An easy way to save money in the home is to install dimmer switches for the light fixtures in various rooms. This project can typically be completed in just a few hours and can dramatically change the entire look and feel of a space. Of course, as with any home improvement project, switches for lighting fixtures have their various pros and cons.
Benefits of Dimmer Switches
The biggest benefit to the dimmer switch is that it saves money. Dimming a light in a room can save anywhere from 10 percent up 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 light fixture, thus directly reducing how much money is spent on the electricity. To maximize savings, consider installing more eco-friendly light bulbs such as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs into the ceiling fixtures and any other fixtures that may be on the dimmer switches.
Another huge benefit to 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 brightening a space for a family gathering.
They can also be installed to work together with remote controls. Remote controls can change the lighting in the room for various light fixtures with the single click of a button, creating ultimate control for home lighting.
Furthermore, they also lengthen the lifespan of the bulb. When the lights are dimmed, even by very little, it extends the overall life of the bulb. For example, a light fixture with a traditional incandescent bulb may last less than a year. However, installing one onto that same light fixture with that same incandescent bulb can easily extend the bulb’s lifespan up to three or four years.
Lastly, dimmer switches can be installed in every room of the home: bedrooms, bathrooms, the dining room, living room, kitchen and beyond. They can be used on a number of different light 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 negative of the dimmer switch is that it may not necessarily work with all the lights in a home. When installing them, it is a must that owners research their existing fixtures to see if a dimmer switch is safe to use with the fixture. If the owner plans to install new lights, this is typically less of a problem as they can simply purchase a light fixture that will safely work with the switch.
Secondly, since installing a switch is electrical work, some owners may not feel safe or be comfortable handling electricity, even when the power is shut off (which it must be). This may require the owner to contact a professional and pay for an hour or two of work to have the professional install the dimmer switches in the desired rooms.
In short, dimmer switches offer more benefits than negative aspects. They save money and give ultimate control over a home’s lighting, so it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t want to install one!
