When you use dimmers, it can also add longevity to your bulbs by reducing the amount of time the bulbs are at the highest point of energy exertion. Even if you only dim the lights by 25 percent, you can see a significant amount of savings on your energy costs and help your light bulb last up to four times longer.

Are dimmer switches a good idea?

The Advantages of Installing Dimmer Switches You can reduce the light output, which helps the light bulbs last longer. This also means you dont have to replace the bulbs as often. As a result, dimmer switches can help you save on your utility costs and minimize the costs related to replacing the bulbs.

Do dimmer switches save money?

Basically, the lower the lights are set in the room, the less energy is being used. Because dimmer switches reduce energy use, installing a dimmer switch can help homeowners save money. The less electricity you use to power your lights, the lower your monthly utility bills will be.

Do dimmer switches waste electricity?

The dimmer itself does not waste much electricity, as the others explained, but you should know that the apparent brightness of the light dissipated by the light bulb is not proportional to the current that is flowing through the filament.

Do you have to use a special dimmer switch for LED lights?

Use an LED Dimmer switch A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.

Why do my LED lights flicker on a dimmer switch?

The main cause of flickering with dimmable LED light can usually be traced back to the dimmer switch. Dimmer switches come with a minimum compatible load (in short, the amount of Watts it can process). Thats why its important that you get a compatible LED dimmer switch to avoid any potential flickering.

What happens if you put a non-dimmable LED bulb in a dimmer?

If you install a non-dimming LED bulb in a circuit with a dimming switch, it will likely operate normally if the dimmer is at its 100% or fully on. Dimming the bulb, will likely cause erratic behavior such as flickering or buzzing and ultimately may cause damage to the bulb.

Do dimmable LED lights use less energy when dimmed?

Yes, dimmers reduce energy consumption of dimmable LEDs. Unlike incandescent bulbs, the electricity used is fairly linear with the light output; at 50% brightness it should use roughly 50% of the power.

Do LED lights use less energy when dimmed?

Halogen bulbs use about 20% percent less energy when dimmed. Dimmed LEDs produce much less heat than incandescent lights and will retain their color regardless of how low their light output is. As with CFLs, its important to use LED bulbs that are specially designed to work with dimmers.

Do dimmable lights use less energy when dimmed?

Dimming LED lamps wont have the heat loss, but you arent saving a considerable amount of energy with this type either. The bottom line is to dim if you want, but consider LED dimmers over incandescent models since LED will use less energy because there wont be any energy lost to heat production.

Why are my LED lights flickering on a dimmer switch?

LED bulb flickering can be traced in almost every instance to a non-compatible dimmer switch in the lighting circuit. LED bulbs dont have glowing filaments. When the dimmer switch goes off and on many times per second, the LED bulb becomes a flickering strobe light.

What happens if you use non-dimmable bulb in a dimmer?

If you use non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer, what happens? The bulb will not dim properly. The circuitry inside non-dimmable LEDs wont be able to handle low or pulsing current levels and will eventually become damaged, because they are only designed to be either fully powered ON or off.

What type of dimmer switch do I need for LED lights?

The type of dimmer switch and its minimum/maximum load range will indicate the compatibility with LED light bulbs. Trailing edge dimmers work best with LED light bulbs and leading-edge dimmers work best with traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs.

What happens if you use non dimmable bulb in a dimmer?

If you use non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer, what happens? The bulb will not dim properly. The circuitry inside non-dimmable LEDs wont be able to handle low or pulsing current levels and will eventually become damaged, because they are only designed to be either fully powered ON or off.

Why cant you use LED bulbs with a dimmer switch?

Use an LED Dimmer switch A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.

Is it safe to use non-dimmable bulbs with a dimmer switch?

A dimmer switch is a switch that helps to vary the brightness of an electric light. It is that a non-dimmable electrical light should never be used with dimmer switches.

Does dimming an LED make it last longer?

Since dimming, either by reducing current or by pulse width modulation, results in lower overall junction temperatures, it will have no negative impact on LED life; it might even extend life.

Why would a dimmer switch buzz?

Dimmer switches work by chopping up the AC current flowing between the switch and the light. The interrupted current can produce a vibration in the electromagnetic field within the light bulb filament or within the switch itself, which can cause a humming or buzzing noise.

Do dimmer switches get hot?

Its perfectly normal for a dimmer switch to be a little warm when your lights are on (or partially on). But if its hot, there could be a problem. Dimmer switches get warm because they have electronic devices inside of them to take care of the dimming. The common problem that causes dimmers to get too hot.

Is it OK to use dimmable bulbs without a dimmer?

The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can use dimmable LEDs without a dimmer switch, just like normal light bulbs.

What happens when you put a non dimmable bulb on a dimmer switch?

If you install a non-dimming LED bulb in a circuit with a dimming switch, it will likely operate normally if the dimmer is at its 100% or fully on. Dimming the bulb, will likely cause erratic behavior such as flickering or buzzing and ultimately may cause damage to the bulb.