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Professional Recessed Lighting Installation

Modernize your home with energy-efficient LED recessed lighting. We handle layout design, installation, and dimmer switch integration for kitchens, living rooms, basements, and more.

Professional recessed lighting installation - Northern Virginia LED lighting contractor
5-Year Warranty

Recessed Lighting Services

Recessed lighting is one of the most effective ways to enhance your home's ambiance, functionality, and value. Our professional installation ensures beautiful, energy-efficient results that will transform your space.

Why Choose Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting provides clean, modern illumination that complements any interior style. Unlike pendant lights or chandeliers, recessed lights sit flush with your ceiling, creating a sleek look while maximizing your usable space. They work beautifully as accent lighting around focal points like decorative fixtures.

At AJ Long Electric, we specialize in custom recessed lighting design and installation that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home, all while being energy-efficient.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Create a clean, modern look with custom lighting plans

Energy Efficiency

Modern LED recessed lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional lighting

Space Enhancement

Make rooms feel larger and more open with strategic placement

Popular Rooms for Recessed Lighting:

  • Kitchens - Task lighting for countertops and ambient lighting throughout
  • Living Rooms - Create layered lighting for different activities and moods
  • Basements - Maximize ceiling height and improve overall brightness
  • Bathrooms - Even, shadow-free lighting for grooming tasks
  • Home Offices - Comfortable, glare-free lighting for productivity
  • Hallways & Entryways - Create welcoming pathways through your home
  • Bedrooms - Versatile lighting for relaxation and tasks

Benefits of Recessed Lighting

Discover why so many homeowners choose recessed lighting for their spaces

Aesthetic Appeal

Recessed lighting creates a clean, streamlined look that complements any décor style. The subtle, architectural quality of recessed fixtures enhances your space without competing with other design elements.

Energy Efficiency

Modern LED recessed lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. With dimmer compatibility, you can further reduce energy consumption while creating the perfect ambiance.

Space Optimization

Unlike hanging fixtures, recessed lights don't take up any physical space in the room. They make ceilings appear higher and rooms feel larger, especially valuable in spaces with limited square footage.

Versatility

Recessed lighting can be used for ambient, task, or accent lighting depending on placement and design. Directional trims allow you to highlight artwork, architectural features, or specific areas of your home.

Increased Home Value

Modern, energy-efficient lighting is attractive to potential buyers and can increase property value. Well-designed lighting plans are considered an upgrade and selling point in real estate listings.

Low Maintenance

Modern LED recessed lights last up to 50,000 hours, meaning years of use without replacement. Unlike surface fixtures, recessed lights are less likely to collect dust and require minimal cleaning.

Types of Recessed Lighting We Install

We offer a variety of high-quality recessed lighting options to suit your needs and preferences

LED Recessed Downlights

The most common and versatile option, these fixtures provide even, general illumination throughout a room. They're ideal for kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and any space where you need reliable overall lighting.

We install energy-efficient LED downlights that provide excellent color rendering and are compatible with dimmer switches for adjustable light levels.

Adjustable Recessed Lighting

Featuring trims that can be rotated and adjusted, these lights allow you to direct light exactly where it's needed. They're perfect for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or creating accent lighting in specific areas.

Adjustable recessed lighting is particularly useful in rooms with multiple functions or where you want to create visual interest through directed light.

Wet-Rated Recessed Lighting

Specifically designed for bathrooms, showers, outdoor soffits, and other areas exposed to moisture. These fixtures are sealed to prevent water damage and are essential for safe lighting in wet environments.

We ensure proper wet-rated fixtures are installed in appropriate locations to meet building codes and maintain the safety of your electrical system.

IC-Rated Recessed Lighting

IC (Insulation Contact) rated fixtures are designed to be installed in direct contact with insulation. They're essential for energy efficiency in ceilings with insulation and prevent fire hazards.

We always use the appropriate IC-rated fixtures for insulated ceilings to maintain safety standards and energy efficiency in your home.

Smart Recessed Lighting

Integrate your recessed lighting with smart home systems for ultimate control and convenience. Smart recessed lights can be controlled via smartphone apps, voice commands, or automated schedules.

We can install smart lighting systems compatible with popular platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, allowing you to adjust brightness, color temperature, and even create custom lighting scenes for different activities or times of day.

Our Recessed Lighting Installation Process

We follow a thorough, systematic approach to ensure your recessed lighting installation is completed professionally, efficiently, and to the highest standards

1

Consultation & Design

Our lighting specialist will discuss your goals, evaluate your space, and create a custom lighting design. We'll determine the optimal number of fixtures, spacing, and positioning for maximum impact and functionality.

Duration: 1-2 hours Free with estimate
2

Detailed Proposal

We'll provide a comprehensive written estimate including fixture recommendations, installation details, timeline, and transparent pricing. We'll explain different options for trims, finishes, and smart control features.

