If you are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption throughout your home, it can be difficult to determine which additions will save you money over time. While many devices consume power in your home, your light fixtures will account for a large portion of your energy expenses each year. Although your energy costs can be reduced through the use of modern LED light fixtures and bulbs, you may be wondering if there is anything else you can do to further reduce these costs. As a leading residential electrical contractor, the team at BNR Electric knows how beneficial small modifications—like installing dimmer switches—can be for homes of all sizes. That is why we have compiled some information to demonstrate how dimmer switches save energy and why they are worth investing in.
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What are Dimmer Switches?
As referenced by the name, a dimmer switch is a device that can alter the brightness of a light bulb or attached light fixture by dimming it with a slider or knob. Dimmer switches are commonly installed in modern homes, though they can also be added to older homes by an experienced and licensed electrician. With a dimmer switch, it is easy to adjust the amount of light your fixtures produce throughout the day. For example, you can reduce the amount of light your fixtures produce during the day and increase the amount they produce at night to ensure optimal visibility and comfort regardless of natural lighting conditions.
Do Dimmer Switches Reduce Energy Costs?
While dimmer switches can effectively reduce the amount of light produced by a bulb, many homeowners are unsure if this has an effect on energy costs. When it comes to energy savings, modern dimmer switches are a great way to save money and extend the usable life of your bulbs. Dimmer switches produce these energy savings through a Triac switch that rapidly turns a light circuit on and off, reducing the amount of energy required to keep it powered on. 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. This means that a dimmer switch can reduce the amount of time your light bulbs are running without impacting visibility, giving you additional energy savings without any reduction in comfort or safety.
Compatibility and Effectiveness
Though most dimmer switches are designed to work with many types of lightbulbs, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Before having a dimmer switch installed, it is crucial to ensure that your light fixtures are compatible. For example, if you have an old light fixture with modern LED bulbs in it, a dimmer switch may not work as it may cause damage to the bulbs. To ensure that you are choosing a solution that works, it is strongly recommended to contact a licensed electrician to assess your property and install new light fixtures alongside your dimmer switches if needed.
To learn more about our residential and commercial electrical services, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or the details of your project.