Can Lights vs Canless Lights

When looking to purchase recessed lighting in home and commercial projects, the design, functionality, and installation processes are major decision making factors. The two main recessed options are can or canless lights, and each differs in almost every aspect. But, which one is the best for you?

In this blog, HomElectrical discusses both types of recessed fixture and how they might fit your lighting needs.

Can lights, also called "pot lights" or "recessed lights", discreetly install into the ceiling. The "can" is the cylindrical metal canister holding the light fixture. Due to the metal housing, the light mounts flush with the ceiling. With concealed lighting, can recessed lights enhance your decor as you can only see the trim or baffle on the ceiling surface.

An LED can light fixture needs a can housing, trim, and bulb to operate.

The housing uses a non-combustible canister to prevent fire in and outside of the fixture.

The trim is the outer rim of the can, seeable from the ceiling. Trims come in many styles to fit any aesthetic such as:

• Baffle
• Gimbal
• Wafer
• Reflector
• Open
• Wall Washer
• Shower
• Eyeball
• Pinhole

The bulb is usually separate from the fixture and provides the lighting. However, some canned fixtures come with integrated LEDs.

LED recessed can lights give you greater control over every aspect of your light experience. From the trim, color temperature, to the lumen output, recessed cans let you pick what you want!

Like the name implies, a canless light is a type of recessed lighting fixture without a can or housing holding the light bulb. Canless LED lighting installs directly into your ceiling for a more appealing look. Canless LEDs save space on the ceiling and minimizes maintenance, making them a great option homes and businesses.

Unlike canned lights, canless recessed lighting offers simplicity free from complex wiring, trim, and housing worries. You only need a hole in the ceiling and simple wiring.

LED canless recessed lights use integrated LEDs combining the light source and light fixture into one. Energy efficient led lights give you more reliable, long-lasting light over traditional types of lighting fixtures.

Pros of Can Recessed Lighting

• Focused light and light distribution
• Customization options from a wide range of bulbs, bulb types, and trim options
• Installable in ceilings with fire compartment (ground floors and blocks of flats)
• Back of canned fitting protects bulbs and wires against rodents and contact with other materials
• Excellent heat dissipation, prevents heat buildup from insulation or combustible items in your attic space
• Simple replacement or upgrade of bulbs or trim

Cons of Can Recessed Lighting

• Tall size make it difficult to fit them in dropped ceilings and areas directly below ducting
• Less range of size variations than canless led lighting (non-fire rated lights)
• Requires more complex installation than canless lighting, leading to higher labor costs
• Prone to air leaks that waste energy and cause humidity issues

Pros of Canless Recessed Lighting

• Easy to Install, direct installation slashes installation costs
• Energy-saving lighting solution with high efficiency features
• Perfect lighting option for older homes with less ceiling space
• Integrated LED technology, no more hassle with bulbs

Cons of Canless Recessed Lighting

• Higher replacement cost than recessed can LEDs since entire fixture needs replacing if light goes out
• Cannot change direction of light or focus light on specific areas
• Limited variety of light source options compared to canned lighting

To decide which light to choose, we must compare them.

Installation

The clear winner is the canless light fixture. Just drop it in and wire it. Canless lighting doesn't need as much ceiling space as recessed can lights.

Installing a can light can be a puzzling experience. Can lighting needs electrical wiring, housing placement, and trim installation to work.

Efficiency

On average, canless fixtures are more energy-efficient but there are comparable LED options for canned lights. This depends on what bulb you use in a can light.

Canless lights primarily use LEDs that save costs and last longer. However, canned fixtures accept LED bulbs with the same technology and efficiency. Your choice may depend on whether or not you want bulb lighting.

Maintenance

Due to its sealed construction, a canless light requires less maintenance than alternatives. This sealed system reduces dust build-up, air leaks, and required maintenance.

Traditional can lighting has more air leaks, builds more dust, and needs maintenance more often. This results from the three parts: housing, trim, and bulb. Choose an integrated LED can light for longer lifespans and low maintenance similar to canless options.

Design & Style

Design depends on your needs and desired look. Canned fixtures come in many styles that can fix vintage or modern architecture.

Canless lighting adds a modern, minimalist visual to any area. When in need of a modern look or have smaller ceilings, canless lights are the superior option.

Cost

Cans: More affordable light option but requires more costs in installation, maintenance, and energy waste from air leakage.

Canless: More expensive upfront but bring decreased install and maintenance costs overtime.

By choosing LEDs, you can save on energy costs no matter which fixture type you choose. Shop at HomElectrical for all your LED lighting, HVAC, and electrical supplies today!