Choosing a Recessed Downlight
Recessed lighting can have a dramatic impact on the ambiance of a room. They can be installed in new or existing ceilings and come in multiple trim styles to manipulate light.
They can be used for general illumination or as accents for walls, artwork and furniture. Here are some tips to consider when choosing the right recessed downlight for your project.
Size
Choosing the right size recessed downlight is important. It will determine how much light is emitted and whether it is enough for the room. In addition, it will also influence the price of the recessed downlight. There are a variety of different sizes, from small to large, so you will need to choose one that will suit your space and budget.
Recessed lighting, also called can lights or downlights, is a metal light fixture that is mounted inside an opening in the ceiling. They are used in residential and commercial spaces to add a modern look to the space while providing functional lighting. There are a number of benefits to using recessed lighting, including that it is very easy to install and provides a lot of light in a smaller footprint.
There are many choices when it comes to recessed lighting, including the size and type of bulb used. Most come with instructions from the manufacturer on suggested bulbs, which makes choosing the right option easier. There are also a variety of trim options available for the fixture, so you can choose one that will match your décor.
If you are planning to install a new recessed light, it is best to hire an electrician to do the work. This is because a recessed light requires cutting a hole in the ceiling, wiring the fixture and connecting it to your home’s electrical system. It is possible to do this yourself if you have some experience with electric work, but it’s generally a good idea to have an electrician do the installation to ensure the work is done properly and safely.
The size of a recessed downlight is measured by the diameter of the cut-out in the ceiling (in inches) without the trim. There are many size choices, with 4- and 5-inch fixtures being popular for kitchens to provide overhead countertop lighting. 6-inch fixtures are common for general lighting, and 7- to 9-inch fixtures offer a wider wash of light. Some recessed downlights can even be tunable, allowing you to change the color temperature from within the junction box.
Aesthetics
The recessed downlight has become one of the most popular types of lighting in homes. It’s versatile, easy to install and can make a room look bigger and more spacious. It’s also a great way to highlight items in the space and add accents. But how do you know which style of recessed light to choose? The type of housing and trim you select will play a big role in how your recessed light looks.
The housing is a cylindrical metal can that houses the light bulb and other parts of the fixture, hiding it from view in the ceiling or wall. The trim is what you can customize to change the overall aesthetic of the fixture. There are many different styles of trim to fit your personal taste and desired effect.
There are flangeless trims for a sleek, unobtrusive look, baffle trims that have large grooves to absorb excess light and achieve a softer glow, or adjustable trims that can swivel to direct the light where you need it. The type of trim you choose can influence the amount and kind of light the fixture produces as well as how the fixture is perceived from outside the room.
Another factor to consider is regression. Some recessed lights have full regression, which means they are seated deep into the housing to minimize distracting glare. Others have little to no regression, which situates the light closer to the ceiling and can produce more glare.
Ambient lighting is the foundation of any lighting Recessed Downlight scheme and recessed downlights are a great option for providing it. They are less conspicuous, more cost-effective and less prone to vandalism than other types of fixtures such as pendants or surface luminaires.
In addition to their functionality, recessed downlights provide a more even source of light than surface luminaires which can create a shadowy area on the floor below them. The uniform light from recessed downlights also helps to reduce visual clutter and makes rooms feel larger and more spacious.
Recessed downlights can be lamp-based or integrated LED luminaires. Lamp-based downlights use a separate light bulb (GU10, MR16, PAR or R) which requires maintenance and can be more costly than integrated LED downlights. Lamp-based downlights are typically retrofit products or entry-level products. Integrated LED downlights, on the other hand, have their optical performance built into the light source.
Energy Efficiency
Recessed lights are more energy efficient than traditional ceiling light fixtures. Because they don’t require hanging or mounted fixtures to light a room, recessed downlights use less power and are better for homes on tight budgets. Also, recessed lighting is great for spaces that are difficult to light with other fixtures due to their compact design.
Another reason why recessed downlights are more energy efficient is because of the way they’re installed. They don’t hang down from the ceiling, which frees up space for other fixtures and allows for more efficient lighting because each fixture can be closer together without compromising brightness.
Since recessed lighting is designed to be close together, it’s important that the insulation around each fixture is up to par to prevent air leaks and energy loss. Spray foam insulation, such as “Great Stuff,” can be used to fill in any gaps and holes around the recessed downlights. This will make them more energy efficient and prevent any heat loss.
Another thing that can be done to improve a recessed downlight’s energy efficiency is to choose a low-energy bulb. Most recessed downlights come with standard incandescent bulbs, but LED bulbs are an excellent option for a more energy-efficient fixture that lasts longer and produces less heat.
In addition to choosing the right type of bulb, it’s important to install a recessed light with a housing and trim that is rated for wet locations if it’s in a bathroom or shower area. This will ensure that it’s safe to be installed in a wet location, and the fixture will not leak or be damaged by water or moisture.
It’s important to have recessed lights professionally installed to ensure that the wiring is connected properly, and the insulation is sealed. Since recessed lights are a part of the ceiling, they can be difficult to do DIY and should only be installed by a licensed electrician. They can help you choose the best fixture for your home, as well as install it correctly and safely. They can also help you save energy by using an app that will show you how much you’re saving each month!
Maintenance
If you’ve ever had to replace a recessed light bulb or are plagued by recessed lights that won’t stay in place on the ceiling, you know how annoying these problems can be. Fortunately, Petersen Electic in Tom’s River, New Jersey can help!
The most common problem is the spring clips that secure the fixture to a drywall ceiling. These can become brittle over time, resulting in them not holding the fixture Recessed Downlight securely or even allowing it to slide from one side to the other.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix and can be done by simply using a heavy-duty staple gun to jam one of the legs of a staple into the clip and then stapling it in place. The type of clip used will depend on your fixture’s trim style and brand. For instance, eyeball and gimbal trims typically use different types of spring clips.
Other problems may include the circuit breaker constantly tripping or the wall switch no longer working. These can be caused by incorrect wire connections or cross-connected wires.
A recessed downlight can also become hot, which causes the limit switch to turn it off automatically. This is usually because there is too much heat around the light and can be prevented by ensuring that there is enough insulation and space around the housing.
Ultimately, recessed downlights are an efficient way to add more lighting in a room while creating a more modern and attractive look. They’re also easy to keep clean and can be a great way to highlight an object or focal point in the room. However, it’s important to understand that installing these lights requires carpentry and electrical wiring experience. If you’re not confident in your ability to complete the project, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician.