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Recessed Retrofit Led Trim Kit
comments (2) November 27th, 2012 in Project Gallery
SmartbuildingGrp, member
I have a number of recessed incandescent light cans in ceilings that have a normal attic above them. I'm concerned about air leakage into the attic even though they are covered on top with insulation in the attic. Therefore I'm thinking about retrofitting them with an LED recessed retrofit trim kit.
Question: Is this type of retrofit safe from heat buildup? Are they any good? The unit I'm considering using is made by Utilitech Pro #0113539, dimmable, a Lowes own brand named fixture. It is a 65-watt replacement using 13 watts. It sells for $39.98.
I would appreciate opinions, SmartbuildingGrp (.. a homeowner who had to come up with a name.)
posted in: Project Gallery, electrical
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Comments (2)
Posted: 4:59 pm on November 29th
I don't know about the brand you show above but I recently bought a very comparable unit in the Sylvania brand, also at Lowe's at a similar price point. It has very similar specs to what you describe above. I installed 2 in two 4" IC rated can light units and another one in a 6" can and am extremely pleased with the results. I'm no engineer but it stands to reason that going from 65 watts down to 13 watts should result in a similar percentage drop in heat output. (if an engineer does read this, let me know if my figgerin' is wrong). I sealed the bezel to the ceiling with a thin foam ring on the back side which should minimize if not eliminate air migration around it.
I really like that the light comes on "full strength" right away instead of "warming up" like a compact fluorescent and at 3,500 lumens is a nice "color" of light and quite bright. The ones I got claim to be dimmable down to 20% and are suitable for damp locations. The only negative, and its very minor, is that it takes about a half second from when I flip the light switch until the light goes on. Must have something to do with the way the LED "module" on the back of the unit functions. Some designers might have issue with the plain appearance of the trim bezel too.
All in all I'd highly recommend making the switch for heat, near zero maintenance and operating cost reasons.
Hope this helps.
Posted: 12:01 am on November 29th
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