I currently have recessed lighting in my kitchen that was present when I purchased the home. The cans do not have the internal housing. In other words, I can see up beyond the light bulb to the upper part of the can. Since the attic is above the kitchen, I often get a draft. The cans appear to be 5inch. Can I just buy the internal housing or must I replace the entire can?

Manufactures differ on how there cans are made, so I cannot tell you yes or no. Sounds as if they are non i/c cans, you can make a baffle or purchase one that goes over the older cans to insulate around them.
Your best bet would be to change them out with i/c remodel cans.

Icaman or electricmanscott may have a better answer.

You can purchase insulated "covers" that go over the can on the attic side. But be careful. Some cans state that you cannot put insulation within 6 inches of the can. Check out both the inside and outside of the cans for safety cautions and labels. (Maybe check with the mfr. too.)
If you can use the covers, it would be both cheaper and easier than replacing the cans.

Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear but I have cans but it's the baffle/reflectors that I do not have. After visiting the manufactures site, I now see what is available to me. Thanks

They sell just the internal housings at ***** , but they have only 6-inch. The helpful employee there said that the industry has pretty much settled on 6-inch as the standard.
I was looking for the same thing because all of mine are black inside and I'd recently heard that a white or reflective housing will double your useable light. Something to consider when you find yours. One disappointment for me is that they wanted $9 each for those pieces of plastic.
(Guess we're no longer allowed to name that big-box home improvement place.)

[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited February 18, 2002).]

Hi piz_bruin. The answer is both ***** -and-HD. I not only found the type I wanted at both L and HD, but I searched the shelves and found a cheaper version at about $4 each - again, in both places.
The difference in the amount of light is incredible. My old inserts were black on the inside, and I swear they reduced the light by 1/2. Now I need to add dimmers to some places that didn't need them before.
Also fyi: the box said 7", but they fit a 6" hole.

[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited March 13, 2002).]

Glad you found what you needed. The 'draft' problem is caused because the units are not the airtite type. For units going into spaces where air leaks can cause energy loss, use the IC (in contact) and 'Air Tite' ones. Then will not allow air leaks and can place insullation in direct contact.

Do I need to replace the entire can? Can I do this from below or do I need to find out how to get to the area above the kitchen?

The one for remodeling (not new construction) allow you to replace/install from below.

I'm in the same boat. A draft comes in through my recessed can lights. I'm thinking I'll have to cut out a section of ceiling to remove/replace the old ones.

I looked at the "remodel" units at Home Depot and I see how they fit. But I think the frames of the old units are in the way.

Also, it looks nearly impossible to disconnect the the wiring on the old units and rewire the new ones without cutting out the ceiling.

Is there a secret to doing all this through those 6" holes?

[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited November 11, 2002).]