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Types of recessed lighting: which one fits your ceiling?

Choose ICAT can (insulation contact, airtight) for new downlights below an unconditioned attic, where ENERGY STAR says to consider models rated Type AT (airtight); LED retrofit kit for upgrading an existing downlight without replacing or modifying the fixture inside the ceiling (ENERGY STAR); Canless LED kit for replacing an existing ceiling light, including track or pendant lights, with recessed downlights (ENERGY STAR); Surface-mounted LED (looks recessed) for replacing old non-IC rated recessed cans, where the Building America Solution Center lists ICAT cans "or even better, ceiling-mounted light fixtures".

The right choice depends on whether the ceiling already has a recessed can, another ceiling light or no overhead light, whether insulation will touch the fixture, and whether the ceiling sits below an unconditioned attic.

How we know: By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. · Sources read: 22 October 2026 · Updated 27 October 2026

Whatever the type, ENERGY STAR's safety checklist for recessed downlights says the "Fixture is damp or wet rated if it will be exposed to moisture, such as above showers or outdoors."
TypeBest forMain advantagesMain drawbacks
ICAT can (insulation contact, airtight)new downlights below an unconditioned attic, where ENERGY STAR says to consider models rated Type AT (airtight)because the fixture is insulation contact-rated, attic insulation can be installed over and around it (Building America Solution Center); IC-rated fixtures have a thermal safety switch that shuts the fixture off if it overheats (Building America Solution Center); newer ICAT-rated fixtures are made with fewer holes and with gaskets "to eliminate most of the air leakage pathways" (Building America Solution Center)some brands of can lights designated ICAT may still leak air (Building America Solution Center); in a room with no existing overhead lighting, you will likely need to add wiring to your home's electrical control panel (ENERGY STAR)
LED retrofit kitupgrading an existing downlight without replacing or modifying the fixture inside the ceiling (ENERGY STAR)the LED light screws into the existing socket like a bulb and snaps into place (ENERGY STAR)the kit keeps the existing can, and in existing homes older recessed can lights are likely not rated for direct contact with insulation (Building America Solution Center); older cans have holes in the upper part of the fixture to let heat escape (Building America Solution Center)
Canless LED kitreplacing an existing ceiling light, including track or pendant lights, with recessed downlights (ENERGY STAR)canless kits do away with the need for traditional housings, reducing the number of installation steps (ENERGY STAR); they install through a small ceiling opening (ENERGY STAR)in a room with no existing overhead lighting, you will likely need to add wiring to your home's electrical control panel (ENERGY STAR)
Surface-mounted LED (looks recessed)replacing old non-IC rated recessed cans, where the Building America Solution Center lists ICAT cans "or even better, ceiling-mounted light fixtures"the fixture mounts to the ceiling surface, so there is no can extending up into the attic (Building America Solution Center); LED surface-mounted kits that look similar to recessed can lights are available (Building America Solution Center, 2022); downlights that earn the ENERGY STAR also come in models suitable to be surface mounted to a ceiling (ENERGY STAR)no official source names one

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