When it comes to energy usage, homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce their energy costs without compromising comfort or safety. While many devices consume power in your home, your light systems will account for a large portion of your energy expenses each year. Though many homeowners have started to save money by making the switch to modern LED light fixtures and bulbs, there are additional methods for cutting down on energy costs. As a leading provider of residential electrical services for every type of home, the team at Expert Electric knows how important energy efficiency is for every homeowner. That is why we have compiled some information to answer the common question: “can dimmer switches save you money?”.
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What are Dimmer Switches?
A dimmer switch is a device that can be used to easily change the level of lighting produced by a connected fixture. They may be installed as part of the fixture or added on later by a licensed electrician, though some fixtures and bulbs are not compatible with these switches. A dimmer switch lets you control the output of light to adjust to different levels and moods. For example, you may want to have a bright light in your home office during the day but want to reduce the light at night. A dimmer switch makes it easy to achieve this through a simple adjustment of a knob or slider.
Do Dimmer Switches Reduce Energy Costs?
Lighting technology has become extremely efficient over the past two decades. This is especially true for dimmer switches, as modern units can save you money while extending the usable life of your bulbs. Dimmer switches utilize a “Triac switch” to rapidly turn a light circuit on and off, reducing the amount of energy flowing to a lightbulb. This switch cuts the energy running to the fixture up to 120 times per second, resulting in rapid flickering that is perceived as a constant flow of light by the human eye.
Compatibility and Effectiveness
While dimmer switches work well with many types of lightbulbs, it is crucial to choose the right option for your current light fixture and type of bulb. For example, if you have a modern LED bulb in an old light fixture with an old dimmer switch, the dimming function will not work and you can damage the bulb during operation. To ensure that you are getting the most efficient and effective solution, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to install a dimmer switch alongside a new light fixture.
To learn more about our residential electrical services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Expert Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.
