I get the worry with the old recessed lights, but I’ve actually had decent luck just swapping out the cans for newer IC-rated ones instead of doing the extra covers. It was a pain crawling around up there, but it ended up being less hassle (and honestly, cheaper) than tracking down all the right covers and making sure they fit. Plus, I didn’t have to stress about heat buildup or weird airflow issues with the insulation.
And yeah, cellulose dust is basically glitter’s evil twin. I tried taping up every door and vent, but it still found its way into my sock drawer somehow. If I ever insulate again, I’m going full hazmat suit... or just bribing a friend with pizza.
Anyway, just tossing it out there—sometimes a full can swap is worth considering, especially if you’re already knee-deep in attic chaos.
Swapping out the cans definitely makes sense, especially if you’re already up there and don’t want to mess with covers that may or may not fit right. I will say, though, I chickened out and just went the cover route because my wiring looked ancient and I didn’t want to risk messing something up. If anyone else is going that route—double check those connections and maybe snap a few pics before you start. Also, 100% agree on the cellulose dust... it’s like it multiplies when you try to clean it up.
I chickened out and just went the cover route because my wiring looked ancient and I didn’t want to risk messing something up.
Honestly, that’s a smart call. Old wiring can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s better not to push your luck if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with. Taking photos before you start is underrated advice—makes it way easier to put things back together if you get interrupted or second-guess yourself. And yeah, cellulose dust... it’s like glitter, but less fun.
Taking photos before you start is underrated advice—makes it way easier to put things back together if you get interrupted or second-guess yourself.
That’s so true. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve relied on my phone pics to remember which wire went where. Out of curiosity, did you ever figure out if your old wiring was knob-and-tube or just cloth-wrapped? Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth getting an electrician in just for peace of mind, especially when the insulation’s a mess. Ever had any surprises hiding behind those covers?
Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth getting an electrician in just for peace of mind, especially when the insulation’s a mess. Ever had any surprises hiding behind those covers?
Yeah, I’ve had my share of “surprises.” Last year I swapped out a couple of old outlets in the living room and found what looked like a rat’s nest of cloth-wrapped wires. No knob-and-tube, thankfully, but the insulation was so brittle it basically turned to dust if you touched it. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. I ended up capping everything off and calling in an electrician for that circuit—felt like overkill at the time, but honestly, I slept better after.
I get the temptation to just DIY everything, but with old wiring, it’s a gamble. Sometimes you pull off a cover and it’s fine, sometimes you find scorch marks or mystery splices wrapped in electrical tape from the Nixon era. The peace of mind is worth something, especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around.
Funny thing is, half my house is freezing and the other half is roasting too—insulation’s all over the place and the vents are ancient. Makes me wonder how much of that is tied to these patchwork wiring jobs from decades ago. Anyway, yeah, photos help but sometimes you just need to know when to call in backup.