When you’re selecting a dimmer switch for your home, it can get super confusing when choosing what to use. Lighting is incredibly important in creating your desired mood; so having a dimmer switch that works well will enhance the versatility and function of your lighting system. Since there are so many different types of dimmers available, how can you start to narrow it down? In this guide we will discuss the top 10 dimmer switches, include some features to consider when buying a new dimmer and finally answer some common questions about dimmers.
What Is A Dimmer Switch?
A dimmer switch is an electrical device that provides control over the intensity of incandescent or halogen bulbs by adjusting the amount of power supplied to them. Personalizing the level of illumination within your space isn’t limited to simply turning bulbs on/off, dimmers give you options on how bright/dim your room will feel. Dimming the power to the lamp reduces the amount of current going to the bulb; therefore helping you conserve energy and extending its life, making a dimmer switch a great green option.
Standard vs. LED Dimmer Switches
There is a difference between regular and LED dimmer switches. While a standard dimmer is typically designed to control incandescent and halogen light sources, an LED dimmer is designed specifically to control LED sources. The key difference in how each type of switch controls electricity through the use of power is that an incandescent/halogen lamp will provide a constant state of power when dimmed whereas LED’s require varying levels of power at different levels of brightness in order for them to work properly without flickering or buzzing. First and foremost, you want a dimmer switch compatible with LED bulbs. An ordinary dimmer switch will provide poor performance, including flickering or not being able to achieve the desired dimming level when dimming LED lights.
Important Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Dimmer Switch
1. Compatibility
The first factor to consider when looking for a new dimmer switch is whether it will be compatible with your current lighting fixtures and bulbs. Each manufacturer of light fixtures will indicate which types of light bulbs they allow to work with their product — LED, CFL, halogen or incandescent. Purchasing a dimmer switch that is not compatible with your type of bulb could impact how well that dimmer switch functions and potentially damage your entire lighting system.
2. Type of Dimmer
Several types of dimmer switches exist, including rotary, slider and touch-sensitive controls. Rotary dimmers are historically the most common but today, there are more stylish options such as sliders and touch-sensitive that provide a more contemporary look and feel and a better user experience.
3. Wattage Rating
When selecting a dimmer switch, make sure it has enough wattage capacity to control all of the bulbs on that circuit. When you exceed the maximum load rating of the dimmer switch, you risk overheating, malfunctioning and/or damaging the device. If you’re going to dim a chandelier that has more than one light bulb then measure the total power used by the chandelier against the maximum amount of wattage supported by the dimmer you’re measuring.
4. Smart Technology Features
Most of the highest-rated dimmers available today contain some type of smart technology built-in so that you can use voice-command features to adjust lighting levels with the assistance of devices such as the Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple Homekit, among others. In addition to this capability, these types of dimmers allow you to create custom lighting scenes, turn on/off lamps remotely from your phone or use voice commands to turn lamps on or off; you can also use these types of dimmers to schedule specific times during which your lights will be turned on/off.
Top Picks for Best Dimmer Switches
1. Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch
For those who would like a consistently reliable and compatible dimmer switch then the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch model is an excellent choice. Dimmer switch will work with all three types of light sources (LED, incandescent, halogen) and also has built in smart features that work very well when integrated into existing smart home devices (e.g., Amazon Echo, Google Assistant App, Apple Homekit).
2. Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer
This model is an excellent economical choice for someone who wants to add smart technology to their dimmers. Users can control the dimmers via an application or voice command, create customized schedules for when the dimmers should operate, as well as be able to control the brightness of dimmable LEDs and CFLs.
3. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
If you’re interested in a light switch specifically designed for a technology enthusiast then this would be the perfect switch. TP-Link has an excellent app that allows for the user to control the lighting of their dimmers (dimming) via app and also integrates with several smart home ecosystems. An added benefit is that it has the ability to monitor your energy usage.
4. GE Smart Dimmer Switch
The GE Smart Dimmer Switch is a great option for dimming multi-bulb fixtures because it allows smooth brightness adjustments and works well with current smart-home systems. The sleek and minimalist design makes it an excellent match for most modern decors.
Dimmer Switch FAQ
Can I Use a Regular Dimmer Switch with LED Bulbs?
You may encounter some problems when using a regular dimmer switch with LED light bulbs. Standard dimmer switches are designed to work by controlling the A/C voltage for the lamp, but standard dimmers cannot handle the low-wattage energy consumption associated with, and therefore cannot provide a quality level of control of the light produced by LED lamps. When you attempt to control an LED lamp using a standard dimmer switch, that lamp may buzz, flicker, or not dim well.
What Is the Best LED Dimmer Switch?
The Lutron Caseta and Leviton Decora dimmer switches are examples of high-quality LED dimmer switches that provide a smooth transition to the lowest dimmed setting, operate without the audible sound of switching on/off or buzzing when at their lowest brightness level, and offer some level of compatibility with smart-home systems.
Can I Install a Dimmer Switch on My Own?
Most dimmers are simple to install yourself, as long as you are familiar with basic home electrical repair. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you can safely install a dimmer switch. You must disconnect the power supply by turning off the circuit breaker before starting. If you have any doubts that you cannot follow the manufacturer’s instructions or do not have previous experience working with the electrical systems in your home, you should hire a licensed electrician to assist you in safely installing a dimmer switch.
Do Dimmers Save Energy?
Yes! Dimmers save energy by reducing the total amount of electricity used to operate lamps when the lamps are dimmed to a lower level than their full brightness level. Operating your lamps at lower levels of brightness will help you save money on your electrical bill, as well as extend the life of your bulbs.
Creating a room’s atmosphere through the use of a dimmer switch is one of the many ways you can enhance the style and look of your living/working space while providing convenience and energy-saving benefits. Many dimmer switches are available for the type of component they control (such as an incandescent lamp) or based on the amount of wattage they can safely handle (such as an LED lamp). You need to consider several factors when selecting which dimmer switch will be best for your needs: the dimmer switch type, the load capacity (maximum amount of wattage), the compatibility with other smart-home components, and the price range. Are you ready now to upgrade your lighting by deciding which dimmer switch will be best for you? Use the information presented in this buying guide to select a dimmer switch that meets your needs for your home’s lighting requirements.
