wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello All,
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Here's my situation;

I want to put in recessed lighting in my living room. My friend the
electrician said he would help and I should go to Home depot and buy
the lights I like.

Problem; I am a girl with NO recessed lighting experience.
Went to home depot, to discover there are different kinds of recessed
lighting... who would have thunk it.

More info;
there is an attic space above the living room with easy access.
Insulation up there. The pink panther kind.

What type should I get if I want to save on electric bill?
And if those are too expensive, the affordable kind? Would like to
stay under $300 for everything.

Do they need to be on a dimmer switch? And what else do I have to buy
to just go home and install these.
Thanks,
Annette


I prefer the Halo brand as it has been around since I was a helper working
for my dad. They have quite a selection of trims to choose from and Home
Depot does sell some models. The two most common are the H7 and the H99. I
am not a big fan of low voltage though I admit that they have a nice look.

The H7RT is a six inch diameter can approximately 7.5 inches tall and is
used for remodeling when a ceiling is already in place.. With an R40 bulb
you will get a nice spread of light.

The H99RT is a 4" diameter light approximately 5.5 inches high. With a 50
watt PAR20 bulb you will get sufficient light, but the beam spread will not
be as wide as the H7. It will tend to have a more dramatic look. The H99
with a trim and halogen bulb will cost about twice as much as the H7.

You should make a drawing of your anticipated layout and consider what you
want the lighting for. Reading, homework, entertaining, watching TV, etc.
Then decide what to get.

You will get better advice at a lighting showroom then you will get at a
home center. Shop around for the best price. Lighting showrooms and
electrical supply companies are able to make deals and will do so if you buy
small quantities. Just be careful of off brands. I have seen some
electrical contractors install cheap trims and find out two years later that
they turn yellow.

In addition to the lights you will need wire (Usually 14/2 Romex),
connectors (Romex connectors), wirenuts, switch box, switch or dimmer, and
tools to perform the installation. Some Halo models come with built-in
cable clamps and wire connectors.