4" mostly on the main floor, 5" upstairs (but they kinda look the same as 6" so I should check it out)

Great comments from JDS. Many people are not aware of the weaknesses that recessed can lights present to the building envelope. Cans installed at the ceiling of a vented attic are particularly problematic. Try avoiding cans there altogether or go the necessary lengths to ensure they don't act as micro-chimneys that suck out your conditioned air, replacing it with air from unsafe locations like the slab/crawlspace or attached garage.

Recessed lights are evil

Ban the can

Products like these Philips slim surface LEDs are decent alternatives to can lighting.

A more reasonable approach would be to ban the vented attic and let people light their houses as they wish.

:) yeah but people should vent their attics how they want too. Wasted energy from cans probably accounts for more conservation opportunities. As for vented crawlspaces, then sure, make those dumb things illegal.

I regret all the money we spent on can lights "for ambient light". I almost never use them, other than those that replace ceiling fixtures in the back hall, laundry, and bedroom hallway. Yet...there they are, big HOLES in my ceilings. I use the under-cabinet lights in my kitchen all the time; use the cans when I'm washing the kitchen floor! I especially hate the ones in our MBR. If there was ever a place I don't need "ambient light", that's one.

Homes didn't have these lights for centuries. I fail to see why we 'need' them today.

I only meant that it is not necessary to let an archaic method of attic moisture control limit your lighting choices.

Recessed lighting is rarely a good form of ambient lighting; it is best used for task, accent (including wall lighting for artwork) but whatever their purpose, they must be specified and located properly to avoid the common problems Chisue has had with them.

I can tell you from the many renovations I have designed that residential recessed lights are rarely used well. They are commonly too large, and not properly lamped. I usually only use recessed lights in a bedroom for artwork but clients have occasionally insisted on using them for reading lights which takes some special care. In kitchens I like them as pin spots and put then at perimeter counters where upper cabinets are not in the way (many ways to avoid that issue).

'Task lighting' from cans? Most ceilings are too high for light to reach the task unless they are as bright as airline landing lights. The two cans over the head of our bed are just useful holes for cobwebs; I only imagine the spiders.

I first used 6" cans in the early 80's; they looked so huge and commercial I vowed never again for cans. FFWd to my kitchen project in 2006, I found that over the preceding 30 years the market had gained a lot of variety, and I saw pics of really nice 5" cans (they have the widest variety of "trims", BTW) and selected them for my Kit remodel. I utilized pairs of 4" cans over the sinks, but not enough light for general lighting; their "cone" is too narrow.

Casey

Lighting design is a highly technical and creative endeavor. Recessed lighting fixtures are simply one type of lighting tool, which can work well if used properly for their strengths and in conjunction with other lighting fixture types needed to create a desired artificial lighting design. Ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting can all work well together within a given space--each contributing from their strengths. None of these lighting types can do the work of the other very well. The problem with using recessed lighting fixtures is that they are too often not considered as part of an overall lighting design--they are simply plunked into the ceiling somewhere at the expense of any other lighting design elements. If you are going to use them, consider the overall lighting concept, and then study the various available lamps and lumens for the recessed fixtures so that you know what the fixtures will and will not do.

I've been thinking about this topic. I think our architect went a little overboard with the cans.

They do give you many options for lighting. Add dimmers as much as possible. For example, in the dining part of the GR we have 6 cans for light, two for task, and the chandelier. So we have virtual unlimited options depending on time of day and type of event. But do you need all that?

My old house, a mid market spec home, had one surface fixture smack in the middle of the rooms, except for in the open areas which had a smattering of 6" cans. I guess I like overdoing it better.

When a ceiling is 10 ft or taller it is wise to use low-voltage or LED recessed lighting that can project light to the floor or a counter. The narrow beam spread is increased a bit by the height so it works out well. The greater height is not a problem for recessed wall lighting (the most critical IMO), since it is easier to get the light at the right height for artwork.

What is inappropriate in almost all locations are 5" and 6" recessed fixtures with BR-30 and BR-40 lamps. I am assuming your originally installed R-lamps have already died.

JDS, can you give some actual examples of what you'd use and why?

Meh, we did a mix of 6" BR30, 6" LED, and 4" LED.

We didn't go crazy with them.

MR-16 low voltage lamps, in various wattages, come in a variety of narrow and wide spot and flood lamps which are dimmable. The result is a very wide choice of lighting intensity and dimension. They are very versatile if chosen properly for the intended use. Color of light is excellent. Examples of good usage include specific areas needing "task" illumination: stairs, entries, counters, cabinet units and the like. Adjustable wall washers are ideal for illuminating art work, sculpture, florals, and other items of focus and highlight. In another application, low voltage outdoor lighting is wonderful for gardens, walks, sitting areas, gates, etc., especially when planned creatively using wall washers, up and down lights in combination. These units are so small as to be virtually invisible in the daytime. At night the light can do anything from resembling the wash of moonlight to highlighting a serving table or seating area.

Some good articles in Fine Homebuilding on lighting design: Kitchen lighting design and kitchens illuminated are worth a read if you are attempting to design your own lighting. Martin Holladay's recessed can article doesn't require a subscription.

David started this recessed LED can summary guide in the GW lighting forum and is an excellent resource. The technical nature and rapidly advancing technology of this subject makes hiring a professional lighting designer a good move for many custom projects these days.

Hello Jenna. We are getting ready to build the Tranquility plan in Spartanburg, SC. I had some questions for you regarding windows etc. What type of windows did you go with and what was your cost? If you have the time please email me: asimpson.do@gmail.com

Thanks...Andy

To ask a question unrelated to this thread you should start a new thread.

Dear JDS: Please forgive me for bothering you. It must be a bad day for you or you are bored because you feel the need to comment on something you last commented on 4 months ago. Had there been a way for me to message Ms. Brown via her profile I would have. I simply went to a thread she created hoping that would be the easiest way to contact her. Had I wanted responses from anyone and everyone I would have created a new thread. If there is a way to directly communicate with her please instruct me as you are obviously deeply engrossed in this forum; I on the other hand happen to be a busy physician and don't spend ours on this site. Thank you.

Apparently a busy physician has enough time to make rude condescending remarks but not enough to begin a new thread.

Well out of line, asimpson, jumping down JDS throat (unless you're an ear, nose & throat doc. ;)

Asimpson - This was a good way to contact me :) Sending you an email now!