Best Dimmer Switches to Easily Adjust Brightness
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Lutron Halogen Dimmer Switch -
Leviton White Dimmer Switch -
WeMo Alexa Dimmer Switch -
GE Enbrighten White Dimmer Switch -
Buyer's Guide
Dimmer switches adjust the voltage to a light fixture. By using one, the brightness can be turned up or down to suit your lighting needs. There are a number of benefits of using the a dimmer switch, and these go beyond adjustable lighting. They can save energy and cut an electricity bill by reducing the wattage being used. They also save wear and tear on bulbs so they last longer on average, as long as the bulb is dimmable.
A dimmer switch is controlled manually using a knob or slider to adjust the amount of lighting in a space. A remote control is also a convenient option for managing illumination.They are often used in living rooms, media rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas. Here are some of the best dimmer switches in 2022 for you to consider.
Here are the best dimmer switch of 2022
Lutron Halogen Dimmer Switch - Top Pick
The Lutron Diva works with different types of bulbs. It uses a slider to adjust lighting preferences, and coordinates well with wall plates. The dimmer is free from buzzing or humming which is a common complaint with dimmers. The most helpful feature is the detailed installation instructions shipped with the dimmers. They have clear diagrams and easy to understand step-by-step instructions. Some users found the dimmer switch box to be a bit deeper than standard, making it a bit difficult to fit it inside the old light switch.
Leviton White Dimmer Switch - Runner Up
The slide action of the Leviton SureSlide Dimmer is notable and works with LED and CFL lamps. The auto on/off function is useful for setting a desired automatic brightness level. The Leviton SureSlide works well with a variety of different types of lightbulbs, including 3-ways. The slider paddle operates smoothly and provides the full range of light adjustment. Some testers found the switch on the dimmest setting causes the lights to flicker until the proper adjustment is made.
WeMo Alexa Dimmer Switch - Honorable Mention
The best thing about the WeMo dimmer is it syncs with WiFi and works with the popular digital assistants which allows turning lights up or down hands-free using just your voice. Being able to manage the brightness of CFL, LED, and incandescent bulbs is an impressive set of features. Connecting the dimmer to the app is seamless, and it can be used to run multiple lights for ultimate convenience.
GE Enbrighten White Dimmer Switch - Contender
The GE Enbrighten is worth a mention because it syncs with popular digital assistants, works with Z-wave hubs like ADT, and can be controlled manually or using just the voice. The GE Enbrighten works with LED, incandescent, CFL, and halogen bulbs and numerous other devices. The device integrates easily and quickly with digital assistants. When turning the lights off, the unit dims them slowly down to off.
Buyer's Guide
What is a dimmer switch?
A dimmer switch is a brightness adjustment device that connects to light fixtures. Simply put, it is a device to increase or decrease the brightness of your lights.
Usually, the dimmer switch works by controlling the amount of electrical flow. Less electricity flowing through the wires dims the light. However, modern dimmer switches make use of alternating current to turn the electricity on and off.
This particular on/off cycle diverts the flow of electricity. As a result, a specific amount of electricity passes through the bulb as per your command. So, if you rotate the dimmer for brightness, the switch will conduct the on/off cycle and let more electricity pass through the bulb. And vice versa.
Why should you buy dimmer switches?
By now, we all know the fundamental purpose of a dimmer switch is to control lightning. However, there are several other amazing reasons to buy a dimmer switch too. These include:
Better lighting control
Using it, you can adjust the feel and look of the ambiance as per preference.
For example, you can dim the bedroom lights and create a moody environment when watching a movie. Likewise, you can brighten them up when studying or working.
Saves energy
Dimming your lights also reduces the watts used per minute, which means lesser electricity consumption. So, you can conserve energy and lower the figures on the monthly bills too!
Increases bulb lifespanWhen you dim the lights, your bulb doesn't have to work as hard as the standard bulbs. Thus, you can also increase the lifespan of your bulb.
