Fluorescent Fixtures Dated? Replace Kitchen Lights Fast

Fluorescent lighting was once the most popular choice for brightening kitchens. The long tubular bulbs were valued for their energy efficiency and low cost. But most fluorescent kitchen lighting fixtures are now painfully outdated.

Dated fluorescent lights can make a kitchen feel cold and harsh. The bulbs have an unnatural bluish-green tint that is unflattering to skin tones and food. Fluorescent fixtures often flicker and buzz annoyingly. They provide inconsistent lighting that makes cooking more difficult.

Thankfully, replacing fluorescent kitchen lighting with something more modern is a relatively straightforward project. With improved lighting technology like LEDs, you can easily upgrade your kitchen to be brighter, warmer, and more stylish.

Assess Your Current Fluorescent Fixtures

The first step in replacing your kitchen fluorescent lighting is to take a hard look at the existing fixtures. Make notes on the type of housing, the number and length of bulbs, and how the ballast is configured.

Common fluorescent housing types include recessed boxes, surface-mounted panels, and plastic wraparound covers. The bulbs are generally 4 foot or 8 foot tubes. Older electromagnetic ballasts may need to be removed and replaced with electronic ballasts.

While assessing the fluorescent setup, take note of any issues like flickering, dimming, starting problems, and audible buzzing or humming. Aside from appearance, these problems are good reasons to replace aging fluorescents with something more modern.

Popular Lighting Options to Replace Fluorescents

You have several options for improving kitchen lighting by replacing outdated fluorescents. Here are some of the most popular choices:

LED Tube Lights

For a relatively easy upgrade, consider new LED tube lights. These are designed to replace traditional fluorescent tubes. Benefits of LED tube lights include:

• Provide a brighter, whiter light than fluorescents
• More natural color rendering that shows food accurately
• No flickering, humming, or buzzing
• Install directly into existing fluorescent fixtures
• Last longer with no bulb replacement needed
• Use less energy than fluorescents

Make sure to get LED tube lights with the right length and base type for your existing fluorescent fixture. Most include simple connectors to wire into the existing ballast.

Recessed LED Lighting

For a more dramatic lighting transformation, consider replacing the fluorescent fixture box with recessed LED lighting cans:

• Create a clean, seamless look with no fixture hanging down
• Direct light where you need it without glare or hot spots
• Dimmable for controlling ambiance and brightness
• Choose color temperature from warm to super bright daylight

Installing recessed lighting involves cutting holes in the ceiling for the can housings. Hiring an electrician is recommended to ensure proper wiring and placement.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Task lighting is key for food prep areas and counters. Consider under cabinet lighting:

• Illuminates countertops without shadows
• Hardwired or plug-in options available
• Slim LED strips or puck lights install easily
• Match with existing cabinetry or go for a pop of color

Combine under cabinet lighting with recessed ceiling lights to cover both overall and task lighting needs in the kitchen.

Pendant Lights

For a decorative look, hang pendant lights over a kitchen island or dining area:

• Wide variety of pendant styles fit any kitchen aesthetic
• Hang at proper height for ambient lighting
• Typically 3-5 pendants provide ideal lighting
• Choose same or mixed styles for visual interest

Hiring an electrician is recommended to install the wiring and hang the pendant fixtures at the desired placement and height.

Hiring an Electrician for Help

Basic fluorescent light replacements like tube LEDs can potentially be DIYed. But for more complex projects involving new wiring or fixtures, consider hiring a professional electrician.

Reasons you may want help from an electrician include:

• Installing recessed lighting or pendant fixtures
• Removing old fluorescent ballasts and wiring new LED drivers
• Moving existing electrical boxes or running new wiring
• Cutting holes and installing recessed cans safely
• Ensuring lighting circuit has proper amperage
• Connecting multiple lights to existing switches

Expect to pay around $100 per hour for residential electrician services. Obtain several quotes before hiring.

Removing the Fluorescent Fixture

Once you have the replacement lights selected, it's time to remove the old fluorescent fixture. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off power to the fixture at the breaker box
2. Remove the fixture cover and any diffusers
3. Disconnect the fluorescent tubes from the ballast
4. Unscrew the ballast and disconnect all wiring
5. Unscrew mounting braces and carefully lower fixture
6. Patch holes as needed with drywall mud

Work slowly when disconnecting old fluorescent ballasts, as capacitors can hold stored electricity. Have replacement LED tube lights or new fixtures ready to install next.

Finishing Ceiling Repairs and Painting

Once the fluorescent fixture is removed, you'll likely have some ceiling repairs to address. Here are tips for getting the ceiling prepped and painted:

• Fill any cracks or holes wider than 1/4" with drywall joint compound
• Spread joint compound smoothly over seams using a drywall knife
• Sand once dry until smooth and eliminate any texture differences
• Wipe dust with a dry cloth and apply primer to sealed areas
• Paint entire ceiling with fresh white or colored paint
• Cut in edges with brush, then roll paint using a 3/8" nap roller

Choosing a semi-gloss or high sheen ceiling paint will help reflect more light from new fixtures. Be sure to use painter's tape to protect walls and cabinets.

Replacing outdated fluorescent kitchen lighting with new LED fixtures or pendants can make a huge difference in the feel of your space. The kitchen will look updated and feel brighter.

Test out the new layout before doing final installation. Adjust placements or try different bulbs as needed to get the perfect amount and quality of light in your updated kitchen.

Group lighting in zones for different activities. Bright white light over food prep areas, warm light for dining, and fun pops of color for accent. By replacing fluorescents fast, you'll love cooking and entertaining in your fresh, newly illuminated kitchen in no time!