The Basics Of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has become quite popular during the past few years. Its modern design and a subtle way to light an area has made it an appealing choice for discriminating homeowners and those remodeling their current home. There are no wires to conceal or exposed surfaces to dust. Besides changing the bulbs, recessed lighting is virtually maintenance free. This type of lighting is also called can or pot lighting because it is embedded in the ceiling (or sometimes in the wall) and is contained in a cylindrical container.
Depending on the desired effect, this type of lighting can provide diffused lighting or a focused effect. In other words, recessed lighting can be used to accent or to provide general, broad lighting to a fairly large area.
There are several appealing reasons to consider the purchase of this type of lighting. Recessed lights provide focused illumination and give you an uncluttered look. Unlike other types of lighting, recessed lights are virtually invisible until they are turned on. They can be used in a variety of places in your home including over the dining room table and to highlight some particular special features such as artwork. Reflectors are frequently used to increase light production and baffles can also be installed and will minimize the glare factor and moderate brightness.
When recessed fixtures are the sole source of lighting for a particular room, you should position one fixture for each 25 to 30 square feet of floor space. When considering ambient lighting, floodlight reflector bulbs are a good choice while spotlight reflector bulbs should be used when focused, accent lighting is desired.
For economy, you should consider halogen or incandescent fixtures. Fluorescent fixtures are best for high ceilings and also provide the added benefit of energy efficiency. Focused, accent lighting can be obtained by using low voltage housings.
Installation is the major issue to consider when looking at installing recessed lighting.
Installing this type of lighting in a new house is reasonably easy and straightforward. Before the drywall is installed on the ceiling, a bracket is fixed to the ceiling joists using nails or screws. The actual metal housing containing the lights are then attached to the bracket. The housing is positioned so that it will be flush with the drywall.
In many new homes, the recessed fixture must be heatproof because of ceiling insulation. If you are remodeling and your ceilings are insulated, be sure to buy what is called IC or insulation contact rated housings. To increase energy efficiency, shop for housings that are airtight.
If you are considering a non-IC housing, keep in mind that you must maintain at least a ½ inch distance from any combustible material and a 3-inch distance from thermal insulation.
When remodeling a ceiling to install recessed lighting it’s necessary to remove the drywall from the area to allow the housing to be attached to the joists. Many manufacturers are making units designed as retrofit kits. These retrofit units make the job much easier (and less messy). A template is typically provided and allows you to pencil in an outline of the correct size of the required opening. Simply cut out the drywall to create the opening and install the housing. Another important consideration in installing recessed lighting is the wiring required. Unless you are skilled in doing electrical work, it’s best to hire a licensed professional for this part of the job.
You may have a home with older recessed lighting that you want to convert to low-voltage lighting. Fortunately, nearly all manufacturers make retrofit kits that include transformers that will convert standard house current to the required 12-volt power used by low-voltage units. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per fixture for these retrofit kits but remember that in the long run, the cost savings will compensate for this initial expense.
Most major home centers have a wide variety of recessed lighting units as well as retrofit kits. You can also surf the Internet for additional information or to buy on-line.
LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for Westinghouse recessed lighting for the home. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount recessed lighting fixtures, visit us at LightnBreezy.com.
Tags: fixtures, lighting, recessed
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