Suggestions on how to insulate can lighting?

Question

I have a concern that heat is escaping to the attic from the can lights in our kitchen, suggestions to how to tell if this is happening & how to stop it.

Answer 1

That depends on the type of cans you have. If they are IC then just put hte insulation around them. If they are non-IC, then you must keep insulation and other materials at least 3 inches away from them.

If they are non-IC, then build a box to go araound them - maintaining at least 3 inches clear space between the cans and the inside of the box. Now you can insulate around the box. Don't put much around them. Cans have a sensor that will turn them off when they get too hot.

Answer 2

First, you need to know if your can lights are rated for direct contact with insulation. If so, you can just get in the attic and place fiberglass insulation around them (don't use the insulation with paper backing). I'll admit I've forgotten how can lights are marked (haven't done it for a long time), but any lighting store should be able to tell you what markings to look for.

If not, you can do whatever it takes to keep the insulation from touching the can lights (make a simple little wooden box, or whatever, to place over the lights...where they don't touch the lights either...then place the insulation over those).

Answer 3

If you don't smoke you could buy a spray smoke and spray it near the light. if there's an up draft you have an air leak (draft). You can do several things: get foam insulation to spray around the light from the attic side. or you can cut peices of insulation yourself and tuck them in around the lights. Now if this is to confussing, you could go to home depot, the lighting dept. they have kits for insulating lights for drafts. This is not an unusual question.... Good Luck !!

Answer 4

Most Recess cans will let some heat out, unless it's a sealed bulb trim, if your recess can's ARE IC Rated, you can wrap them in insulation if NOT you can use Chicken wire to build cages around them, Leave about 4 inches of air space around them, then use insulation to wrap the cages. Hope this help :)

Answer 5

Is your attic over the storage? i think of in the event that they are in a position to, if there is room interior the rafters this is, recessed lights fixtures may well be ultimate for overall lights. My bonus room had very few shops so we had the electrician set up a number of them for ambient seat lights. (you recognize on a table by skill of a favourite examining chair.) while you're putting storage cabinets interior the room, placed lights interior the cabinets. Fluorescent bulbs interior the lamps artwork ultimate. Ask an electrician approximately how the recessed lights might artwork. while you're making a artwork station for the kiddlings music lights might look great over the table or bench you would be utilising. The cans are relatively repositioned to direct easy the place you % it.

Answer 6

i AM guessing you have no idea what rating they are...so therefor dont lay insulation directly ON the cans...get some wire mesh and wrap it 3-4inches around the cans so you can lay the insulation over that

Answer 7

Do NOTHING. The heat must dissipate from these lights, otherwise they will overheat and burn out.