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Both can and canless lights have distinct advantages, and the better option depends on your specific needs and preferences. Canless lights are often preferred for modern homes due to their slim, low-profile design, energy efficiency, and ability to fit in tight spaces with less ceiling depth required. Can lights, or traditional recessed lights, provide a classic look and may be better for high ceilings or areas that need stronger, more focused light. While they can be durable, they typically require more ceiling space and installation work. Ultimately, you should choose canless lights for a modern look and energy savings, or opt for can lights for a traditional aesthetic and robust lighting in larger spaces.

There are many signs it is time to replace an electrical panel, starting with flickering lights. Other tell-tale signals include overheating appliances, light fixtures that cause an electric shock, hissing or crackling from the breaker box, burned or blackened spots near the breaker box, and breakers that trip whenever activating power-hungry appliances like microwaves.

Just as fluorescent lights are more efficient than incandescent lights, LED lights are more efficient to run than fluorescent lights. The specifics will vary from product to product, but LED lights are typically twice as efficient as equivalent fluorescent lights. A 13-watt CFL bulb can replace a 60-watt incandescent bulb, but a 6- to 8-watt LED bulb can offer the same amount of brightness. Fluorescent lights offer about 50 lumens per watt, while LEDs offer about 100 lumens per watt. LED light bulbs typically last two to three times as long as CFL bulbs, too. 

Aluminum wiring can pose a significant fire risk because it tends to expand, contract, and overheat, leading to failing connections and splices. If your home has aluminum wiring, it doesn't always require a complete replacement, but you must take safety precautions. The first step is to hire a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection. Based on their findings, you have several options:

• Full Replacement: The safest but most expensive solution is to replace all aluminum wiring with copper.

• Copper Pigtailing: A more budget-friendly option, suitable for certain homes, involves adding a short section of copper wire to the end of each aluminum wire at connection points.

• Other Safety Upgrades: Your electrician may also recommend installing aluminum-compatible outlets and applying an anti-oxidant paste to connections to prevent corrosion.

Consulting a professional will help you determine the best course of action to ensure your home's wiring meets current safety standards.