Converting old recessed lights to LED is easy and cost-effective. The process involves replacing old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, changing the trim of your existing fixture, and in some cases, upgrading the junction box.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Start by turning off the power to your fixture at the circuit breaker.
2. Carefully remove the trim and light bulb from the can. Look to see if there is a junction box on the fixture or in the ceiling. If there is a junction box, check that it is rated for use with LED lights.
3. Once you’ve accessed the housing, unscrew the old incandescent bulb and replace it with an LED retrofit kit. Depending on the size of your can, you may need a 4” or 6” LED retrofit.
4. Finally, reinstall the trim and test your light to make sure it works properly.
It’s important to be mindful of some of the safety considerations that come with working with electricity, as well as with LED lighting. Make sure you double-check any connections before screwing them back in and turn off the power when working with the housing.
Additionally, make sure you purchase an LED kit that is compatible with your can size and rated for use with LEDs.
How much does it cost to convert lights to LED?
The cost of converting your lights to LED will depend on a variety of factors such as the type and number of lights, the installation labor and the price of the LED bulbs and fixtures themselves. In most cases, it will range from $50 to $500 per light depending on the factors mentioned.
Of course, for an accurate estimate, you’ll need to speak to a qualified contractor who is knowledgeable about your local building codes and energy efficiency standards.
When deciding if it’s worth converting your lights to LED, you should consider not only the upfront cost but also the significant energy savings, reduced maintenance costs and the long-term environmental benefits of LED lighting.
According to the Department of Energy, LED lights are much more efficient compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, and they are proven to last up to eight times as long. This means that you’ll save more money in the long run on your energy bills (and carbon savings!) as well as reducing your need to replace your lightbulbs on a regular basis.
Ultimately, the best way to accurately determine the cost of converting your lights to LED is to speak with a qualified contractor who knows all the energy saving regulations of your area and can work with you to find the most cost-effective solution for your project.
How do you upgrade recessed lighting?
Upgrading recessed lighting requires several steps.
1. First, turn off the power to the lighting fixtures from the circuit breaker. If you are not sure which breaker controls the lighting, it is best to turn off all of them.
2. Remove the trim, bulb and socket assembly from the recessed light housing. If the trim is mounted from above, you will need to unscrew the fixture from the housing.
3. Measure the diameter of the opening in the housing to ensure that you purchase the correct size of replacement trim and socket assembly.
4. Purchase the trim, socket and bulb that you need for the recessed light. Make sure that you select the proper wattage of bulb and the right trim that matches the rest of the home’s lighting.
5. Install the replacement trim into the housing and secure it with the provided screws.
6. Insert the bulb into the socket and make sure that the socket is properly secured to the housing.
7. Make the connections of the electrical wiring, if necessary.
8. Turn the power back on and test the light.
By following these steps, you can easily upgrade your recessed lighting. It is important to remember to turn the power off and use the appropriate bulb and trim for the housing to ensure your safety and get the desired lighting effect.
What can you replace recessed lights with?
When replacing recessed lights, you have several options to choose from. Energy-efficient LED downlights are the closest replacement to traditional recessed lights, as they provide bright, focused light and require minimal maintenance.
Their long-term cost savings make them a great choice for many homeowners. Alternatively, pendant lighting is another popular option. These lights are usually hung from the ceiling on a single cord or chain, producing a stronger, more decorative style than standard recessed lights.
They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so they can be easily customized to suit your décor. If you’re looking for something in between, track lighting is also a great choice. Track lights are mounted to the ceiling or wall and feature a customizable track that allows you to easily add or remove lights as needed.
Finally, if you prefer a more ambient atmosphere, you could consider replacing your recessed lights with flush or semi-flush mounts. These types of fixtures have a much lower profile than recessed lights, providing softer, even lighting without creating harsh shadows and glare.
Can I change recessed lighting?
Yes, you can change recessed lighting. However, it is important to follow all safety protocols and local codes when making electrical changes in the home.
Before you start the project, you should turn off the power to the circuit the recessed light is connected to in order to avoid any risk of shock or electrocution. It is also important to read the instructions that come with the recessed light you purchased, as each product has its own specific installation instructions.
