[mrfeetman]

Hello everyone. I live in the bahamas where the climate is mostly hot.I have just recently move into our new home and I am not all that happy right now. Problem I have notice that a certain portion of our house is extremely hot during most of the day into late evening ,mainly the living, TV, dining, and hallway. I could not understand why because the rest of the house was quite fine, but after clost inspection I discovered that the heat was coming from the recess can lights in the ceiling (about 15). I notice that none of them had any trim and you could see through llittle holes in the can into the ceiling. Here is my question: Now that I know where the heat is coming from, is there a way to fix this problem other than taking those can lights out. I will try any suggestion that brings relief, thanks guys.

[Credendovidis]

Hello mrfeetman

You give no details on the construction of the ceiling area.
Why do you need these lights to be "on" during the day time?
An outdoor light sensor in series with the main light switch could solve that.
Another solution is to install non-heating fluorescent lamps in the can lights, instead of hot light bulbs. Saves also a lot in the total energy consumption.
And another way to get rid of that heat in the ceiling space is installing an exhaust fan in that space. But that depends again on the ceiling construction...

Success !

:)

[hkstroud]

You could try installing the trim. Recessed can light are sold in parts, in other words you buy the can and the trim separately.

Some recessed lights are designed such that they can have insulation around them, some cannot. Determined which type you have and consider insulating, assuming that the attic is above the ceiling. The incandescent light bulb gives off quite a lot of heat. Consider switching to the compact florescence light (CPL) bulbs, save money and heat.

[mrfeetman]

Hello mrfeetman

You give no details on the construction of the ceiling area.
Why do you need these lights to be "on" during the day time?
An outdoor light sensor in series with the main light switch could solve that.
Another solution is to install non-heating fluorescent lamps in the can lights, instead of hot light bulbs. Saves also a lot in the total energy consumption.
And another way to get rid of that heat in the ceiling space is installing an exhaust fan in that space. But that depends again on the ceiling construction ...

Success !

:)

Thanks for responding Credenovidis . Here are some details as best I can. The ceiling is made of 2x6 lumber and space 24 inches on center, there is artic space above enough to crouch in.The ceiling is covered with 1/2 inch sheet rock and I am using fluorescent bulbs.The lights are never left on during the daytime and this heat is only felt in the rooms that I mentioned, which all have can lights. Thanks Ill wait for any suggestions.

[mrfeetman]

You could try installing the trim. Recessed can light are sold in parts, in other words you buy the can and the trim separately.

Some recessed lights are designed such that they can have insulation around them, some cannot. Determined which type you have and consider insulating, assuming that the attic is above the ceiling. The incandescent light bulb gives off quite a lot of heat. Consider switching to the compact florescence light (CPL) bulbs, save money and heat.

Thank you hkstroud I will definitely look into your advice

[twinkiedooter]

You could try ventilating the attic area where the can lights are located. It seems that this is not the type of ceiling construction that the can lights are suitable for. I would opt to remove the can lights totally. But that is just me. Also, what side of the house is the sunlight on? You could try indoor shutters on your windows during the heat of the day also. I have full wooden shutters top and bottom and during the summer months I keep my shutters shut and my house is much cooler due to this. I only "crack" the shutters to let some light in.

[mrfeetman]

Thanks twinkiedooter I am seriously thinking about ventillating the artic space ,I will .Thanks again.