasonal service.
Value That Lasts
With Ongaro & Sons, you’re investing in quality, integrity, and service that stands the test of time. Explore our current promotions and see the difference real value makes for your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs.
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Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Can I install a ceiling fan where a light fixture is?
Often, yes, but the electrical box must be rated for fan support. A licensed electrician can verify and safely install the fan.
Can you replace outdoor fixtures with motion-sensor lights?
Yes, motion-sensor or dusk-to-dawn lights are great for security and energy savings. We’ll ensure compatibility with your wiring and location.
Do you install landscape lighting?
Yes, we design and install weather-resistant, energy-efficient landscape lighting to enhance safety and curb appeal.
Do you install smart switches and lights?
Absolutely, we install smart home lighting systems that can be controlled via phone, voice assistant, or automation schedules.
What’s the best lighting for energy efficiency?
LED lighting offers the longest lifespan and highest efficiency for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Why does my light flicker when I use the switch?
Flickering can result from loose wiring, a faulty switch, or incompatible dimmer controls. We’ll diagnose and fix the issue to prevent bigger problems.