It only takes one extra cold winter or major heat wave in the summer to remind you that proper insulation in your home is important. One of the ways in which your home may not be as energy efficient as you might think is if you have recessed lights, which are also referred to as can lights. These are very popular in the building industry right now so if your home was built in the last couple of decades, there is a good chance you have at least a few and perhaps even dozens in your home. If you are considering adding blow-in insulation to your attic to reduce your heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable, there are a few things you need to understand about this type of lighting.
There are different types of recessed lights and how you need to deal with them is directly related to the type you have. The first thing to determine is if your lights are IC rated or not. If they are not, it is not safe to have insulation directly in contact with the light. Your best bet is to replace the lights before proceeding with blow-in insulation. However, there are ways you can cover them and then safely add insulation.
The next thing to check is if the lights are airtight or not. Even an IC rated light could have a series of holes inside the housing which is letting air escape into the attic. This type of light will need some insulation. Again, if it they are IC rated, you should be able to put the blow-in insulation over them, but always check with the light manufacturer or seek advice from a professional insulation contractor.
Here at Polk County Insulation, we understand the importance of using blow-in insulation safely. We’ll thoroughly check your home’s attic for recessed lights and other concerns before proceeding and advise you of any modifications that may need to be done so that you get the energy efficiency you want without fear of any potential problems. Call us today for a free estimate and answers to any questions you may have.