Airtight IC lights prevent bathroom moisture from reaching home insulation.
Lights that carry an insulated contact or "IC" rating are fully insulated. The insulation in these recessed lights prevents energy loss when they are installed in ceilings. If conditioned air can exit your primary living space through your lighting fixtures, your energy bill will grow. Airtight recessed lighting fixtures prevent air from escaping through the light housing and subsequently prevent energy loss. In addition, the Pennsylvania Housing Project Research/Resource Center warns that the moisture in conditioned air can cause mold growth should it leak into dry, insulated areas. Installing airtight IC lights in your bathroom prevents moist bathroom air from reaching and damaging your home's insulation.
Recessed Lighting
Unlike standard light fixtures, which are attached to the wall, airtight IC lights rest in a light housing that you must install within the wall. The recessed housing provides you with ample lighting while taking up less space - an ideal solution in bathrooms, where space is often an issue. You can use airtight IC lights as task lights around your vanity or select dimmer bulbs and install recessed fixtures as accent lights to complement your bathroom's decor and increase the visibility other light fixtures provide.
Waterproof Lighting
Airtight fixtures are crucial if you plan to install recessed lighting in your shower. Not only do they prevent shower moisture from exiting the bathroom, but they also prevent moisture from entering the light housing and damaging the light or its wiring. Homeowners can ensure added protection from moisture by installing airtight IC lights with a waterproof tub and shower trim. Tub and shower trims also create a continuous seal across groups of airtight IC lights.
Cost vs. Savings
Airtight IC lights are typically more expensive to purchase and install than standard recessed fixtures. Depending on how many lights you need, the savings you'll realize by using airtight IC lights could be significant. The Pennsylvania Housing Project Research/Resource Center notes that each IC light you install saves between $5 and $30 in energy costs each year. If the initial cost of airtight IC lights is a deterrent, other recessed lighting is available for your bathroom. Installing an airtight and watertight seal helps prevent energy loss when using alternate recessed lighting options.
Warning
Heat does not escape from airtight IC lighting fixtures as easily as it would through a standard recessed light. Because of this, you cannot use high wattage bulbs in your IC-rated lights. If you use bulbs that burn too brightly, your bathroom lights may overheat and shut off. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting bulbs for your IC-rated bathroom lights.
Tags: recessed lighting, your bathroom, energy loss, light housing, lighting fixtures