Buy Halo 30WATH 6-Inch Air Tite Trim, White

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List Price: $24.89
Sale Price: $13.99
Today's Bonus: 44% Off

== Why we bought this product ==

We have several Halo H7 ICT recessed can lights installed in about 2005. For some insane reason the person who installed them did not install airtight cans, even though there is an insulated attic above the ceiling, and the lack of airtightness means that warm, moist, conditioned air can potentially leak into the attic through the cans. Not only is this a waste of expensive heat, but in very cold weather the moisture in the conditioned air could condense on cold surfaces in the attic to form mold. After we moved in, I realized that none of the cans were airtight (surprise, surprise, the home inspector did not pick this up) so I had one in a bathroom replaced with a completely airtight can. However, with can replacement costing over $100 per can (mostly labor), it would be far too expensive to replace all the cans completely, so I looked for an alternative solution and came across these trims. Note, even my (very good) electrician did not know that these trims existed, nor did either of two local lighting retailers; I discovered them by searching online for airtight trim for the specific model of cans we have.

== Choosing the right version: silver interior or white? ==

Once I had found the model number, I was able to order two units through my local lighting shop. I ordered a further four from Amazon at less than half the price I paid at the local retailer. However, Amazon only offers (at the moment), the version of this product with a white ceiling ring / flange and a silver reflective cone; while this is OK for one of my rooms, I wanted a fully white cone in a situation where the ceiling is lower, because it's less glaring, so this was the version I got through my local retailer.

== Installation ==

Installing the units was very straightforward, despite scanty instructions on the packaging. I had to remove the existing trim (unhooking some springs) and the bracket that supported the bulb holder (not sure what the proper term for this is). Once I had worked out what to do, this took less than a couple of minutes per light. Then, the most fiddly part of the procedure: hooking the bulb holder onto the top of the "airtight" cone. There is a sticky, spongy black gasket (again, not sure if this is quite the right term) on the top of the cone containing a hole through which you push the bulb holder. The tricky bit is getting the bulb holder's springy hooks past the gasket and clipped onto the sides of the cone (difficult to explain). Once the top is clipped in securely, springs on the sides of the units slot into holders in the cans, and you just push the trim up until it's tight against the ceiling. All in all, it took less than 5 minutes per light, including moving the ladder!

== Product quality ==

Although they were simple to install and look OK, I am not impressed with the quality of this product for three reasons.

* Firstly, the gasket on the top seems very sloppily applied: there was big variability in its positioning among the 6 individual units. In some, the hole in the gasket did not completely overlap the hole in the metal cone. In others, there was no space between the gasket and the trim for the bulb holder clips to go through. The result of this was that I am pretty sure that there were still very small gaps at the top of the unit, where it clips onto the bulb holder. It's way better than before, but still not 100% "airtight". I am now researching what I can use to plug these remaining small gaps of up to 1mm (any suggestions?)

* Secondly, the metal is very thin. One the second of the six units that I installed, while I was pushing the side springs into position, one of the springs sprang out of my grasp and recoiled against the part of the trim that pushes against the ceiling (what I'm terming the "flange"). This minor bang bent the flange! Needless to say that I was very careful while installing the remaining four units. However, it should not have been able to happen in the first place. Either the spring should be designed so that it does not hit the trim if recoiling, or the flange should be sturdy enough to remain undeformed if hit by the spring.

* Thirdly, although the trim pushes up tightly against the ceiling, unless the ceiling is perfectly flat, I'm sure there will be minor gaps around it, through which air can leak. I was expecting there to be some kind of rubber gasket around the flange to form a good seal between the flange and the ceiling. For a piece of trim this price, something so simple that would cost mere pennies to include should be standard. I suppose one could use caulk, but that would make it difficult to remove the trim easily. [EDIT, 11/26/10: I just installed some trim gaskets, part number GA-ATTRIM; they are thin rings of foam that sit between the trim flange and the ceiling, and thus improve the seal. Very irritating that I had to buy these separately; it was also hard to find a supplier since I am not in California, the only state where these are required for something called Title 24 compliance].

== Summary ==

I am glad I installed these, because they are far better than having totally leaky cans, but l needed to do further work on them to be satisfied that they are completely airtight. I wish there were a better product available.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Purchased 8 of these to install in Halo H7ICT recessed light fixtures. They are easy to install, fit well, & should provide a good seal to prevent unconditioned attic air from entering conditioned spaces. The instructions that come with them could be a little more clear, but, installation can be easily figured out. The only drawback to using "airtight" trim pieces are the somewhat reduced lamp wattage that can be used in them (to prevent overheating). I advise taking note of the list of bulbs that the manufacturer recommends for these and making sure those bulbs will work for your application. I'm using 40 watt regular (A19) bulb and, because the 30WATH trim has a conical reflector, the light output is nice and bright. I recommend these to anyone interested in saving on heating and cooling costs.

Best Deals for Halo 30WATH 6-Inch Air Tite Trim, White

Installed the Halo housing for the recessed lights in a basement project

Totally didn't realize I needed the trim, which fit easily into the housing (same brand)

I went online to see a demo of these being installed, once you see how it works it takes a couple minutes per light.

Fit well and look great!

Amazon price was competitive and with their return policy I decided to order from Amazon

Honest reviews on Halo 30WATH 6-Inch Air Tite Trim, White

I retrofitted the light fixtures in our house with the Halo remodel IC Airtight low profile cans. When I selected the trim, this was the obvious choice, but I was dismayed to find that they will not fit in the cans. The socket fits in the trim alright, but when they are slid up into the can, they bottom out about an inch too soon so that the flange never makes it to the ceiling. I really like thesethey seem to be the highest quality, best looking highly reflective trim available. I was going to use them with standard CFC's, but will now have to go with one of the more open trims such as the Halo 426 which is cut shorter, and, unfortunately, more expensive. IF they fit my cans, they would certainly be the trim of choice.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Halo 30WATH 6-Inch Air Tite Trim, White

They went in easier than I expected, considering I was retrofitting 17-year old Juno fixtures. The only tricky part is detaching the lamp socket and squeezing it into the housing without tearing the gasket. If there is a flaw, it is the poorly placed, easily ripped gasket that seals between the socket and reflector. It's important to not man-handle the reflector or trim ring because they are pretty thin metal. I would also advise washing your hands after removing the old parts and before handling the new because dirt shows up really well on the white trim. And, as I mentioned in the title, I can now use cheaper "normal" bulbs instead of reflector ones and get lots of light.

The old parts went into curb-side recycling and the new trim and better light make for an easy 15-minute can-light make-over.