How to Choose Recessed Lighting

How to Choose Recessed Lighting

Determine what type of housings you'll need. If you're building a new home or office, you'll need housings specifically designed for New Construction. If you're replacing an old recessed light, or adding to an existing structure, you'll need a Remodeling, or Old Construction, housing. Once you've narrowed your search this way, consider these options:

• Ceiling Insulation (IC, Non-IC): If your ceiling is insulated, you'll need IC rated housings. If your ceiling is not insulated, you may use either IC or non-IC rated housings.

• Air Tight/Energy Efficient: These are energy-saving, and are an evolving trend across the country. Traditionally, Recessed Lighting has been manufactured with many penetrations to the outer housing allowing heat or cooled air to escape into the ceiling space. This creates an unnecessary strain on heating and cooling systems, ultimately resulting in higher than needed electric and gas bills. To find out if your state has an energy code, refer to the map below, and remember: Air Tight Ready fixtures are not air tight, they require certain trims or a field-installable gasket kit to cover the holes in the product.

• UL/CUL Damp Locations: A Damp Location is an area that is exposed to moisture, but not directly to water. Keep an eye out for items noted as UL or UL/CUL listed. These products are the safest bets for showers, kitchens, or any other area that might be exposed to moisture.

Consider your trim. Trims come in all different colors and styles, and are the only part of Recessed Lighting that is visible. When purchasing trims, make sure the trim you choose corresponds with your current or new housing. There are several types of trims:

• Baffles: Baffles trap and shape the light, ultimately minimizing glare and reducing brightness by narrowing the focus of the downlighting beam. They also provide control for R, BR, and PAR lamps. (See lamp details below)

• Reflectors: Reflectors maximize light output. These trims are ideal for general, accent, and task applications for both residential and commercial needs.

• Wall Washers: Wall Washers emphasize vertical surfaces and visually increase the perceived size of a room. Aim wall washers toward pictures, fireplaces, or wall hangings.

• Lenses and Diffusers: Lenses and Diffusers are ideal for closets, bathrooms, and covered porches to diffuse light and shield the lamp.

• Eyeballs and Adjustable: Eyeballs provide adjustable and directional lighting suitable for accent, task, and wall washing.

• Open: Open trims are the most economical choice for Recessed Lighting. They create an attractive finished look without compromising the efficiency of the light source.

• Decorative: Decorative trims are a great way to give a room or space a stylish boost. They're all UL listed for damp locations, and accommodate a number of lamp types.