An easy way to save money at home is to install dimmer switches for lamps 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 electricity 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 light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), in ceiling lights and any other lamps that may be on dimmer switches.
Another great benefit of installing one is that the homeowner has ultimate control over how much light is in the space. This can be extremely beneficial for 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. When the lights are dimmed, even just a little, it 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 light fixture with the same incandescent bulb can easily extend the bulb’s life by up to three or four years.
Finally, dimmer switches can be installed in every room in 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 of 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 an issue, as he can simply purchase a fixture that will work safely with the switch.
Second, since installing a switch is an electrical job, 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 to have the professional install the dimmer switches in the desired rooms.
In short, dimmer switches offer more benefits than negatives. They save money and provide the most control over the lighting in a home, so it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t want to install one.
