Making your home more energy efficient is all the more important with soaring fuel prices. One way to save money is to make sure you have enough insulation in your home. But areas that are often neglected are recessed lights. The suggestions below will help you make your home air-tight by insulating recessed lights.
Instructions
1. Examine the recessed light fixture. If the light is older, check to make sure that any insulation, if present, is 3 inches from the light. If the insulation is any closer, the light can overheat. If no insulation is present, consider insulating the recessed light.
2. Check to see if there is a fire resistant wallboard that surrounds the recessed light fixture. If the box is present, make sure that the box is large enough, allowing 3 inches of space around the light, so the risk of overheating is lessened. If no box is present, consider insulating the recessed light.
3. Install a metal cylinder to act as a dam if you choose to insulate the recessed light fixture with loose fill insulation. The cylinder will serve the double purpose of containing the insulation as well as keeping the insulation the necessary inches away from the light.
4. Replace your recessed light fixture with "IC rated" lights that are air tight-as well as do not run the risk of overheating. These recessed lights also easier to insulate.
5. Consider recessed light fixtures with "sealed use" CFL bulbs, as these bulbs are no only energy-saving, but cooler and easier to insulate.
Tags: recessed light, light fixture, recessed light fixture, insulating recessed, make sure