Duration: 2-3 business days Includes all options and pricing
3

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before installation day, we'll locate ceiling joists, check for existing wiring, and identify any potential obstacles. For new construction or major renovations, we'll coordinate with other contractors if needed.

Duration: 1-2 hours Ensures smooth installation
4

Professional Installation

Our licensed electricians will carefully install your recessed lighting with minimal disruption to your home. We use drop cloths and protective measures to keep your space clean. The process includes cutting precise ceiling holes, installing housing fixtures, connecting wiring, and installing trims.

Duration: Varies by project size Performed by licensed electricians
5

Testing & Walkthrough

We thoroughly test all installed fixtures and controls to ensure proper operation. We'll walk you through the system, demonstrate dimmer functionality, and provide maintenance tips. Your installation is backed by our comprehensive 5-year warranty.

Duration: 30 minutes Includes 5-year warranty coverage

Recessed Lighting Options

We offer a variety of high-quality recessed lighting solutions to fit your needs

Standard Installation

Basic recessed lighting setup

  • Standard 4" or 6" LED recessed light
  • Basic white trim option
  • Standard switch control
  • Installation labor
  • Cleanup after installation
  • 5-year warranty

Dimmer Package

Enhanced control and ambiance

  • Premium LED recessed light
  • Choice of trim styles and finishes
  • Dimmer switch installation
  • Installation labor
  • Cleanup after installation
  • 5-year warranty
  • Lighting adjustment consultation

Enhanced Options

Premium features and configuration

  • Premium LED recessed light
  • Designer trim options
  • Advanced control options
  • Custom configuration
  • Premium fixtures
  • 5-year warranty
  • Advanced lighting consultation
  • Premium technical support

Custom Project Consultation

Every home and lighting need is unique. Our professional lighting consultants will work with you to design the perfect recessed lighting solution for your space. We consider:

  • Room dimensions and ceiling height
  • Existing electrical configuration
  • Natural light considerations
  • Your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs

Contact us for a personalized consultation and custom quote for your specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about recessed lighting installation

How many recessed lights do I need for my room?

The number of recessed lights needed depends on several factors including room size, ceiling height, light output of the fixtures, and the room's purpose. As a general rule, for ambient lighting in a living space, we recommend one recessed light for every 25-30 square feet of space. For task areas like kitchens, you may need more concentrated lighting. During our consultation, we'll create a custom lighting plan based on your specific space and needs.

Can recessed lights be installed in any ceiling?

Recessed lights can be installed in most ceiling types, but the installation method varies. For standard drywall ceilings, installation is straightforward. For concrete ceilings, special housing may be required. For ceilings with insulation, we use IC-rated fixtures to prevent fire hazards. Some historic homes or properties with plaster ceilings may require special considerations. During our assessment, we'll evaluate your ceiling type and recommend the appropriate fixtures and installation methods.

What size recessed lights should I choose?

The most common sizes for residential recessed lighting are 4-inch and 6-inch, which refers to the diameter of the trim or aperture. For most living spaces, 6-inch fixtures provide good general illumination. Four-inch fixtures work well in smaller spaces or for accent lighting. Kitchens often benefit from 4-inch fixtures for task lighting over countertops. The right size depends on your ceiling height, room dimensions, and lighting goals. Our lighting specialists will help you choose the optimal size for your space during the consultation.

How disruptive is recessed lighting installation?

We make every effort to minimize disruption during installation. For new construction or during a renovation when walls and ceilings are open, installation is very straightforward. For retrofit installations in finished ceilings, there will be some cutting of drywall and potential need to access attic space. Our technicians use drop cloths to protect your furnishings and take care to minimize dust. Most standard installations in an average-sized room can be completed in a single day. Power will need to be turned off to the circuits we're working on during installation.

What's the difference between LED and traditional recessed lights?

LED recessed lights offer significant advantages over traditional incandescent or halogen options. LEDs use up to 75% less energy, produce much less heat (reducing fire risk and cooling costs), and last 25-50 times longer (up to 50,000 hours versus 1,000-2,000 for incandescent). Modern LED fixtures provide excellent light quality and color rendering, are fully dimmable, and come in various color temperatures to create the perfect ambiance. The upfront cost of LED fixtures is higher, but the energy savings and reduced replacement frequency make them more economical over time. We primarily install LED recessed lighting for these reasons.

Do I need special switches for recessed lighting?

Recessed lights can work with standard switches, but many homeowners choose to enhance functionality with dimmer switches or smart controls. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust light levels for different activities and moods while also saving energy. Smart switches and controllers enable remote control via smartphone apps, voice commands through devices like Alexa or Google Home, and automation features like scheduling. If you choose LED recessed lights (which we recommend), you'll need LED-compatible dimmers to prevent flickering. We can install and program any type of switch or control system as part of your recessed lighting installation.

Ready to Transform Your Space with Recessed Lighting?

Contact us today for a free, detailed estimate. Our licensed electricians provide expert recessed lighting installation with transparent pricing and a 5-year warranty.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured | 5-Year Warranty on All Installations