You may also need to rent several tools, such as a power drill, a hole saw, and a voltage detector, depending on the type of job you are doing.
Once all safety protocols are followed and the power is turned off, you can begin the process of removing the old recessed light and installing the new one. This includes disconnecting the wires, removing the mounting bracket, unscrewing the trim and lightbulb, and then carefully removing the old light.
When the old light is removed, you will need to measure the hole in the ceiling and select the new light that will fit that space. Make sure to disconnect the wires from the old lighting and connect them up with the new light.
Secure the new light in place and then replace the trim and the light bulb. Once the new light is installed, you can turn the power on and test to make sure the light works before restoring the power to the circuit.
Is recessed lighting dated?
Recessed lighting has become an iconic part of many renovated homes over the last few decades. While that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dated – it does mean that trends can change. Instead of being viewed as dated, recessed lighting is nowadays seen as a timeless classic.
Homeowners are now able to update their lighting fixtures using other types of lighting, like pendant lights or wall sconces.
Recessed lighting also still serves a purpose in many homes. It can be used to highlight works of art, decor or architectural features. Recessed lighting still works for those looking for a more streamlined look.
When it comes to energy efficiency, recessed lighting no longer has the same market advantage it once had. However, this doesn’t mean it has gone out of style. It just means that you may want to consider other lighting options that are more economical.
Overall, recessed lighting is not outdated, but it has become more of a classic style instead of a trendsetting element. As long as you mix it up with other forms of lighting, like accent pieces, you can keep your home fresh and contemporary.
Do recessed lights add value to home?
Recessed lights can certainly add value to a home and can improve the look and feel of the entire space. They are an effective way to provide ambient lighting which can create both an inviting and a cosy atmosphere.
Recessed lights can create a modern feel which many people are attracted to, as well as being efficient in terms of energy and lighting usage. If a home is being marketed for sale, strategically placed recessed lights can enhance the visual appeal of a room and make it appear larger, brighter, and warmer.
Investing in LED recessed lighting can result in long-term savings due to their low energy consumption, while they can also be manipulated to create different types of moods in a room. In overall, installing recessed lights can be a wise investment and will likely increase the property’s market value.
What rooms should have recessed lighting?
Recessed lighting should be used in any room where ambient lighting is needed or desired, such as living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and kitchens. The uses for recessed lighting are endless, so you can get creative when it comes to using recessed lighting in any room.
You might want to put recessed lighting over the kitchen sink, or on the stairs or hallways in your home. Additionally, recessed lighting can be used in challenging areas, such as basements, attics, and closets, as it provides a great way to illuminate those small, hard-to-reach places.
You could also consider using recessed lighting over master bedrooms, bathrooms, saunas or steam rooms, lanai rooms, or courtyards. Even laundry rooms and any media or home theater rooms may benefit from a few strategically placed recessed lights.
Recessed lighting is also an important part of creating just the right atmosphere in a room, and can be used on accent walls and artwork. So, no matter what type of room you have, consider adding some recessed lighting to help create the desired ambience.
Why do people like recessed lights?
People like recessed lights because they offer an environment of more flexibility than other lighting styles. They blend in with the ceiling, creating an area that looks more modern and streamlined. Additionally, because recessed lighting requires no wiring or drilling, it is easier to install than other lighting fixtures, and can be used in places where traditional lighting is not suitable.
The size of the lights and adjustable panels give the user more control over the light distribution and even dimming capabilities, allowing them to configure the lighting for any kind of room or atmosphere.
Additionally, many recessed lights feature LED lights, which can offer better efficiency than other types of fixtures. All in all, recessed lights offer an easy way to improve the look of a room, while providing better efficiency and control than other lighting methods.
What are the pros and cons of recessed lighting?
The pros of recessed lighting include the ability to control the amount of light in any space, creating a bright, evenly-lit area without the need for lamps or other large lighting fixtures to make a small space seem larger than it actually is.
