By shedding the right amount and quality of light on a given space, dimmers reduce wasted electricity, saving you money. And they help you sculpt spaces with light to create warm, inviting interiors.
A dimmer lets you lower or raise light levels so that they're appropriate
to the need. For example, a bathroom dimmer can be set low for restful light
when bathing or nighttime lighting, then raised to higher intensity when
you need to put on makeup. In a child's bedroom, a dimmer can provide low-level
light at night for reassurance or for a parent's nighttime checks, then
fill the room with light for daytime play. Likewise, a family room can be
lit with low-level lighting for relaxed entertaining, then perked up with
full lighting for family activities.
No special wiring is needed for a dimmer --it may replace any conventional
light switch, but you must buy specially-rated dimmers for fluorescent or
low-voltage lighting and fans. Any dimmer you buy should be rated to handle
the type and total load of fixtures it will control.
--Don Vandervort