Night lamp replacement
Since you can dim and brighten the bulb, you do not need to invest in separate night lights and lamps. You can lower the brightness when sleeping and increase it when awake.
Types of dimmer switches
There is an ocean full of dimmer switches available in the market. You will find hundreds of different types based on designs, brands, sizes, and whatnot.
However, there are only three fundamental types of dimmer switches. These include:
Resistive dimmers
The resistive dimmers get used for bulbs with filaments. There are further sub-types in resistive dimmers; leading-edge and trailing edge dimmers. Leading-edge dimmers were originally for halogen and incandescent lamp dimming. Thus, they have a higher minimum load that is not suitable for LEDs.
Comparatively, the trailing edge dimmers lower the minimum load, making them idealistic for LEDs. Plus, they offer smoother dimming with minimal to no buzzing.
Fluorescent dimmers
As the name suggests, the fluorescent dimmers are specifically for fluorescent bulbs. They are a little more complex than other types and may prove to be difficult to install.
Inductive dimmers
These dimmers are not for domestic or household use. They can handle powerful currents coming from transformers and other complex devices.
Features to consider in the best dimmer switch
Once you've selected the type, do not stop. You need to consider several other important features of the dimmer switch. Together, these will help find the best dimmer switch for your particular needs.
Design
In design, we are not going to talk about aesthetics. Instead, we’ll discuss the dimmer control styles. This particular style will affect how many brightness levels you can control and the overall feel of the dimmer. Some common control styles include:
- Rotary dimmer
- Toggle dimmer
- Rocker dimmer
- Slide dimmer
- Tap dimmer
Apart from this, also consider the build quality of the dimmer switch. It should comprise durable materials that can survive daily, rough usage.
Wattage
The term wattage refers to the maximum watts a dimmer switch can handle. Watts is a unit for power measurement. Usually, dimmer switches have a wattage rating of:
- 150W
- 300W
- 600W
- 1000W
The wattage rating you choose should meet or exceed the combined wattage of the bulbs that the dimmer is going to control. For example, the dimmer should have a 300W rating if it will handle ten 30W bulbs.
Compatibility
As mentioned above, different dimmer switches work with different types of bulbs. There are dedicated dimmer switches available for LEDs, fluorescent bulbs, etc.
Consider the light bulb type you use at home before purchasing. You may also find versatile dimmer switches that can control more than one bulb type.
How much do dimmer switches cost?
There persists a common misconception that dimmer switches are quite expensive. However, it is not the dimmer switch itself that is costly but the complete installation process.
On average, a dimmer switch costs anywhere from $10 to $50. There is no fixed price since each product has unique features. You may also find some premium options costing $100+. While the initial dimmer switch purchase is bearable, professional installation can be pricey. The services start from $100 and may rise to $300, depending on the location and number of switches.
But, you can always skip this by installing the dimmer switch yourself. You need to have a considerable understanding of your house circuit and wiring.
Best Dimmer Switch FAQS
Q: Can I put the dimmer switch on any light?
A: No, you cannot put a dimmer switch on any light. These switches support LEDs, CFLs, and other dimmable lights only.
If you use it with a non-dimmable light, there will be sparks and flickering. The bulb may get damaged in the long term.
Q: Do you need a professional to install a dimmer switch?
A: No, an electrician's help is not mandatory for a dimmer switch installation. It is quite an easy process that you can do yourself. However, if you have absolutely no knowledge about wiring and circuits, it's better to seek a professional's help.
Q: What wattage do you need for a dimmer switch?
A: Generally, the dimmer switches are capable of handling bulbs from 1 to 1000-Watts. But, keep your dimmer’s rated load into consideration. Do not load the dimmer switch more than 25-percent of its rated load.
Q: Do dimmer switches go bad?
A: The average lifespan of dimmer switches is 10 to 15-years. However, there are several reasons for its failure beforehand. The most commonly occurring ones include rough usage and short circuit due to loose wiring.
