RECESSED LIGHTING

Recessed lighting can replace the existing out dated lighting in your home with highly decorative new energy efficient ambient lighting. Recessed fixtures are embedded into the ceiling and provide dramatic, low profile illumination using fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, or LED bulbs.

Before replacing your existing lighting consider the following options for a recessed lighting system;

Remodel Fixtures vs. New Construction Fixtures

Remodel fixtures are smaller in size than new construction fixtures and are made to be installed in areas where access to the ceiling above may be limited. New construction fixtures are larger, but also made to be installed directly onto a framing beam within the attic making for a more stable and solid installation.

IC vs. Non-IC Housings

IC stands for insulation contact, and means that the housing of the recessed light may touch insulation within the ceiling while in operation. Non-IC housings should be installed at least 3 inches from any insulation as they may generate too much heat and ignite the insulation while operating.For cramped or cold spaces, IC housings will not disrupt the insulation of the house, keeping the lit space beneath comfortable year-round.

Line vs. Low Voltage

Line voltage lighting fixtures are connected directly to the electrical system in the house without the need for a transformer. These types of recessed lighting models can be installed with light bulbs up to 150 watts and work best in high ceilings or for general room lighting. Low voltage fixtures can have a dimmer installed to manipulate the amount of light coming from the fixture, working well as energy-efficient accent lights.

Trim Sizes

Trim is the visible portion of light coming from the opening of a fixture, and is mainly a choice of personal preference. Larger trim sizes can be up to 6 inches across and can cast a very broad area of light. Smaller trim sizes down to 3 inches across are commonly seen as more modern and can highlight a specific area quite well.

Trim Styles

A variety of trim styles are available to match the desired application of a recessed lighting system, from maximizing the amount of light from each fixture to diffusing the light into a soft glow seemingly from elsewhere.

• Baffle Trim: Used to reduce glare, and avoid the look of black-holes in the ceiling.
• Reflector Trim: Maximizes the amount of light from the bulb. These are best used in kitchen or commercial applications.
• Adjustable Trim: Provides ability to angle and aim the light to highlight artwork or spotlight specific areas in the room.
• Lens Trim: Protects the light bulb from moisture and is best used in bathrooms, showers, or areas of high humidity.
• Wall Wash Trim: This trim directs light onto a nearby wall to bounce off brightening the room while also softening the “feel” of the light.