Can lighting is a popular choice for illuminating a home. They are commonly used in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. They are also perfect for outdoor spaces, like porches and patios.
The key to choosing the right recessed lighting for your needs is to select the best housing, trim type, and light bulb. We’ve created a buyer’s guide that helps you make these important decisions.
Using recessed lighting in your home can be a great way to illuminate a room while still keeping your ceilings uncluttered. However, it’s not without its challenges.
Recessed lighting fixtures require holes in the ceiling or walls for the housing to sit inside. Unfortunately, these holes allow air to escape from the housing. This can lead to heat problems, as well as a higher risk of fire. To ensure a safe installation, look for airtight housing.
Remodel housing is designed specifically for putting recessed lighting in pre-existing ceilings. Whether you have a new construction home or are remodeling a room in your current home, this option will give you the chance to install recessed lighting in your ceiling.
There are many types of recessed lighting, but the primary ones include new construction, remodel, insulation contact (IC), non-IC, airtight, shallow ceiling, and slope ceiling housing. Each one has its own unique benefits and features.
IC rated housing is ideal for installing can lights in ceilings where insulation is present, as they will prevent the light from contacting the insulation and causing a fire. In addition, they are often cheaper than non-IC rated housing.
Non-IC rated housing isn’t as expensive as IC rated, but it can cause issues with the fixture itself. If the housing isn’t insulated, hot or cold air will leak out of it, making the lights less effective. This is especially true if the home has a vaulted ceiling, which can be particularly difficult to insulate.
In addition, non-IC rated housings aren’t suitable for installation in attics. When insulation is installed around the housing, it will glow due to the light shining through the ventilation holes in the housing.
If you plan on installing can lighting in your home, it’s a good idea to choose halogen or LED light bulbs for your fixtures. These types of light bulbs use much less energy than incandescent and CFL light bulbs, saving you money on your utility bills over time.
When selecting a light bulb, consider its function and style as well as your room’s overall decor. For example, if you want to use the light for general illumination, select a light bulb that is bright enough to cast a broad glow throughout your space.
Another important factor to consider is your budget. In addition to the cost of the fixture itself, you should also consider the installation costs and potential labor costs.
The installation of a recessed lighting fixture can be an expensive project, so it’s important to do your research before buying. You’ll find that the more you know about the process and the products you’re purchasing, the easier it will be to complete your project on time and within your budget.