Additionally, recessed lighting fixtures are relatively cost-effective and energy-efficient, as they tend to burn cooler than some other lighting sources.
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks to using recessed lighting as well. First, they require professional installation and may need additional wiring, which can add to the cost. Second, traditional recessed lighting can be quite harsh, creating an uncomfortable glare if the lights are too bright or positioned in the wrong direction.
They can also cause glare on walls and other surfaces, making them less than ideal for spaces with dark colors or delicate furnishings. Finally, recessed lights may not be the optimal choice for space with high or vaulted ceilings, as they tend to lack the visual impact that hanging lighting provides.
When did recessed lighting became popular?
Recessed lighting became popular in the 1950s and thereafter, but its roots go back to the early 20th century when electric lights replaced oil and gas lamps. The first recessed lights were installed in schools and hospitals in the 1920s and 1930s.
In the late 1940s, they gained popularity due to the Space Age obsession of having rounded shapes and curved surfaces and this style influenced the design of architecture and furniture during that time period.
The design of recessed lighting was improved and further developed in the 1950s, when many homes were being built across the United States. Recessed lights allowed for more creative designs in new homes without the clutter of fixtures on the walls.
Everything from kitchen cabinets to couches to bookshelves suddenly could have LED technology built in, giving designers and homeowners more control over the look and feel of their homes. The introduction of energy-efficient LED lighting and advances in technology also contributed to the popularity of recessed lighting.
Today, it is a popular choice for both new and renovated homes for its ability to maximize space, provide ambient lighting and come in a variety of options to match different interior design styles.
Should you replace lights with LED?
Yes, you should absolutely consider replacing your lights with LEDs. LEDs are energy efficient and provide better illumination compared to traditional lights. Not only that but they can last up to 25 times longer, meaning you will save money on energy and maintenance costs.
LEDs also produce very little heat, which can help reduce energy bills if the lights are in a room constantly used, such as a living room. Additionally, they are eco-friendly since they don’t contain hazardous materials, such as mercury, like CFLs.
Furthermore, LEDs come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the right lighting for the atmosphere you want. LEDs are perfect for almost any application, whether it’s residential or industrial use, so replacing your lights with LEDs is an excellent choice.
Should you put recessed lights in a bedroom?
It depends on the overall purpose and desired aesthetic of the bedroom. Recessed lighting can provide a modern, minimalist look, and can provide good task or accent lighting. They can also be used in combination with overhead lighting sources, such as a ceiling fan, to benefit from both styles of lighting.
The downside of installation can be high cost and the disruption to the ceiling surface, which may be an issue if the room has a textured ceiling. The bulbs may also be more difficult to reach and change.
Generally, it may be more beneficial to use recessed lighting in more public spaces, such as the kitchen or the hallway, rather than a bedroom. Recessed lighting options such as LED light strips can provide more creative, versatile illumination, where the lights are not set in the ceiling, but rather are arranged in a pattern and can be changed to create different atmospheres.
Mood lighting in a bedroom might be more beneficial and improve the visual appeal of the room.
Do I need an electrician to change a light fixture?
Yes, it is typically best to hire an electrician to change a light fixture. This is because connecting electrical wiring can be dangerous and should only be done by a qualified professional with the proper tools and training.
An electrician can make sure the installation is completed safely and up to code. Additionally, they can assess the current wiring and recommend any necessary upgrades to ensure the new fixture is secure and compatible with other existing electrical components.
How much does LED lights cost in electricity?
The cost of LED lights will vary depending on the size of the bulb, the wattage it requires, and the number of bulbs being used. On average, a standard, non-dimmable, 10-watt LED bulb will cost around $1.
50 per year in electricity costs, compared to around $7 for a 60-watt incandescent bulb. For larger LED bulbs, such as a 14-watt and 16-watt bulbs, the cost of electricity will be around $2.70 and $3.
00 per year respectively. If you are using multiple LED bulbs in the same area, the cost will be even lower, as LED bulbs are very energy efficient and spread the energy consumption over multiple bulbs.
In addition, they also become more cost-effective over time as they often last longer than traditional bulbs.
