- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
Bay City
- (989) 778-2500
Traverse City
- (989) 778-2500
- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
- (989) 778-2500
- (231) 778-2501
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Bay City
Traverse City
Whether it’s a light that won’t turn on, a switch that feels loose, or a buzzing dimmer that drives you crazy, light switch issues are more than just annoying—they can be signs of a bigger electrical concern.
At BTE Electric, we help homeowners upgrade, repair, and troubleshoot light switches of all types. From standard single-pole switches to multi-location smart lighting controls, we do the job right—and we explain why something needs fixing in plain English.
Most homeowners call us when:
Switches might seem simple, but they’re directly tied to the safety and performance of your electrical system. A failing switch can mean:
If your switches are failing—or just outdated—BTE can replace them quickly, cleanly, and safely.
ANSWER: We install and repair all major types of residential switches, including:
We’ll walk you through what each type does and help you choose what’s best for your space and lifestyle.
ANSWER: A question we get from homeowners all the time is:
“Should I upgrade to smart switches, or stick with regular ones?”
The answer depends on how you use your lights—and how much control you want over them.
Traditional switches are simple, affordable, and reliable. You flip the switch, the light comes on. That’s it. For many rooms, this is all you need—and if you’re replacing a faulty switch or adding one to a garage or basement, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it basic.
Smart switches, on the other hand, offer a lot more flexibility. You can control your lights remotely from your phone, set them on timers or schedules, integrate them with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant, and even automate them based on motion or occupancy. They’re especially useful for exterior lighting, vacation homes, or anyone who wants to make their home more efficient and secure.
That said, smart switches sometimes require a neutral wire—and not all homes (especially older ones) are wired for that. We’ll help you determine whether your home is compatible and recommend smart switches that will work with your system if you decide to go that route.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just want things to work without complication, BTE Electric will walk you through the pros and cons of each option—and we’ll never push you into a product you don’t need.
ANSWER: Here’s a typical range for light switch work (prices can vary based on access and type of switch):
And yes—we’ll always inspect the wiring behind the switch to make sure there are no loose, overheated, or unsafe connections hiding behind the wall.
ANSWER: If you have two switches that control the same light—like at the top and bottom of a staircase or in a hallway—you’re using a 3-way switch setup. But sometimes we get calls from homeowners who say:
“The light only works if both switches are in the right position. Isn’t it supposed to work from either switch?”
Yes—it is. When it doesn’t, that usually means the traveler wires are reversed, or something in the wiring wasn’t connected correctly during a replacement or previous repair. It’s a common issue we see when someone installs a new switch without understanding how 3-way circuits work.
The fix is quick for a licensed electrician, but it can cause a lot of head-scratching and inconvenience until it’s corrected. If your lights don’t behave the way they should, BTE Electric can identify and correct the wiring safely—and make sure your switches work the way they were intended to.
ANSWER: Yes, malfunctioning switches can cause electrical shocks, fires, or circuit damage if they spark or overheat. Old or improperly installed switches may not meet current safety standards. Bierlein-Trombley Electric ensures your switches are installed or repaired to National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, keeping your home safe.
ANSWER: Homeowners choose us and we are trusted because:
Need to match a designer finish or want your switches grouped cleanly with new covers? We do that too.
A failing switch might be trying to tell you something. Don’t wait until it sparks or stops working altogether. Call BTE Electric today for fast, professional switch replacement or upgrade options. We’ll get your lights working exactly the way you want—and leave you with peace of mind that everything behind the wall is safe and sound.