Kitchen fluorescents

This is primarily an upgrade on lighting control and quality. I added the convenience of 3-way switches. So now there's no more having to go across the kitchen to turn off lights. I'm also continuing to change out the old beige toggles for these white Decoras.

Originally it was four 40W tubes for a total of 160W. These six 26W recessed cans are actually more efficient. The room is brighter. Careful placement helps. Maybe it's just the new bulbs. I've determined that 3500K color temperature looks best for the kitchen. 3000K is more appropriate for a bedroom or living room, while 4100K seems better for a garage or storage.

Centralized attic wiring above the kitchen had me replacing the laundry light, too. That makes seven cans. It also meant that adding a skylight would be much more involved than I had originally thought, so now that idea is chucked.

I found the best price for these Juno ICPL526E fluorescents (with 216WHZ-WH trim) at Laner Electric in Richmond -- for $40.51 and $25.84, respectively. The Sylvania bulbs, however, were ordered online from 1000bulbs.com for $7.95 each. Total cost, including Romex, splice boxes, supplies and a new pair of pliers, came to $660.

Just in time for the holidays.