Dimmers
Some may think that dimmers are only used to create mood lighting, but did you know they also help conserve energy?
Dimmers work by breaking up the amount of electricity reaching the light fixture, switching the power on and off 120 times per second. Although you can’t see it, the light is actually flickering due to the staggered electrical current. Less light emitted means less heat is being produced by the lamp, which ultimately equates to less power expended. A light that is dimmed by 25% uses roughly 20% less electricity.
Dimming can also improve lamp life. Instead of delivering a sudden jolt of electricity (as with the flip of a standard light switch), most wall dimmers will gently fade on when activated. This gradual increase in voltage combined with reduced electrical usage helps to prolong the life of the bulb. When kept at a 25% level, dimmers allow a standard incandescent light bulb to last up to 20 times longer.
Cut your power usage by taking advantage of dimmers in a wide variety of everyday applications:
• Dim lights to achieve a movie theatre effect for watching television.
• Turn them up when you need bright lighting for tasks such as cooking and reading.
• Instead of flipping lights on when you need to get up in the night, use a dimmer to provide just enough light for you to see. Your eyes (and your power bill) will thank you!
So why not lower both your lights and energy consumption by installing dimmers throughout your home.
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