What is the Best Type of Led Recessed Lighting for Older Ceilings?

When upgrading older ceilings, such as the plaster-and-lath structures commonly found in Altadena and Pasadena, the best approach involves using IC-rated (Insulation Contact) fixtures and LED retrofit kits.

Older homes often have insulation in the ceiling cavities. For these projects, we utilize IC-rated housings because they are specifically designed to be in direct contact with insulation without creating a fire hazard. To ensure your home remains energy efficient and meets modern standards, we recommend airtight housings that prevent air leaks, which helps reduce your heating and cooling losses.

For many of our clients, LED retrofit kits are the ideal solution for the following reasons:

  • Ease of Installation: They can often be installed into existing recessed housings, which reduces labor and material costs compared to a full fixture replacement.
  • Code Compliance: These kits help your home meet California Title 24 energy efficiency standards, which mandate the use of high-efficacy, JA8-certified lighting.
  • Space Efficiency: In craftsman or mid-century homes with shallow ceiling cavities, low-profile LED options provide a streamlined fit where traditional fixtures might not.

We recommend hiring a licensed electrician and obtaining necessary permits for all electrical work to ensure safety and code compliance. We are licensed and insured and provide free estimates to help you determine the most effective lighting solution for your specific home structure.

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