lighting dIMMER controls

Dimmers are between the most interesting lighting controls for energy savings. They provide variable light output, allowing different moods and variable levels of brightness in our rooms.

Energy savings

When you dim a fluorescent (CFL), LED or incandescent bulb you are reducing their wattage and their output, saving energy and also extending its lifetime.

Uses

Dimmers are excellent when there's too much light and a softer mood is required, and to have several levels of brightness available. Dimmers are a key element in lighting design.

Using or installing them is extremely easy. While the lights are on, use a knob or the sleek slide control or other similar mechanism to adjust lights to the level you want. And that's all.

Prices

A simple lighting dimmer for lamps are inexpensive: often less than $10. Wall dimmers are more expensive, typically around $30-$40. Prices depend largely on the dimmer features (like presets).

Be also aware to issues like compatibility with other lighting controls.

Manufacturers

GE, Leviton and Lutron are leaders in lighting dimmers.

Dimmers and presets

Some new dimmers offer "presets", that is, they allow users to set pre-programmed light levels when they want and where they want them.

This concept can be quite sophisticated, with controllers operating multiple remote switches in a room or in several rooms.

See: Whole House Lighting Controls

Types of dimmers

Traditional dimmers worked with traditional incandescent and halogen, but there are now dimmers for CFL (fluorescent bulbs), LEDs (Light Emission Diods) and other less known types of lamps like neon cold cathode.

Though popular and cheap, incandescent (and halogen) dimmers aren't so energy-efficient as the newer dimmers. That, and the fact that incandescent lamps are being phased out in many states make dimmers for LEDs and CFLs a better option.

Dimmable lamps

Not all CFLs or LEDs are dimmable: only screw-in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and screw-in light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs). So, be aware, when choosing lamps and dimmers.

Also be aware to the performance of CFLs and LEDs. They vary with bulb types and among manufacturers.

Obviously, only bulbs that have been designed as dimmable should be used on a dimmer.

To find out whether a bulb is dimmable, check the package or call the bulb manufacturer.

To get a high-performance dimmer, prefer certified produts (UL listed...); be also aware to the compatibility between the dimmer and the lamps.