Recessed Lighting That Can Be Insulated

Identification

• Recessed lighting is typically placed in homes after framing, but before drywall is installed. This type of lighting may be used in indoor ceilings and attic ceilings. To maintain energy efficiency, your home must be properly insulated. Recessed lighting often has gaps around the fixture, allowing air to leak in and out of your home, making your insulation less efficient. Sealing gaps with caulk before installing insulation is key to keeping your insulation efficient.

Types

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, IC rated recessed lighting is also known as insulated ceiling lighting and is safe for contact with insulation. IC rated fixtures can be used when blowing in loose-fill insulation or when insulating with batts and rolls.

Effects

• Recessed lighting often becomes hot, creating a fire hazard if IC lighting is not used. However, homeowners who do not have IC rated recessed lighting fixtures can insulate around their fixtures if enough space is left between the recessed lighting fixture and insulation. If IC rated recessed lighting fixtures are not placed inside your home, you must leave at least three inches of space between insulation and the fixture to prevent overheating and fire damage.

Considerations

• Proper amounts of insulation are key to maintaining energy efficiency and keeping your energy costs as low as possible. Be sure to choose an insulation with a high R-value for maximum effectiveness. The R-value is the way the Department of Energy measures how well insulation resists heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the more effective your insulation will be. Insulating around your recessed lighting fixtures will help maintain steady temperatures inside your home year round.