An easy way to save money at home is to install lamp dimmers in multiple rooms. This project can usually be completed in just a few hours and can dramatically change the appearance of a space. Of course, as with any home improvement project, light fixture switches have their pros and cons.
Benefits of Dimmer Switches
The biggest benefit of the dimmer switch is that it saves money. Dimming a light in a room can save anywhere from 10 percent to 90 (or more) percent on your electric bill for that light fixture. This is because they reduce the amount of electricity sent to the lamp, which directly reduces the amount of money spent on electricity. To maximize savings, consider installing greener bulbs, such as compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), in overhead light fixtures and any other fixtures that may be on dimmer switches.
Another great benefit of installing one is that the homeowner has ultimate control over the amount of light that is in the space. This can be extremely beneficial in setting the mood or lighting a space for a family gathering.
They can also be installed to work in conjunction with remote controls. Remote controls can change room lighting for multiple lamps with the click of a button, creating ultimate control for home lighting.
In addition, they also extend the life of the bulb. Dimming your lights, even just a little, extends the overall life of the bulb. For example, a lamp with a traditional incandescent bulb can last less than a year. However, installing one in the same fixture with the same incandescent bulb can easily extend the bulb’s life by up to three to four years.
Finally, dimmer switches can be installed in every room of the house: bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, living room, kitchen, and beyond. They can be used in a number of different lighting fixtures: lamps, track lights, ceiling fixtures, bathroom lights, pendant lights, and even under cabinet lighting or wall sconces.
Negative Aspects of Dimmer Switches
Perhaps the biggest drawback to the dimmer switch is that it doesn’t necessarily work with all the lights in a house. When installing them, it is imperative that homeowners research their existing fixtures to see if it is safe to use a dimmer switch with the fixture. If the homeowner plans to install new lights, this is usually less of a problem, since he can simply buy a lamp that will work safely with the switch.
Second, since installing a switch is electrical work, some homeowners may not feel safe or comfortable handling electricity, even when the power is off (which it should be). This may require the homeowner to contact a professional and pay for an hour or two of labor for the professional to install the dimmer switches in the desired rooms.
In short, dimmer switches offer more benefits than negatives. They save money and provide the ultimate control over a home’s lighting, so it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t want to install one.