Hi, I just set up 4 different LED models and compared them to traditional incandescent and CFLs -- see my other recent thread. We preferred the kit to the regular bulb and baffle. The sealed front was nice. Look into the startup time... The Home Depot 620 lumen model had a 1 second delay when starting up, so we ruled that one out. It was also the least light output and cost a lot for that low output. We felt they were all very pleasant light. The only one we didn't like was the CFL. 2700k was indeed a bit warmer and 3000k was a bit whiter. We liked the slightly whiter color in all cases. More glare? No, not at all. IC / Non IC means the (cans) are rated for insulation contact or they are not. If they are going in an insulated joist they have to be IC, otherwise it doesn't matter. Overall we liked the Menards kit best, it was made by Feit Electric and had a flat translucent plate across the front instead of a bulb-like reflector like the HD models. We didn't try the Lowes model, cuz we found one we liked and didn't feel we had to research further -- altho I'm keeping them all till our dimmers come in to see how well they dim. This was all just personal preference. Get a couple and try them, then take back the ones you decide against. -mike

Well, I found some that hopefully will work from Lightolier. They are more expensive than the Halos though, but will be ic rated AND airtight. I'm buying them locally, so if there are any issues, it'll be an easier return. I'm looking forward to installing them (with no issues) and then getting insulation down before the winter. My attic is rated at about an 8, and needs to be 49. ouch. Thanks for all the assistance on this forum. I'm usually on the hosta one (my passion), but on occasion need help with some type of home project. Folks on these forums are wonderful!

You're insulation contractors were idiots. Checking for things like non-IC fixtures should have been done. You will want to replace it with an AIRTIGHT IC fixture anyhow. There's no point in having all that insulation installed if you're going to have air holes poked through it in multiple places.

Problem Solved. I used a regular round trim that came with a lens....the kind you see in a closet. In fact I took the trim out of our closet! I popped a 75 EF bulb in. Its not very bright but casts a nice amount of light in the fireplace area and seems to block the cold. I had another option too...in fact I used it in the closet. It was a IC / Non IC shower trim kit. It is an airtight kit that comes with a samll glass bulb...sort of a mini mushroom. I had to bend the metal rods that pop into to the can that 'push up'. It was not a perfect match I guess. Also the socket for the bulb in my can does not come apart so I simply lowered it to the opening in the new kit. I believe it should all be safe and now I have a lot of light in the closet; again I used a 75W EF bulb. BTW, the closet can said not to insulate around it so I assume the can downstairs is the same.