Now time to install for new home. Are some brands more energy efficient than others? Best to use incandescent or other bulbs?
We have a contractor box of 6 (Halo) & 4 (Thomas), but cannot detect any major differences.
Appreciate help here as hubby feels there would be a great loss of energy if we use as many as plans identify. Furthermore, he does not feel these canned lights provide sufficient light; more decorative than anything but more so a great energy loss even when cans are insulated.
Appreciate your thoughts/findings/referrals!
Replies
he does not feel these canned lights provide sufficient light; more decorative than anything but more so a great energy loss even when cans are insulated.
That's actually two different arguments, in a way.
Since the lamp is inside a fixture, it is limited in how the light is distributed. That does not necessarily mean you get less light in the room per lumen, watt, or whatever measure you are using. Now, the "useability" of light in space gets to how well the lighting is designed--which is an entire argument of its own.
So, there's the "rub" of it, with less lighting design, no fixtures will properly light a space. And, there are too many examples, IMHO, of recessed fixtures in spaces that do not have nearly enough indirect light to be comfortable. The problem there, though, is not the cans, it's the design.
Now, on the other issue, the cans are not insulated, some are rated for different amounts of insulation contact. I've had varying experiences with the various IC fixtures out there. A general rule of thumb is that the more contact, the lower the wattage of lamp is permitted in the fixture. Switching to compact fluorescent lamps can get more lumens, but with limitations like no dimming, limited color choices, occasional RF "noise," etc.
Brings us right back to design.
I'd much rather use cove or other concealed or semi-concealed indirect lighting than IC cans in say, a cathedral ceiling. Otherwise, the number of "holes" needed for IC cans becomes an architectural element of the ceiling, meant to or not.
CapnMac - thanks for suggesting COVE lighting. I am pursuing this via an old thread brought alive again...hopefully? Have seen cove lighting though not often seen in newer homes in this area. New builds here seem to plug up spaces with the can lighting; suppose it is quick & easy with little concern as to how much energy being lost overhead even with the IC units.
Lighting has become one of the most difficult parts in this building process. Suppose this is as result of my not having focused on anything other than lots of canned lights as seen everywhere. Inquiries of a lighting dealer resulted in can lights so that was not of much value!
With so much focus on energy savings, one would expect there to be a company out there developing a more energy efficient can light!!
Again, thanks!
Lighting has become one of the most difficult parts in this building process
Yeah, it can want designing in, which is earlier, not later. I've had clients confuse the lighting dealer with the lighting designer, too. The dealler is very much more interested in selling products than selling solutions (some times--such is life<sigh>).
Coves can be tricky, it can seem like there are no fixtures dedicated to making an indirect even light (the halogen strip lights can be as bad as rope lights in not giving the right effect). There are days when I positively pine for the old T-headed ceramic base fixtures. A couple of T12 lamps, and you were good to go, and could be dimmed for less than the GDP of the Sultanate of Oomphapa-maomao . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Now seeking info on Cove and or Soffit Lighting. Electrician has begun so and need to be able to identify more specifically than just "lighting in a gutter". Electrician is commercial so he is used to installing via sheetrock-built coves. Would prefer to have something perhaps less costly with moulding.
Appreciate ideas as to construction of the cove, etc. The more detailed, the better as I am only a homeowner; definitely not a builder or lighting specialists!
Many thanks!
Almost need house (interior) details for that.
That's because there's a lot of design that can be done, and a lot of lighting design besides.
I've seen the halogen strip lights (really just bare LV bulb on a metal strip) tucked behind the "angle" in crown moulding, that then "bounces" the light up a cathedral ceiling fro mthe open moulding top.
I've used stock ceramic bases with T12 (tubular) lamps behind a finished wood flat trim stood out from the wall on matching "lookouts" to "wash" both the wall and the ceiling above (some 1/4" "eggcrate" prevents glare from below). I've used all sorts of fixtures and structures to get the effect. Two 1 x 4, finished, can be made into an "L" (rabbet the flat & dado the vertical for good jointery) with "hockey puck" lights set semi-loose behind has worked too.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Desired cove lighting getting too complicated because of time element plus my ability to know what to tell what I want. Plus the 9' ceiling then angles upward with the top surface being flat. So as not to do so much only to find it did not work, now back to canned lighting. Buying Builder's Packs at Big Box stores where the lights indicate sealed. Yet wonder if perhaps some might be better sealed than others? Are there any web sites which compare the various brands as to energy efficiency?
We used pots in various places in our new house and are pleased. They provide plenty of light if spaced properly (we went with approx. 7 feet apart for 5" pots).
As for energy efficiency, we are using compact fluorescent bulbs. I hear the bulbs that we are currently using are not recommended for pot lights (too hot), but the Philips Marathon Universal cfl bulbs are rated for pot use.
http://www.nam.lighting.philips.com/us/consumer/products_marathon_UN.php
Good luck,
Scott.
Thanks for the info on Phillips Marathon lighting; am pursing info.
The discussion here is not so much as how much energy used via the bulb, but how much energy is being lost above an IC (insulated ceiling) fixture even though air tight.
Juno's have sealed units. I'm not sure if Halo has a sealed can.
We have several cans in most rooms of the house and we like the light emitted. Proper location and switching allow you to change the mood and intensity. As of yet, don't know of a way to dim the fluorescents unless you can dim the small can fl's with the expensive (used to be) dimmers used on fl. strip lights.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
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