Have you become disenchanted with the large, recessed, fluorescent, ceiling-light fixture in your kitchen? If so, we know some possible reasons why: It could be the spider webs and mummified insects on the diffuser lens. Or perhaps a flicker that constantly pulsates from the fluorescent tubes. Or a low level buzz.

If this is happening in your home, fear not. All is not lost.

Try changing the bulbs (not just one) before attempting our repair suggestion. Changing one bulb in a fixture that has two bulbs in many cases will not solve the problem, even if the problem is a bad bulb. The only way to determine if bulbs are the problem is to replace all the old ones with new ones. There are other advantages to changing both bulbs at once. Better color balance and more uniform lighting.

Fluorescent light fixtures are energy-efficient. They provide extremely even lighting and the bulbs seem to last forever. In most fluorescent fixtures, this is made possible by a long, narrow, tar-filled little black box called a ballast unit. But, there is a trade-off.

Eventually, many ballast units go haywire and have to be replaced. In a modern screw-in fluorescent fixture that has the ballast unit in the bulb, replacing the ballast is as simple as changing the light bulb. The same is not true for built-in ceiling light fixtures.

So here goes. Caution: Never work on electrical fixtures unless the power has been turned off at the electric panel.

First, and one at a time, remove the lenses between you and the fluorescent fixtures by lifting one side of the lens, tilting it slightly and then sliding it out of the frame at an angle.

These lenses are sometimes flimsy. So, be careful. Rough handling could easily break one. Remember, you don't often have these lenses down, so take advantage of the situation and wash them on both sides with glass cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water. Don't forget that plastic lenses are easily scratched, so use a very soft cloth to wipe the excess cleaner.

Next, make the bulb test. We will assume that it failed. Remove the light bulbs.

The housing on the lower side of the fixture is removable in most cases. If retaining clips exist at either end of the fixture, remove them and the cover will easily slip off. If no retaining clips are visible, slide the cover to one end and the other end of the cover will drop, allowing the cover to be removed.

The ballast will have several colored wires coming out of it. Cut the wires coming from the ballast and remove either one or two retaining screws. Once the screws are removed the ballast will probably drop into your hand. If not, a slight tug should do the trick.

Use the old ballast to act as your guide for purchase of a new one. Chances are you will have to go to an electric supply store to get the correct part. Most hardware stores and home centers do not stock ballast units.

Reverse the procedure and enjoy even, quiet lighting. The only cost is a few hours of your time, about $8 for the ballast and about $4 for each fluorescent bulb.