Hello,
I have seven (7) can lights in my kitchen. They are Halo H7RT.
It is getting increasingly difficult to find halogen or incandescent bulbs that match what is currently used in those cans. The bulbs are Philips PAR30L FL25.
The cheapest upgrade would be to just replace all the current bulbs with LED bulbs, but I notice that, when I change a bulb, I feel cold air coming from the crawl space above. I'm looking at this as an opportunity to save some energy.
Would it make sense to remove the current can lights and replace with LED recessed lights that do not require a can? That would allow me to insulate over the light. How difficult is it to remove the Halo H7RT cans?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

I think replacing your cans with LED's and insulating is a good idea. How difficult it is to remove your existing cans depends on access. The work is very simple so access to the lights will be the biggest factor. If you have easy access in the attic it's relatively easy, just go up there and remove them. If you don't have access then much of your frustration will simply be getting to the lights. You can also work from below, through the light hole in the ceiling, but that is also frustrating and very tiring on your arms.

If you go with LED replacements that do NOT have a replaceable bulb I would buy several extra fixtures/lights to keep on hand as spares. Since the light itself will be visible you want them to all retain the same look if you have to replace one in a few years. This also insures that they will be the same brightness and color temperature.

 

Thanks Pilot Dane.
I will be working from below since most of the cans are in areas of the attic crawlspace that are nearly impossible to access. Since I haven't tried yet, I don't know how difficult it will be to disengage the clips that are currently keeping the cans in place.
I want to purchase LED lights that are color selectable.
Your suggestion regarding ordering spare lights is a good one. You're right, it may be very difficult to find an exact match 5 - 10 years down the road.

 

Those are the remodel type cans, so it should be as easy just disengaging the clips and pulling the whole can down. Then of course un-wiring and re-wiring.

 

The biggest hurdle might be the existing holes. LED "cans" that do not have housings sometimes have a small lip for mounting. It might be worth removing an existing can to measure the size of the hole.

These may be a good option: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RL-6-in-...HDMR/306673240

 

They sell kits to put a hanging light in its place. It comes with a screw in adapter and cover for the can and then you set the length for how far down it hangs. I think the brand I used was home decorators from HD.