Newer recessed lighting is better for installation in older attics
Q. I have always liked recessed light fixtures, but I have heard they are leaky and inefficient. Are there any new types which are more energy efficient? Are they difficult to install myself?
A. As with any product for the home, some types of lighting are more energy efficient than others. This also holds for recessed light fixtures. Efficient ones can use 80 percent less electricity than inefficient ones for the same amount of light output.
What makes recessed light fixtures unique is they penetrate the ceiling of the room. This is not an issue when installed in the first floor ceiling of a two-story house. However, if they are installed in the second story ceiling or the first floor ceiling of a one-story house, a hole is created from the conditioned living area to the open attic area.
There are newer designs of energy efficient recessed light fixtures that meet Energy Star qualification standards. All of these fixtures use fluorescent light sources instead of inefficient incandescent bulbs.
Just this fact alone reduces the electricity consumption by 75 percent.
The inside surface of the new fixtures are also more reflective than older inefficient ones.
For use in ceilings where indoor air leakage is a possibility, select a newer airtight design which has a sealed canister. The sealed airtight recessed fixture canister forms a seal between the ceiling and the fixture. These are most often used in ceilings beneath an unconditioned attic, but they are also effective for unheated basement ceilings to minimize drafts between floors.
If the recessed light fixture is going to be installed in a ceiling under an insulated attic floor, it is best to choose an IC-rated (insulation contact) design. These can touch the insulation without the fixture overheating. When installing older non-IC fixtures, the insulation had to be kept away for the canister. This insulation void increased heat loss from the room below.
When installing recessed light fixtures yourself, first determine your lighting goal. Downlighting can be used to light an entire room. In a normal-height ceiling, a four-foot spacing of the recessed lights provides even lighting at floor level. Typical six-inch-diameter fluorescent fixed vertical fixtures would work well.
For task lighting, a single fixed vertical fixture directly over the work area is very effective. Wall wash recessed lighting can be used to accent a painting or some other wall hanging. A eyeball recessed light is best for this application because the light path can be adjusted. For a sloped cathedral ceiling, install an angular recessed fixture. An IC model is best because it will be in contact with the ceiling insulation.
The following companies offer efficient recessed fixtures: Capri Lighting, (800) 234-1890, www.caprilighting.com; Cooper Lighting, (770) 486-4800, www.cooperlighting.com; Juno Lighting, (847) 827-9880, www.junolighting.com; Lightolier, (800) 215-1068, www.lightolier.com; and Sea Gull Lighting, (800) 347-5483, www.seagulllighting.com.
Q. I have a wood-burning stove that I often use. I also have a propane forced-air furnace. Is there a way to connect the wood-burning stove to the furnace duct system to heat my home more evenly?
A. Unless it was specifically designed for this, I would be very cautious about trying to connect a wood-burning stove to the furnace duct system. The negative pressure in the return ducts may cause backdrafting and incomplete combustion of the wood.
Instead of trying to rig up some ducting, try running your furnace blower on continuous air circulation when the wood-burning stove is fired up. This should keep the propane furnace from coming on as often.