Remodel Vs. New Construction Recessed Lighting Installation
When it comes to the lighting fixtures in a home, you may be shocked to see just how many sizes, styles, and fixture types that there are.
Moreover, each of them has a very specific application that depends on the characteristics of that fixture’s location and the things immediately surrounding it. As far as recessed lighting, it is generally seen in either remodel or new constructions.
The main difference between recessed lighting in remodeling versus new construction is the way that the lighting is supported. In remodeling, the lighting gets pushed into a pre-cut opening in the ceiling and supported through the use of metal clips. In new construction, the fixtures are either nailed or screwed to the ceiling joists themselves.
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What Is Recessed Lighting?
Before we can begin to ask about the difference between recessed lighting fixtures in a remodel versus new construction, we should know a little bit more about these fixtures. Recessed lighting means the fixture is installed directly within a surface. That means either a wall or ceiling, primarily.
The bulk of the lighting fixture is hidden within that surface and also contains all of the electrical connections for the fixture. The trim tends to be decorative and is the only visible portion of the lighting. Trim can include reflectors, baffles, or shades.
What Are The Four Main Parts Of Recessed Lighting?
There are 4 main parts to recessed lighting: housing, trim, wattage, and frame.
- Housing. Generally speaking, most recessed fixtures are two pieces, though some do come as one complete piece. For two-piece fixtures, the piece that gets mounted to the ceiling is called the housing.
- Trim. The trim gets inserted directly into the housing. Depending on the type of trim and housing that you go with, you might have to take the trim off in order to install the light bulb. It can all vary based on the type of fixture that you go with.
- Wattage. Each electrical lighting fixture comes rated for a maximum wattage of the incandescent bulb or bulbs that you will be able to use safely. Typically, recessed fixtures are rated in the 75-100-watt range, though some can go as high as 150-watts.
- Frame. Some fixtures are made to be installed into open framing. These fixtures have a mounting frame that attaches to the framing members – the joists – within your ceiling to properly secure them into place.
Remodel vs. New Construction Fixtures
The major difference between the two types of recessed lighting is in the support. That is why it can be so confusing choosing the right fixture for the right situation. How do you know which one to go with and why?
Remodel Fixture Installation
For remodel fixtures, these are designed to be retrofitted into a current construction. Think of adding an accent to a specific room or providing task or ambiance lighting. That is where a remodel fixture would be the best course.
Remodel fixtures come down to the support that they provide. This type of fixture gets pushed into pre-cut openings and use metal clips to support them. The metal clips go through the housing and contact the top surface of the ceiling, which is generally paneling or drywall.
New Construction Fixture Installation
The support provided in new construction fixtures is entirely different. These fixtures get either nailed or screwed into the ceiling joists. The reason is that the support they get is rock-solid.
The installation is done before the ceiling drywall so the electrician has more room to perform the installation. New construction fixtures can be used in some retrofit applications so long as the electrician can access the areas above the installation point.
A good example is if there is attic access in the new construction fitting. The good thing about using new construction fittings is that there are far more choices where trim and style are concerned. Moreover, new construction housings tend to cost less than their remodel counterparts.
Can Recessed Lighting Be Installed If You Have Insulation?
There is another consideration to take into account when choosing recessed lighting fixtures: insulation. Will the fixture be installed in a ceiling that has insulation?
This is important because there are special fixtures that have been rated to be in contact with ceiling insulation. That includes insulation like fiberglass batting or cellulose.
If there are going to be non-rated fixtures installed, the installer will have to build a cover to keep the fixture from contacting the insulation. That means increased costs for installation. Choose insulation-compatible fixtures whenever there is insulation present.
These fixtures are also air-tight, which can keep air from escaping around where the fixture is installed. That means reduced energy costs when it comes to heating and cooling.
What Size Lighting Fixture Do I Need?
There are two common sizes when it comes to recessed lighting fixtures: 4” through 7” diameter. To answer the question of what size you need, consider one thing. How far from the ceiling do you want the light? Another thing to consider is how big of an area you are looking to light.
- 8’ ceiling. For an 8’ ceiling, you would do just fine with a 4” fixture. This is ideal for something like kitchen countertop lighting. If you wanted to go with a 6” downlight at the same height, it could work well for kitchen tables.
- 10’ ceiling. For a 10’ ceiling, you may want to go with a 4” fixture for your lighting area. The light will spread a bit more, though a 7” fixture will make for a nice wall washer on an 8’ ceiling.
The most popular size for recessed lighting fixtures tends to be 6”. Because it is the most popular choice, there tend to be far more sizes available, providing greater flexibility when it comes time to make a choice on trim.
What Kind Of Bulb Do I Need For My Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting also requires choosing the right type of light bulb for the job. For the most part, a recessed fixture that has a medium screw base lamp holder can take fluorescent, incandescent, LED, or halogen light bulbs.
You may find some fixtures that have special lamp holders or sockets that hold a specific type of light bulb. Typically, these are either halogen or fluorescent.
Fluorescent
If you like longer life, cooler temperatures, and better energy savings, fluorescent lamps that have a high Kelvin value are a great option. The nice thing about these is that they provide color warmth from incandescent light.
Halogen
Looking for a higher-intensity lighting experience? In a smaller area specifically, halogen would probably be best suited here.
Incandescent
Incandescent lighting is best for general lighting. Also, if you want to create a warmer space, incandescent light is probably the best option as well.
LED
LED has come a long way. Good LED bulbs can combine the traits of some of the others to create a more all-around lighting experience.
Dimming. The one caveat here is that fluorescent bulbs aren’t dimmable unless they come with a dimmable ballast. Otherwise, you can choose from one of the other options and gain automated or remote access through smart bulbs and devices.
Is An Upgraded Circuit Required For Recessed Lighting?
Whenever installing a recessed lighting fixture, which is a hard-wired fixture, you need to know the number of fixtures that can be on that circuit. Determining the maximum number of fixtures on that circuit comes down to the maximum wattage rating of each of the fixtures.
It is important to note that the wattage of the bulbs that you plan to use is not part of that calculation. Look instead at the fixtures that have the lowest maximum wattage rating.
This will ensure that they can all fit on the same circuit and that they are high enough to allow you to use the bulbs that you want in those fixtures.
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Air Tight Or Insulation Compatible Fixture?
For the most part, recessed lighting fixtures are rated as insulation compatible (IC). Remember, this rating is necessary if they are going to come into direct contact with insulation.
It is always safe to go with IC-rated fixtures no matter what as it will save you from having to check if there is insulation in that particular area of the home.
Airtight (AT)
If a recessed lighting fixture has not been rated as air-tight, you may be creating something of a chimney in that room. Heat can escape in the winter while cold air escapes in the summer.
If there is more living space directly above the installation, that may not be an issue. But if it is in an attic, that could be something to consider.
Attics
Should you plan to have recessed lighting in an insulated, unfinished attic, make sure the fixture is rated as AT and IC. Don’t worry, though.
Most of the modern styles of recessed fixtures come with either or both of these ratings already, so you won’t have to go digging into niche designs to find an accommodating rating.
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Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan.
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