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How to Update Old Recessed Lights to High Hat Lights

By Chelsea Cheung on Apr 02, 2025

Transform outdated can lights in 3 simple steps! Zepboo’s snap-in bamboo retrofit kits fit 4-6 inch housings without rewiring. Upgrade to IC-rated airtight insulation, adjustable gimbal rings, and fire-safe LED technology. Get the ultimate recessed lighting checklist now!


Table of Contents

  1. Why Upgrade to High Hat Lights?

  2. Choosing the Right Retrofit Kit: IC-Rated, Airtight & Gimbal Options

  3. Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Can Lights

  4. Fire Safety & Heat Management: What You Need to Know

  5. Case Study: How a California Historic Building Saved $15K on Electrical Work

  6. Final Thoughts: Make the Switch Today


1. Why Upgrade to High Hat Lights?

High hat lights (also known as recessed ceiling lights) offer a sleek, modern upgrade for outdated can lighting.

Benefits of Converting to High Hat Lights:
Energy-efficient LEDs—consume 75% less power than incandescent bulbs
Instant modern refresh—eliminate bulky trims and yellowing lenses
Better light control—adjustable gimbal rings let you direct light exactly where you need it
Fire safety improvements—IC-rated airtight insulation prevents overheating

💡 Pro Tip: Upgrading to LED retrofit high hats can reduce maintenance costs by up to 80%, thanks to longer-lasting bulbs!


2. Choosing the Right Retrofit Kit: IC-Rated, Airtight & Gimbal Options

When updating your old recessed lighting, not all retrofit kits are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Feature Why It Matters Best Choice
IC-Rated Housing Safe for direct contact with insulation 🔥 Prevents fire hazards
Airtight Insulation Blocks air leaks, reduces energy loss 🌡️ Cuts HVAC costs
Adjustable Gimbal Rings Directs light at specific angles (artwork, counters) 🎯 Targeted lighting control
Retrofit LED Kit Snaps into existing housing for easy installation 🔄 No need to replace wiring

Best Option: Zepboo ClipFit Retrofit Kits—UL 1598C certified, fits 1950-2020 recessed lighting models.


3. Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Can Lights

🔧 Tools You’ll Need:

  • Zepboo ClipFit Retrofit Kit

  • Screwdriver

  • Voltage tester

Step 1: Turn Off Power & Remove Old Fixture

  1. Switch off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards.

  2. Remove the trim and bulb from your existing recessed light.

  3. Disconnect the old fixture by detaching the socket adapter.

Step 2: Install the ClipFit Retrofit Kit

  1. Attach the new LED module using the included quick-connect socket.

  2. Secure the ClipFit adapter inside the housing—no screws needed!

  3. Snap the bamboo-finished trim into place for a seamless look.

Step 3: Restore Power & Adjust the Light

  1. Flip the breaker back on and test the new high hat light.

  2. If using adjustable gimbal rings, tilt the fixture to highlight countertops or decor.

  3. Enjoy flicker-free dimming with compatible switches!

💡 Upgrade Tip: Choose high-CRI LEDs (90+) for the most natural-looking light.


4. Fire Safety & Heat Management: What You Need to Know

Older recessed lights can be fire hazards, especially when surrounded by insulation.

🔥 How Zepboo’s High Hat Retrofit Improves Safety:
IC-Rated for Direct Insulation Contact—Prevents overheating
Airtight Seal—Blocks airflow to improve fire resistance
Advanced Heat Dissipation—Aluminum heat sinks + auto shut-off for temp spikes

📌 Fact: Non-IC-rated housings can reach unsafe temperatures (over 300°F) when covered by insulation. Upgrading reduces fire risk by 85%.


5. Case Study: How a California Historic Building Saved $15K on Electrical Work

🏡 Project: A 1950s-era historic home in California needed an upgrade from outdated, inefficient recessed lighting.

🚧 Challenge:

  • Old can light housings lacked proper insulation

  • Building code restrictions made new wiring cost-prohibitive

  • Needed an energy-efficient solution without compromising the vintage aesthetic

Solution: Zepboo ClipFit Retrofit Kits

  • Installed in minutes using existing housings (no new wiring needed)

  • Bamboo-finished trims blended perfectly with historic decor

  • IC-rated airtight insulation ensured code compliance

💰 Result:
💡 $15,000 saved in avoided electrical rewiring costs
🔋 Energy bills reduced by 40% with LED efficiency
🔥 Fire risk eliminated with safe heat management

📌 Key Takeaway: Retrofit high hat lights = major cost savings & safety improvements!


6. Final Thoughts: Make the Switch Today

Upgrading to high hat lights is one of the fastest ways to modernize your home, improve lighting quality, and boost energy efficiency.

Why Choose Zepboo’s ClipFit Retrofit Kits?
Fits 4-6 inch recessed housings (1950-present models)
No rewiring required—snap-in installation
IC-rated, airtight, and fire-safe
Dimmable, flicker-free LED with adjustable gimbal rings
Stylish bamboo trim for a natural, high-end look

Ready to upgrade your recessed lights? Check out Zepboo’s ClipFit Retrofit Kits for the easiest, safest, and most stylish solution.

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