Dimmable Light Bulbs: Create Mood Lighting Easily and Efficiently
LED bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to save money and energy. They use about 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. Using them can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill.
Besides considering efficiency, to create the perfect lighting for your home, you need to look at additional factors. For instance, if you want more control over the level of brightness and colour, then dimmable LEDs are the solution. You can adjust them according to your needs and preferences and make a room feel cosier and intimate, or make it brighter and more inviting.
While incandescent lights were always very easy to dim and create different brightness levels, this wasn’t the case with LED. Luckily, with advancements in technology, now you can buy LED dimmable light bulbs to create mood in any room and save energy and money in the process.
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How Do They Work and What You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase
There are two methods of LED dimming – PMW (pulse width modulation) and analogue. With PWM, the lights get turned on and off at high speeds. Unlike incandescent lighting, dimmable LEDs don’t rely on voltage to dictate their brightness level, but on a cycle of being on and off. The on-time cycles get split into millisecond intervals so quickly that human eyes don’t notice the change. As a result, you’re not aware they’re turning on and off, creating a dimming effect. For analogue, the process is simpler and the current is controlled to either dim or brighten the lights.
Think about where you want your dimmable bulbs installed and make sure they serve their purpose. If you’re lighting your workspace, dimmable LEDs may be of little use, but still worth it. Choose a white LED that casts a refreshing glow to help you concentrate on your task, and lower it down if you need to take a little break from your project, but not leave the desk yet.
Dimmable lights are also a great solution for the kitchen. For instance, when placed under the cabinets, they can help increase visibility so you can prep your meals with ease. Should you want to relax with a glass of wine after dinner, you can turn the lights down to enjoy your sips in a relaxing atmosphere without leaving the room.
These lights are perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Whether it’s a movie night or a romantic meal, they can help you set the ideal atmosphere. Also, they can be a great lighting solution if you want to highlight a specific decorative item such as a piece of artwork.
What If Your Dimmable LED Lights Start Flickering?
Usually, the main cause of flickering with dimmable bulbs can be traced back to the dimmer switch. Each dimmer switch comes with a minimum compatible load (the number of watts it can process); however, many are designed for older bulbs with a higher wattage. If you’re upgrading from traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs to LEDs, make sure to get a specialised LED-compatible dimmer switch to ensure a smoother, quieter, and flicker-free performance.
The quality of the dimmer switch plays a big role in the performance of your lights. A functional, reliable switch will have different modes and ranges of dimming capability. Very often, the problem with flickering dimmable LED bulbs can be resolved by changing the mode on the switch or resetting the dimmer to its factory settings.
Why Are Dimmable LED Lights More Expensive?
If you’re wondering why dimmable LEDs are more expensive than non-dimmable ones, it’s because they feature additional technology that increases the manufacturing cost. However, investing in them pays off in the long run as they feature superior technology and provide long-term benefits, so you won’t have to buy constant replacements. Compared to halogen bulbs, LEDs consume less energy, save you money on your energy bill, last longer and run smoother.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to light your home for drama and function or create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere, the simplest, yet most efficient solution is to get dimmable light bulbs. They’re suitable for almost any room and can help you create the perfect atmosphere at any given moment.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or redecorating your current space, you get a chance to choose your lighting solutions wisely. They’re some of the most important elements that can determine your home’s aesthetics and functionality, so take your time when making your purchase.
Last but not least, remember that when working with electricity, there is no other priority than safety. If you’re a DIY-er, use dimmable LEDs that comply with safety regulations and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines to ensure you’re using them correctly. If you’re not experienced or confident in working with electricity, then opt for a reliable contractor and let them do their job.
