Adding aesthetic appeal and drama to any home can come in the form of lighting design. When designers want to avoid using an obstructive lighting fixture, they may utilize recessed lighting instead.
Problems with Recessed Lighting:
However, energy efficiency experts and household energy auditors will declare that recessed lights are considered one of the most infamous energy wasters in homes today. Auditors use thermal mapping technology to determine air leaks throughout the home, and these fixtures are typically the most common problem to HVAC efficiency. These air leaks can let out cold air during the summer and hot air during the winter months, making your air conditioning and heating system to work harder and increasing your monthly energy bills.
The Solution:
In order to resolve the issue, homeowners must determine what type of recessed light fixtures you have and how they’re attached to the ceiling. An electrician can come into your home and inspect your lights.
There are two kinds of recessed lights: insulation contact (IC) and non-insulation contact (non-IC). Non-IC is hot to the touch and typically have the worst air leaks. On the other hand, IC fixtures use a lower wattage and produce less heat.
Once you figure out what type of lights you have, you can determine how much to invest in increasing your home’s energy efficiency. If you have non-IC lights, then consider switching them out with IC lights. If you want to do is improve the seals surrounding your lights, all it will cost you is some caulk.
For more information, contact our Virginia HVAC technicians at Donmar Company Heating & Cooling today.