Installing recessed lighting helps you save money on your electricity bill, as well as adds a warm light to your room.<\/p>\n
If you’re feeling that your apartment or room is looking a little dreary, there are plenty of ways to lighten it up<\/a>. Recessed lighting can be used to emphasize a piece of art, give you convenient lighting above a desk, or can simply add extra light to your room.<\/p>\n If you’d like to avoid the costs of a professional installation, you can always install them yourself. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an electrical expert to install recessed lighting.<\/p>\n Today, you’ll learn the easiest way how to install recessed lighting. Whether you’re wondering how to install recessed lighting without attic access, or are looking to find out how to install recessed lights in an existing light fixture, we’ve got you covered.<\/p>\n You won’t have to follow all of these steps if you’re simply replacing an older light with a new one. However, if you’re working with a ceiling that has never had recessed lights, it’ll be a more difficult job.<\/p>\n Make sure you have these tools on hand–you’ll need them over the course of the installation.<\/p>\n Before you start drilling holes into the ceiling, you’ll want to measure out the areas where you want to install your recessed lights. Take a pencil, graphing paper, and measure out your room. Make sure to sketch out furniture and any fixtures on the wall that you may want to highlight with your new lighting.<\/p>\n You should also consider what’s above the ceiling where you’re putting your lights. Having an attic on the floor above makes things a bit easier. However, if another floor is above the ceiling, you’ll likely have to fish a wire through the ceiling or use a shallow ceiling housing.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to use a stud finder to check if there are any joists that will get in the way of installation. If you don’t have a stud finder, cut a 1\/4 inch hole into the ceiling and use a fish tape or a coat hanger to check for anything that might be in the way.<\/p>\n The numerous styles of recessed lighting<\/a> can be overwhelming, especially for someone who has never installed lights before. Consider going to a light fixture store to have a professional give you a suggestion. Or, if you’re sure on the style you’d like, you can always buy them from a home improvement store.<\/p>\n The first step in picking out your lights is to choose the housing. There are two main styles: new construction and remodel housing. Lights that are new construction are easy to install when you can access the floor above, while remodel housing lights are perfect if you’re simply replacing a previous light.<\/p>\n You may notice that some lights are labeled as “IC” and “Non-IC.” The “IC” stands for “insulation compatible.” If you have access to the attic, you’ll need to pay attention to this label.<\/p>\n An “IC” housing means that you don’t have to remove insulation when you install the light, while “Non-IC” housing requires that you clear out any insulation that’s in your way.<\/p>\n After you install the housing, a baffle goes over the metal to give the light a more sleek appearance. You can also add a trim that hugs the rim of the housing in order to mask any irregular edges.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most important piece of advice we can give to you is to shut off all electricity to the circuit where you’re going to be installing the recessed lighting. Make sure to test the wires to make sure that they’re off. To be extra-safe, you can even turn any wall switches off as well.<\/p>\n Use the paper template that came with your housing packaging to plan your installation. Grab a pencil to trace the template onto the ceiling in all the locations where you plan to install a light.<\/p>\n If you have attic access and your light is labeled Non-IC, pull away any insulation that’ll be the way of the light. Trace the template or the housing itself to mark where you’ll cut.<\/p>\n Using a drywall saw, carefully cut out the outline you drew.<\/p>\nHow to Install Recessed Lights<\/h2>\n
Required Tools<\/h3>\n
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1. Determine Where to Put Your Lights<\/h3>\n
2. Pick Out Your Lights<\/h3>\n
Housing<\/h4>\n
Baffles and Trim<\/h4>\n
3. Turn Off the Electricity<\/h3>\n
4. Mark Your Locations<\/h3>\n
5. Cut Holes in the Ceiling<\/h3>\n
6. Wire Your Lights<\/h3>\n