How to Install a New Light Fixture and Blown-In Insulation

Installing a Light Fixture

• 1

  Using a stud finder, locate the ceiling joist closest to where you want to install the light fixture, and the stud on the wall where you want to place the light switch.

• 2

  Hold a circular electrical ceiling box against the ceiling, where you're installing the light fixture, and trace the box onto the ceiling. Hold an old-work electrical box against the wall where you're installing the light switch, and trace the box onto the wall. Cut a hole in the ceiling and wall with a drywall saw for the boxes.

• 3

  Run one electrical cable between the two holes, and another electrical cable between the hole for the light switch and your home's main box. Do not wire the cable into your electrical box.

• 4

  Punch out one of the knockout holes in the circular ceiling box and slide the cable through it. Insert the box into the hole in the ceiling until it's flush with the ceiling, then screw it to the ceiling joist.

• 5

  Cut away about 4 inches of sheathing from the electrical cable, then remove about a 1/2 inch of insulation from the individual wires, using wire strippers.

• 6

  Lift the light fixture against the ceiling at the desired height. Cut away excess wiring from the fixture, leaving slightly more than you need to connect the fixture wiring to the ceiling wiring. If the fixture uses chains, remove any extra links. Get someone to assist you with this if necessary.

• 7

  Attach the crossbar to the top of the light fixture, then lift the fixture up to the ceiling and screw the crossbar to the electrical box.

• 8

  Connect the black wires to each other with a plastic connector cap, then connect the white wires with a plastic connector cap. Wrap the green wire from the fixture around the grounding screw on the fixture, tightening the screw -- and then connect the green wires together with a plastic connector cap.

• 9

  Tuck the wiring into the circular ceiling box, and screw the canopy to the ceiling.

• 10

  Punch out the knockout holes on the old-work electrical box for the light switch, and slide the cables from the ceiling and the main box through the knockout holes. Slide the box into the wall and screw it to the ceiling joist.

• 11

  Strip about 2 inches of sheathing from the electrical cables and a 1/2 inch from the individual wires.

• 12

  Form the ends of the wires into a hook with needle-nose pliers, and hook the black and white wires around the terminal screws on the sides of the light switch. Connect the black wire from the main box to the top gold screw, and the white wire to the top silver screw -- then connect the wires leading to the light to the bottom screws. If the screws are the same color, follow the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer. Connect the green wires with a plastic connector cap.

• 13

  Wrap electrical tape around the sides of the light switch to cover the terminal screws and bare wires, and then slide the switch into the box and secure it with the mounting screws.

• 14

  Screw the plate cover onto the wall over the light switch.

• 15

  Hire an electrician to connect the circuit to your home's main box. Many localities forbid connecting a line to the main box unless it's done by a certified electrician.

Blowing Insulation Into Finished Walls

• 16

  Using a stud finder, mark the studs on the wall.

• 17

  Cut holes into the wall with a 3-inch hole saw. Cut the holes near the ceiling, and center them between the studs. Try to save the pieces of drywall that you cut out so you can use them to patch the wall.

• 18

  Place the hose into one of the holes, sliding it down near the bottom of the wall. Cover the edge of the hole around the hose with a towel or rag to prevent the insulation from blowing back out of the wall.

• 19

  Add the insulation to the blower machine, following the manufacturer's instructions.

• 20

  Turn the machine on, and slowly pull the hose out of the wall, holding the towel against the wall as you do so. When you feel resistance and can't add more insulation, turn the machine off and remove the hose. Blow the insulation into the rest of the wall.

• 21

  Patch the holes with the drywall cutouts, then prime and paint the walls.

Insulating Your Attic

• 22

  Clean out the attic.

• 23

  Cover the eaves in the attic by stapling vent chutes to them. The vent chutes block moisture buildup while still allowing for ventilation through the attic.

• 24

  Make measuring sticks out of scrap wood to show how deep the insulation is. Make the depth markers easy to read from a distance.

• 25

  Nail the measuring sticks to the ceiling joists in several locations around the attic.

• 26

  Add the insulation to the blower machine, following the manufacturer's instructions.

• 27

  Turn the machine on, and begin adding the insulation. Add the insulation to the far end of the attic first, and work back toward the center. Apply the insulation to three or four joists at a time until you reach the desired depth, holding the hose parallel to the floor as you apply it.

• 28

  Add the insulation to the other side of the attic after the first side is completed.