Downlighters

I've spent a day googling and researching what our best option would be to do but I am not getting many answers!

We have an extension and attic conversion. Both have plenty of downlighters in them.
The attic was done 8 years ago and has always been too cold in Winter, too warm in Summer.
The extension was done 3 years ago and has always been cold enough enough though it has well over the minimum insulation required. We went well above and beyond BUT the recent cold snap has really made me start looking at the coldness and it looks like its actually a breeze coming in the downlighters :-(

I have looked into options to fix this. There are things called downlighter covers but most are only available if you can get access from top down. We cant as both are out to roofs.

I did find one (cant post link as havent reached criteria yet!) but am wondering if anyone has an experience of them or what can be retrofitted before I order them.

LED Down Light Cover for retrofit & new build, 70mm


The most advanced down light cover at the moment. It can be used for retrofit, even if the ceiling is already installed. All you need to ensure is a hole of 74mm to fit the cover.

This down light cover is made for the use of LED recess lights or LED bulbs only. The maximum wattage is 9W.

• 74mm fitting hole required
• suitable for LED Lights up to 9 Watt
• 95mm total depth, for recess lights up to 85mm depth
• for down lights up to 70mm diameter
• integrated pockets for the fixing clips
• sophisticated wire entry gland for up to 6 cores
• approved and awarded air tight product, made in Germany

Thanks a mil,

B

What type of bulbs are in your downlights? LED, halogen?

Hi Bettyk,
I would guess that you have identified the most likely cause of the issue, which is the holes caused by the downlighters. You appear to have approached it logically, Identifying the problem (cold/draughts), identifying the cause, after ruling out other possible causes (lack of insulation). So I'd have every faith in you identifying the correct solution. As you probably know, LEDs don't generate anything like the heat of a halogen, and if you can fit them including the airtight covers, you're on a winner.
I had a similar issue, but was able to access the existing downlighters from the attic. So I just fitted fireproof hoods. As you don't have this option, the one you referenced seems to be the best (or better) alternative.

I'd guess this is the product
[broken link removed]
And at €15 it's a pretty inexpensive solution (or €40 for 3).
I presume you will be able to use the existing downlighters, and buy new LED bulbs. Be careful if you have a dimmer switch, as not all LEDs play nice with dimmers, and dimmers have to be compatible with LED bulbs.

@trmartin We have LEDs in the extension but id have to double check the attic, I think they are LED's too but would change them if needed anyway.

@Buddyboy thank you for this! Yes I am confident it is the only way the cold is getting in. Not very clever I know but ignorance I suppose at the time meant we missed this. The insulated slabs have air tightness tape all around too so hopefully if we sort it it would make for a warmer house.
Yes those are the covers I found and seem to be one of the only ones for retro fit from underneath. We have 24 in those 2 rooms so yes pricey after thought! I might get some to do one or the other and see if it makes a difference before doing the whole thing.

I figure we cant be the first and wont be the last people to have this problem so hoping someone has an easier solution!!