Yesterday’s utilitarian fluorescent light fixtures have been replaced by stylish new energy-efficient ones that come in virtually every shape and size and are designed for every room of the house. When we replaced our fixture in the kitchen with a new fluorescent one, the comments ranged from, “Did you do new wallpaper in here?” to “I never noticed how big this room was.” So a simple fixture change can generate illuminating results.
We found that an electrician will charge about $70 to replace a fixture. But if there’s already an electrical line to a ceiling box, you can make the swap yourself for approximately $40–the cost of a moderately priced fixture–and save about 40 percent. The replacement job is relatively easy, assuming you have some basic electrical skills and tools. You’ll need some electrical tape, a screwdriver, a pair of wire snippers and a ladder. The project involves first removing the old light fixture, then disconnecting the wires that supply the fixture with power, along with the ground wire. To install the new one you basically do this process in reverse.
Remember to turn off the power to the circuit serving the light at the main service panel before you begin.
And if you’re giving the ceiling a face-lift with a new coat of paint, do the painting after removing the old fixture and before installing the new one.
