Swap Out Dated Fluorescent Lights for Modern LEDs in Your Kitchen
Is your kitchen still illuminated by the harsh, headache-inducing glow of fluorescent lighting? If so, it may be time for an upgrade. Fluorescent bulbs have been the go-to for utilitarian kitchen lighting for decades, but modern LED technology now offers a better solution.
LED (light-emitting diode) lights provide brighter, clearer illumination that makes working in the kitchen a pleasure instead of a chore. With better light quality and a huge range of style options, LEDs can transform your cooking space from drab to fab.
Assess Your Current Kitchen Lighting Situation
If your kitchen is lit by fluorescent tubes or bulbs that are more than a few years old, replacing them with LEDs can make a world of difference. Here are some signs it's time for an upgrade:
- Flickering or buzzing lights
- Dim, gloomy illumination
- Harsh, headache-inducing light
- Yellow or green-tinged light
- Old, outdated light fixture styles
Fluorescent lights start to degrade quickly, producing less light while consuming the same amount of energy. Within a couple years, fluorescent bulbs lose significant brightness. Plus, the quality of light diminishes over time, resulting in that sickly greenish or yellowish glow that feels so unappealing in a kitchen.
In contrast, LED kitchen lighting provides bright, vibrant illumination with excellent color rendering for tasks like cooking and cleaning. With no humming, flickering, or delay in reaching full brightness, high-quality LEDs deliver superior lighting instantly. And LED bulbs maintain their high light output and crisp white tones for years of quality illumination.
Benefits of Replacing Fluorescents with LEDs
Some key benefits of switching to LED kitchen lighting include:
- Energy savings - LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and about 35% less than fluorescents.
- Longer lifespan - LEDs can last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs and 5-8 times longer than CFLs.
- Improved light quality - LEDs provide cleaner, clearer light compared to the green/yellow tinge of fluorescents.
- Superior color rendering - Items appear closer to their true color under LED lights.
- Wide range of options - LED lighting comes in countless styles, from recessed to pendant lights.
- Smart capabilities - Many LEDs can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants.
- Instant illumination - No flickering, humming, or warm-up time like fluorescents.
- Durability - LEDs contain no glass components or fragile filaments.
- Eco-friendly - LEDs contain no toxic mercury like CFLs.
Safety First When Doing Electrical Work
Replacing light fixtures involves electrical work, so safety should always come first. Here are some tips:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker before starting.
- Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
- Follow local electrical codes and regulations.
- Make sure wires are properly connected and enclosed.
- Consider having an electrician do the installation if unsure.
- Use a fiberglass ladder when working on ceiling lights.
- Work with a partner who can hold a ladder or flashlight.
Protect yourself and your home by putting safety first. Taking a few simple precautions will allow you to upgrade your kitchen lighting with confidence.
Choosing New LED Fixtures and Bulbs
One of the best parts of switching to LED kitchen lighting is the myriad style options. Here are some factors to consider when selecting new fixtures and bulbs:
Lighting Fixture Styles
- Recessed lighting - Recessed can lights provide even overall illumination.
- Pendant lighting - Pendants hang over islands or counters for focused task lighting.
- Track lighting - Tracks allow you to aim spotlights for accent lighting.
- Under cabinet lighting - Under cabinet LED strips illuminate countertops perfectly.
- Surface mount lighting - Minimalist surface mounted lights blend into modern kitchens.
Buying Considerations for LED Bulbs
- Lumens - Lumens indicate brightness, so choose enough for your needs.
- Light color - Pick from warm white to cool daylight color temperatures.
- Beam angle - Narrow beams spotlight tasks while wide ones provide ambient light.
- Dimmable - Dimmable LEDs allow you to control brightness as needed.
- Smart options - Choose smart bulbs to control lighting with your phone.
Consider your kitchen's size, layout, and personal lighting preferences to select LED fixtures and bulbs that provide the perfect illumination for cooking and studying.
Our Top LED Lighting Recommendations
Based on reviews and performance, here are our top LED lighting picks for kitchen upgrades:
- Philips Hue for color-changing smart bulbs
- Cree and Commercial Electric for affordable recessed lighting
- WAC Lighting for stunning pendant lights
- V-TAC for under cabinet lighting
- Sengled for budget-friendly smart bulbs
- GE Relax for reliable LED bulbs
With these lighting brands, you can't go wrong upgrading your kitchen fluorescents to long-lasting LEDs.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Once you've selected your new LED kitchen lighting fixtures, it's time to install them. Follow these steps to safely swap out old fluorescent lights for new LEDs:
Materials Needed
- New LED light fixture
- Wire strippers
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
- Ladder
- Screwdriver
- Voltage tester
Turn Off Power at the Breaker
Start by switching off electricity to the kitchen light circuit at your home's breaker box. Verify power is off with a voltage tester before proceeding.
Remove the Old Fluorescent Fixture
Next, follow these steps to take down the outdated fluorescent fixture:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the fixture cover and fluorescent tubes or bulbs.
- Disconnect wiring from fixture terminals and unscrew mounting brackets.
- Carefully bring down the fluorescent light fixture.
- Inspect wires for damage and ensure no live wires are exposed.
Install the New LED Fixture
Now you're ready to install the new, energy-saving LED light. Follow these steps:
- Connect new LED wires to existing wiring in the ceiling using wire nuts.
- Screw mounting brackets into ceiling and attach LED fixture.
- Neatly tuck all wires into electrical box in ceiling.
- Attach LED fixture cover and insert new bulbs or tubes.
- Turn power back on at circuit breaker and test that new light works.
For recessed or hardwired fixtures, extra installation steps may be required. Consult an electrician if needed.
Bask in Your Bright, New LED Kitchen Lighting!
Once installed, fire up your kitchen's new LED lighting and admire the difference. No more squinting or headaches! With bright, energy-efficient illumination, cooking and prepping is a pleasure.
Enhance Lighting with Additional Fixtures
While replacing the main ceiling light with an LED fixture will vastly improve your kitchen's illumination, you can amplify the lighting even more by installing supplementary fixtures.
Under Cabinet Lighting
One of the most popular additions is LED under cabinet lighting. Installing LED strip lights underneath upper cabinets provides perfect task lighting for countertops, illuminating food prep areas without shadows. Under cabinet lighting also adds a modern, stylish allure to any kitchen.
Accent and Decorative Lighting
Consider adding accent lighting like track lights or pendant lights over a kitchen island to highlight these features. Accent lighting adds style while also providing supplemental illumination right where you need it most.
Create a Complete Kitchen Lighting Plan
Strategically layering ambient, task, and accent lighting ensures your kitchen is brightly lit for both functionality and style. Mixing pendant lights over an island with recessed LEDs in the ceiling and under cabinet LED strips creates a comprehensive lighting plan that allows you to cook and entertain in comfort.
Ditching outdated fluorescent kitchen lighting for new, energy-efficient LED fixtures provides brighter, more comfortable illumination for cooking and entertaining. With their long lifespan, energy savings, and beautiful light quality, LEDs are perfect for modern kitchen upgrades.
Replacing fluorescent kitchen lighting is an easy project that most homeowners can tackle over the course of a weekend. And you'll reap the benefits in terms of reduced electrical bills and improved lighting for years to come.
This handy guide will help you swap outdated fluorescent kitchen lights for brilliant new LEDs. So go ahead and treat yourself to a kitchen lighting makeover! In just a day or two, you'll be cooking and socializing in the glow of long-lasting, eco-friendly LEDs.