Recessed and wafer lights create clean, modern lighting that transforms any room in your home. Unlike bulky surface-mounted fixtures, recessed lights sit flush with the ceiling, providing even illumination without visual clutter. Today's LED wafer lights are thinner, more energy-efficient, and easier to install than traditional can lights -- making them the preferred choice for new construction and remodels alike.
Unity Power & Light installs recessed lighting and LED wafer lights throughout Aiken, SC. Whether you are renovating a kitchen, finishing a basement, or upgrading an entire home to modern LED lighting, our licensed electricians plan the layout, run the wiring, and install your new lights with clean, code-compliant workmanship.
Wafer Lights vs Traditional Can Lights
If you are planning a recessed lighting project, you will need to choose between traditional can lights (also called pot lights or recessed housings) and modern LED wafer lights (also called slim-profile or canless recessed lights). Here is how they compare.
LED Wafer Lights
Profile: Ultra-thin at approximately 0.5 inches deep. Mounts directly to the drywall with spring clips -- no housing or can required.
Ceiling clearance: Works in tight spaces where there is little room above the ceiling, such as between floors, under ductwork, or in soffits.
Light source: Integrated LED panel. Not bulb-replaceable -- when the LED eventually fails (typically 50,000+ hours), you replace the entire fixture.
Installation: Faster and simpler. A small hole is cut in the drywall, the junction box connects above, and the light snaps into place.
Cost: Lower per-fixture cost due to no housing requirement and faster installation labor.
Traditional Can Lights
Profile: Requires a metal housing (can) that extends 7 to 8 inches above the ceiling into the joist cavity.
Ceiling clearance: Needs sufficient space above the drywall for the housing. Not suitable for tight spaces or shallow ceiling cavities.
Light source: Uses replaceable bulbs (LED, CFL, or incandescent). You can change the bulb type and color temperature at any time.
Installation: More involved. The housing must be secured to the ceiling joists before drywall goes up (new construction) or fished into position (remodel).
Cost: Higher per-fixture cost due to housing materials and additional installation labor.
For most Aiken homeowners, we recommend LED wafer lights. They are more affordable, faster to install, work in nearly any ceiling type, and provide excellent light quality. We stock popular sizes (4-inch and 6-inch) and can order specialty sizes for your project.
Where Recessed Lights Work Best
Recessed lighting is versatile enough for almost any room. Here are the most popular applications we install in Aiken homes.
Kitchens
Recessed lights provide even task lighting over countertops, islands, and cooking areas. A grid of 6-inch lights spaced evenly across the kitchen ceiling eliminates shadows and dark spots where you need visibility most.
Bathrooms
Damp-rated recessed lights are required in bathrooms. We install IC-rated, damp-location fixtures above showers, vanities, and general bathroom areas for bright, clean illumination.
Living Rooms
Recessed lights on a dimmer create flexible ambient lighting for living rooms and family rooms. You can set the mood for movie night or brighten the room for reading and entertaining.
Hallways
A line of evenly spaced recessed lights down a hallway replaces a single outdated fixture with smooth, continuous illumination from end to end.
Home Offices
Proper lighting reduces eye strain and improves focus. Recessed lights positioned above your desk and around the room provide shadow-free, comfortable working light.
Outdoor Soffits
Wet-rated recessed lights installed in exterior soffits provide attractive downlighting for patios, porches, and entryways without exposed fixture hardware.
Our Installation Process
Layout and Spacing Plan
Proper spacing is critical for even lighting. We plan the layout based on your room dimensions, ceiling height, and the beam angle of the chosen fixtures. For standard 8-foot ceilings, 6-inch lights are typically spaced 4 to 6 feet apart. We mark each position on the ceiling before cutting any holes.
Cut Openings and Run Wiring
We cut precise openings in the drywall at each marked location, then run new wiring from the switch location to each fixture. For wafer lights, the junction box sits above the drywall. For can lights, the housing is secured to the joists. All wiring is run neatly and secured to framing per code.
Install Fixtures and Connect
Each light is wired to the circuit, secured in its opening, and aligned flush with the ceiling surface. We ensure all connections are made inside approved junction boxes with no exposed wiring.
Test Dimmer Compatibility
Not all dimmers work well with LED lights. Incompatible dimmers cause flickering, buzzing, and limited dimming range. We install LED-compatible dimmer switches and test the full dimming range to ensure smooth, flicker-free operation from 100% down to the lowest setting.
Choosing the Right Recessed Light
Selecting the right recessed light involves more than picking a fixture off the shelf. Here are the key specifications we help you decide on.
Color Temperature
2700K (Warm White): Cozy, yellowish tone similar to incandescent bulbs. Best for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas where you want a relaxed atmosphere.
3000K (Neutral White): Slightly brighter and more balanced. The most popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and general-purpose rooms. Works well throughout the home.
4000K (Cool White): Bright, crisp daylight tone. Best for garages, workshops, laundry rooms, and task-oriented spaces where maximum visibility matters.
Lumens by Room Type
Lumens measure actual light output -- a far more useful specification than wattage. Here are general guidelines per fixture:
Ambient lighting (living rooms, bedrooms): 600-900 lumens per fixture
Task lighting (kitchens, offices): 900-1,200 lumens per fixture
Accent lighting (hallways, soffits): 400-600 lumens per fixture
We calculate the total lumens needed for your room and recommend the number of fixtures accordingly.
IC-Rated vs Non-IC
IC-rated (Insulation Contact): Can be installed where insulation touches the fixture housing. Required in most residential ceiling installations where insulation is present above the drywall.
Non-IC: Must maintain a 3-inch clearance from insulation. Used in commercial settings or specific residential applications where no insulation is present.
Most LED wafer lights are inherently IC-rated due to their low heat output, which is another advantage over traditional can lights.
Damp-Rated vs Wet-Rated
Damp-rated: Required for bathrooms, covered porches, and areas with occasional moisture exposure. Suitable for most indoor wet areas where water does not directly contact the fixture.
Wet-rated: Required for outdoor locations exposed to rain, snow, or direct water contact. Necessary for open soffits, uncovered patios, and shower enclosures.
We select the correct rating for each location in your project to ensure code compliance and long fixture life.
Recessed Lighting Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for recessed lighting projects. The per-light cost depends on whether we are running new wiring or replacing existing fixtures.
Most kitchen or living room projects involve 4 to 8 lights. We provide a complete project quote after evaluating your space and discussing your lighting goals.
Interested in how LED lighting can reduce your energy bills? Read our blog post: Benefits of LED Lighting Upgrades in Aiken, SC
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Recessed lighting pairs well with other upgrades. We also install ceiling fans, outlets, switches, and dedicated circuits, and more. Ask about bundling projects during your quote.
Ready to Upgrade Your Lighting?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.