Although the new, four-inch CR4-575L is available at Home Depot, the updated, six-inch CR6 is not at this time.  So, as Doug pointed out in our comments, it may be worthwhile to post a comparison of the existing CR6-575L with the updated CR6-800L.  Before doing that, note the new CR4-575L has similar specs to the existing CR6-575L with the main difference being one is made for a 4″ housing and the other is for a 6″ housing.  Here’s a head-to-head of the popular six-inch CR6 downlights.

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In July 2012, Cree announced brighter LED downlights in the CR Series.  The CR4-575L fits a 4″ housing and delivers 575 lumens, 90 CRI, 2700 Kelvin, dimming up to 5%, and 50,000 hours while only using 9.5 watts of energy.  The CR6-800L fits a 6″ housing and delivers 800 lumens, 90 CRI, 2700 Kelvin, dimming up to 5%, and 50,000 hours while only using 12 watts of energy.  Both are Energy Star qualified and they’re available in either the Edison or GU24-type bases.  The CR4 sells for about $53, and the CR6 sells for about $55 (both at EarthLED).

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David Hanacek of EcoCycle Solutions loves to think up practical, cost-effective building products that make a big impact on efficiency. Take his Flow-Thru Finisher for example, a handy little caulk gun attachment that helps get adhesive exactly where and how you want it.  Before that, it was a clog-free drain device and lightweight steel shipping pallets.  But it’s his new invention, the CanCoverIt, that gets him most excited.   After all, what looks like a ho-hum, odd-looking box is actually a breakthrough invention that can save countless kilowatts and millions of dollars for homeowners. Read more »

Florida-based Lighting Science Group (LSG) recently announced a new LED product called Glimpse.  The Title 24-compliant downlight is compatible with most 5″ and 6″ recessed cans and can be surface mounted to a J-box as a luminaire.  Glimpse is Energy Star qualified in all model types, according to a press release, and provides up to 20% more light than other products on the market with the 750 lumen package.

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A smart homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs with proper sealing and insulating, according to EnergyStar.gov.  Assuming the air-sealed home has sufficient and adequate ventilation, air sealing is supposed to reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort.  One area that typically needs attention is recessed lighting.  In the video above, Yves Vetter of Vesta Home Performance, explains how to seal a can light from below.

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